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.

January 24, 2010

Gainesville Sun, by Christopher Curry: Court says Alachua County violated state’s public records law …
Florida Times-Union, by Kevin Turner: Florida county clerks work to make filing court documents more convenient …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial: E-filing gives public more access to courts …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Pat Gillespie: What e-filing would mean for savings and access …
The Ledger, by Tom Palmer: Polk County working on text message policy regarding public records issue …
Jacksonville Observer: Appeals court allows Florida Times-Union to blog from DreShawna Davis trial …
Florida Times-Union, by Steve Patterson: Jacksonville judge puts new limits on blogging again in Davis trial …
Citizen Media Law Project blog, by David O’Brien: Florida court restricts reporter’s use of laptop during Jacksonville murder trial …

January 17, 2010

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Florida Times-Union, by Steve Patterson: Judge shuts down Times-Union blogger in murder trial with newspaper to appeal …
Florida Times-Union, by Steve Patterson: Times-Union appeals blogging order, which the judge in murder trial changed …
TCPalm.com editorial: Public officials must use social networking sites wisely or face consequences …
Orlando Sentinel, by Jeannette Rivera-Lyles: No question text messages of pubic officials about public business are the public’s business and should be public records …
Florida Today, by Susanne Cervenka: Palm Bay makes finances and spending available online …
Jacksonville Observer: Florida Supreme Court to review whether jurors can use electronic devices while in court to post on Twitter or Facebook or do research …
Panama City News-Herald editorial: Gaps in Sunshine Law for public-private entities need more attention …
Northwest Florida Daily News editorial: Great Northwest Sunshine Law controversy perhaps offers a teachable moment …

January 10, 2010

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Panama City News Herald, by Matt Dixon: Sunshine Law bill would clarify how open government provisions apply to public-private groups …
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by editorial cartoonist Chan Lowe: Public officials always looking for ways to do business outside the sunshine …
Panama City News Herald, by Pat Rice: Walton County learns the cost of clouding Sunshine Law in settling lawsuit with Edgewater Beach Owners Association …
TCPalm.com editorial: State lobbyist records show there’s a difference between access to public records and accuracy of public records …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Doug Sword: Plaintiffs say Sarasota County commissioners did not make decisions in public on Orioles stadium deal …
Panama City News-Herald, by Matt Dixon: Attorney General ruling on application of Sunshine Law is partly cloudy regarding Florida’s Great Northwest corporation …
Panama City News Herald editorial: Attorney General opinion on Great Northwest shows need for clarification regarding economic development group and open government laws …
Orlando Sentinel editorial: SunRail e-mail handling by Florida Department of Transportation needs further review …
St. Petersburg Times, by Susan Taylor Martin: Asher data mining project thrills some and worries others …
Lakewood Ranch Herald, by James A. Jones Jr.: Domestic violence victims get hand with address confidentiality …

August 27, 2009

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Pensacola News Journal, by Jamie Page: Escambia County commissioner Valentino charged with public records violation …
Orlando Sentinel, by Josh Hafenbrack: FSU documents in NCAA probe are public after all, judge rules …
Associated Press, Bill Kaczor: Judge stings NCAA for records stance in Florida State University cheating case …
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, Mary Ellen Klas: State regulators say Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy must reveal executives’ salaries …
Florida Today, by Rebecca Basu: Group accuses Rockledge officials of violating open meetings and records laws …
Pensacola News Journal, by Jamie Page: Escambia County attorney proposes new tech rules in light of county commissioner’s charge of violating public records law …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: E-mail issue hounds Venice mayor …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Eric Ernst: Venice mayor’s e-mails flout city’s new policy on using city e-mail accounts in using public business …
Palm Beach Post, by Bill DiPaolo: Palm Beach Gardens city manager violated the Sunshine Law, council member says …
Pensacola News Journal editorial: Public records violation charge in Escambia County shows how the public records landscape is changing due to technology …
Gainesville Sun, by Nathan Crabbe: UF grad claims University of Florida Student Government violated state public records law…
Fox10TV.com, by Eric Lowe: Graphic video of Billings murders to be released to be released with restrictions in Pensacola …
*Vero Beach News Journal, by James Kirley: Produce public records on contract or head to court, attorneys tell St. Lucie School District ( *site registration required) …

