The Florida Sunshine Review spotlights the latest news on Florida open government laws and freedom of information (FOI) issues, with special emphasis on public records and open meetings developments. For similar Florida items plus mass media news, see the monthly Brechner Report from the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida.

February 13, 2008

Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial: Unjustified secrecy gives hospitals cover when they mess up …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial: Proposed state legislation would open up spending practices of local governments to the people …
Daytona Beach News-Journal, guest column by Barbara Petersen: Access to public records is critical to democracy …
Tampa Tribune, by Michael D. Bates: Decision coming soon on whether state attorney will pursue an inquiry into whether a Spring Hill Fire Rescue District commissioner violated the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law.…

February 11, 2008

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*Naples Daily News, by Leslie Williams: Collier judge finds Marco City council member guilty of violating public records law (*free registration required) …
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: State attorney dismisses any notion of prosecuting a sunshine violation unless it involves kickbacks or other serious problems …
Florida Times-Union editorial: State Attorney Shorstein sends devastating signal to officials in three counties by saying he won’t prosecute open government violations …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Grand jury accepts lack of candor by Jacksonville City Council in Sunshine probe and declines to call key witnesses …
Florida Times-Union, column by Mark Woods: Grand jury probe of Jacksonville City Council Sunshine culture leaves much room for doubt …
Florida Times-Union, by columnist Mark Woods: Jacksonville City Council woman who testified before a grand jury wins praise for being more open than her colleagues …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: People have a right to know what business of theirs is being litigated in their name …
Lakeland Ledger editorial: Don’t close lawyer records as government lawyers are pitching…