HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A new "Safer at Home" Order handed down by Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday could impact a high-profile case involving church services being held amid the pandemic.

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On Monday, Pastor Rodeny Howard-Browne was arrested for holding services at The River at Tampa Bay Church on Sunday.

Browne was charged with unlawful assembly and violation of public health emergency rules.

"His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week in danger," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

But the new state order may permit such gatherings.

Under a section titled "Essential Activities" it includes "attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship."

Browne's attorney, Mat Staver said he thinks Browne was always within his rights.

"What we do know if that no matter how you interpret it the constitution is still at play and Hillsborough County has clearly violated the constitutional principles," he said.    

Staver said it makes no sense that the church isn't being allowed to let people inside to meet but grocery stores and other places are being allowed to stay open.

He also said the church did take precautions like keeping people six feet apart.

"They also had everyone use hand sanitizer when they entered and the staff wore gloves," Staver said.

The Sheriff's Office declined to comment but told Spectrum Bay News 9 that they are looking into the ramifications of the new state order.

Other religious leaders said they plan to continue with "alternatives" like holding services remotely.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg said it will continue to temporarily suspend public masses.

A group of rabbis in Tampa held a Zoom meeting Wednesday night as well to talk about how to handle Passover during this time of social distancing.

As for Howard-Browne, he announced on a live YouTube broadcast Wednesday night that he will be closing the sanctuary and stopping in-person services starting this Sunday.

He said he's doing it to protect his congregation from the government, not from the coronavirus, and that they will be broadcasting their service online instead.

He did not say when the sanctuary will re-open for services.