May 2, 2009

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Lakeland Ledger, by John Chambliss and Jason Geary: Prosecutors charge Polk County School District lawyer with violating the state’s public records law …
Lakeland Ledger editorial: Decision to prosecute Polk County School Board lawyer for public records law violation sends an unmistakable message that the law means what it says …
Orlando Sentinel, by Ludmilla Lelis: Public officials can get into hot water by text messaging about public business outside the Sunshine Law …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: Keep our audio within the ears of the public …
Miami Herald editorial: Leon County jurors in Sansom case send an important message about power and secrecy in the Legislature …
Bradenton Herald, by Sylvia Lim: Manatee Community College president says he abided by Sunshine Law regarding a name change for the school …
Legal Newsline.com, by John O’Brien: Many waiting for Cretul’s call on Sunshine bill …
Ocala Star-Banner, by Suevon Lee: A Marion County grand jury will look at whether county commissioners violated the Sunshine Law regarding the county administrator’s hire …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Venice council members wants his legal bills paid regarding open government lawsuit …
St. Pete Times/Miami Herald, by Steve Bousquet, Marc Caputo and Mary Ellen Klas: Grand jury calls on Florida Legislature to be more transparent in harsh criticism of state lawmaker practices …
Hernando Today, by Tony Marrero: Hernando school board members say their meals together do not include public business on the menu …
South Florida Sun Sentinel blog: Boynton Beach commissioner won’t use e-mail for fear of being “burned” …

April 12, 2009

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Venice records lawsuit costs are growing for the city …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: Keep our audio within the ears of the public …
Palm Beach Post editorial: Proposed rule change would sock public with higher costs to obtain paper transcripts of court proceedings and restrict access to cheaper audio recordings …
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by columnist Michael Mayo: New government watchdogs find fees make playing the role a lot harder …
St. Augustine Record, by Peter Guinta: Sunshine Law complaint filed with state attorney over St. Augustine Beach commissioner’s private call …
West Volusia Beacon, by Al Everson: Deltona City Commission bans text messaging for members during its meetings …
Daytona Beach News-Journal, by Nicole Service: “Txt U later” is the rule for Deltona city commissioners …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Keep open government on the sunny side …

April 5, 2009

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Venice Sunshine suit ends but legal fees remain at issue …
Pensacola News Journal: State Attorney General McCollum introduces online training on open government …
Ocala Star-Banner staff report: New Florida Web site offers training on open government …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: Pinellas public agency agrees to comply with open government laws but still keeps a foot in the dark …

February 25, 2009

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Scripps Howard Newspapers editorial: Don’t let Florida lawmakers delete public record with one keystroke …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Deal may end Sunshine lawsuit in Venice over e-mail …
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Erika Pesantes: Boynton Beach official questions whether e-mails violated the Sunshine Law …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial: Sunshine laws need update for a new era …
Palm Beach Post, by Don Jordan: Boynton commissioners discuss city business through e-mail and out of Sunshine …
Lakeland Ledger: Open government requires e-mails in government be accessible …

February 15, 2009

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Associated Press, Jessica Gresko and John Pain: Practice of deleting e-mails by Florida lawmakers contributed to the Sansom controversy …
News Sun of Sebring, by Ed Baldridge: Man uses public records in seeking what was recorded in the courtrooms in Highlands County …
Highlands Today, by Jim Konkoly: Chief judge of 10th Judicial District plan to review policy on having a back-up-audio recording running continuously in courtrooms from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., even during recess or not being in session …
News Sun of Sebring, by Ed Baldridge: Man seeks public records on what was recorded in the courtrooms in Highlands County …
Charlotte Sun, by Elaine Allen-Emrich: Advocates say North Port city commissioner erred in banning comments during a public meeting due to the potential for personal attacks …
St. Petersburg Times Florida Politics “Buzz” blog: Northwest Florida State College trustees defend president’s meeting with former House Speaker Ray Sansom in response to a Florida Attorney General’s Office inquiry …

