Panel of doctors agree students should start school year with masks File photo JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A panel of medical experts that included well-known pediatricians from the Northeast Florida Pediatric Society answered questions during a virtual meeting Monday evening. On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order in response to several Florida school boards considering or implementing mask mandates. The order ensures parents are able to choose whether their children wear masks during the school year -- something the doctors on the panel agree students should do. “A year ago, it was scarce to see sick children and now we’re seeing them sick and lot of it is because they are a greater risk population because they don’t have vaccines,” said Dr. Bethany Atkins, pediatrician with Baptist Health.