Fox’s early coronavirus coverage created a Florida mirage

In mid-March, as New York became a global coronavirus hot spot, signs pointed to Florida suffering the same fate.

The news filled with aerial photos of packed beaches and interviews with spring breakers undeterred by the threat of “corona.” The state’s leader, Gov. Ron DeSantis, initially refused to issue a statewide stay-at-home order to stem what seemed like inevitable viral spread, telling reporters that such measures were a “blunt” instrument that would unnecessarily put Floridians out of work.

When a catastrophic breakout didn't instantly materialize, a clear narrative...