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.

November 23, 2008

Fort Myers News-Press editorial: State and local officials need to be educated on how to handle public records requests as the law requires …
Palm Beach Post, by Cara Fitzpatrick: Sheriff’s offices in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties flunk audit on public records …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Nic Corbett: Jefferson County superintendent tracks down reporter who made public records request …
The Associated Press, by Brendan Farrington: Mixed results on public records audit for officials in Manatee County …
Naples Daily News staff report: Collier sheriff fails secret public records audit while two other agencies pass …
Naples Daily News, column by Phil Lewis: Government as a whole rates an “F” in adhering to public records laws …
Orlando Sentinel, by Amanda Welch: public records requests befuddle Central Florida county officials …
Daytona News-Journal, by Jim Saunders: Foster kids need access to records, open government reform group says …
Tallahassee Democrat editorial: Florida state lawmakers should have to live with the open government law they impose on local governments …

November 19, 2008

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Fernandina Beach News-Leader, by Ryan Smith: Nassau County Commission says state lawmakers should apply Sunshine Law to themselves …
Pensacola News-Journal, by Jamie Page: Two Pensacola residents sue park board over lack of a public comment period at meetings …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Sunshine Law trial involving Venice officials could be delayed …
Ocala Star-Banner, by Christopher Curry: Lakeland resident draws backlash with public records requests …
Seminole Chronicle, by Abraham Aboraya: State Ethics Commission clears Winter Springs commissioner Rick Brown of open meetings laws violation …
Pasco school records demand sparks outrage from school leaders …
Election takes care of questionable open meetings compliance at Ava Maria …

November 2, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Lawsuit alleges code names and hand-delivered memos used to sidestep Sunshine Law in Venice …
Northwest Daily News, by Dusty Ricketts: Fort Walton Beach City Council sets up meetings to repair problems from Sunshine Law violations …
Lakeland Ledger, by John Chambliss: Man wins public records fight with Polk County schools over employee data …
Naples Daily News editorial: Openness, public records helped make best of bad incident in East Naples …
*Vero Beach Press-Journal editorial: Open government commisison’s work should not be wasted (*registration required) …