February 8, 2009

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Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, by Alex Leary: Sansom probe turns to secretive college meeting …
Northwest Florida Daily News, by Kelli Hernandez: Northwest Florida State College board of trustees to meet to discuss response to state attorney general’s concerns about board compliance with Sunshine Law …
Northwest Florida Daily News, column by Pat Rice: Northwest Florida State College feeling the heat from the Sunshine Law …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: New report by governor’s commission on open government provides road map for bringing Florida’s strong reputation for Sunshine into the 21st century …
Orlando Sentinel editorial: Follow-through is needed to make public meetings and records more accessible …
Naples Daily News, column by Phil Lewis: Public meeting by computer is coming to Delray Beach …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Venice city officials clamp down on access to e-mails …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, column by Eric Ernst: Open government takes a step back with Venice’s removal of online access to public officials’ e-mails …
Miami Herald, by Kathleen McGrory: Teachers’ union sues for Miami-Dade School Board minutes …
Sarasota Hearld Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Judge halts e-mail search as part of Sunshine lawsuit in Venice …

January 30, 2009

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Miami Herald, by Alex Leary: Florida House Speaker Sansom probe now involves Northwest Florida State College Trustees …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: City of Venice places new limits on officials’ use of e-mails …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune editorial: City of Venice wisely enacts new rules to protect and preserve electronic public records …

January 26, 2009

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Associated Press, by Brendan Farrington: Commission on Open Government OKs proposals to Gov. Charlie Crist that will be taken up by state lawmakers …
Fort Myers News-Press: Florida attorney general criticizes meeting involving House Speaker Ray Sansom and community college board …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Sunshine Law is being revamped to keep pace with technology advances …
Daytona Beach News-Journal, by Jim Saunders: More public access urged about government activities in Florida …
Ocala Star-Banner, by Lloyd Dunkelberger: Policy changes would give public more access to government records …

January 25, 2009

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Tallahassee Democrat, by Bill Cotterell: Fees for open records spark division among members of the state’s Commission on Open Government …
Naples Daily News, by Liam Dillon: Florida Gulf Coast University bypasses open records law in selecting firm for school’s highest-profile project …
Palm Beach Post, by Joel Engelhardt: Some Palm Beach County commissioners just don’t get that the Sunshine Law means what it says …
Tallahassee Democrat edtiorial: Obama’s public records order echoes moves by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist …
Bradenton Herald, by Sylvia Lim: Court asked to settle dispute involving Manatee County and man seeking up to 6,000 names, addresses and telephone numbers of employees and dependents …

January 18, 2009

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South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Ihosavani Rodriguez: City of Hollywood’s ID procedures for attending public meetings skirts open government laws …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Nic Corbett: Tallahassee man faces criminal charge after posting information online about a Tallahassee Police Department officer …

January 17, 2009

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Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, by Alex Leary: Florida attorney general looking into public records law issues regarding Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom …
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, by Alex Leary: “Minutes” surface from March meeting of House Speaker Ray Sansom and Northwest Florida College officials …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Florida’s top law enforcement agency investigating potential Sunshine Law violations involving Venice city officials …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Sarasota activist says Venice city officials held back on turning over all e-mails she requested …
The Florida Times-Union, by Tia Mitchell: Does a glass door block the Sunshine at Jacksonville City Council? …
Tallahassee Democrat editorial: Florida’s state lawmakers enjoy cloud cover amid Sunshine rules they apply to others …
South Florida Times, by Elgin Jones: Dania Beach city commissioners may have violated Sunshine Law with private discussions …
Cape Coral Daily Breeze, by McKenzie Cassidy: Interpretation of “special services fee” clouds public records law …

January 12, 2009

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Miami Herald, by Amy Sherman: Dania commissioners’ e-mails may have violated the Sunshine Law …
Florida Times-Union, by David Hunt: Florida’s Sunshine Law under review in 2009 …
Highlands Today, by Jim Konkoly: Man sues Highlands County over public records request …
Northwest Florida Daily News, by Kelli Hernandez: Northwest Florida State College president says meeting wasn’t meant to be kept private regarding state House speaker …

November 23, 2008

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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) …

October 27, 2008

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Northwest Daily News, by Dusty Ricketts: Fort Walton Beach to address Sunshine Law violations and revisit 125 development projects …
Tampa Tribune, guest column by Charles Davis: Elected officials give public the slip by using private e-mail accounts …
Boston Globe, by Coleman M. Herman: Public records should be public but aren’t always in Massachusetts (note Florida reference in this piece) …
Bradenton Herald, by Executive Editor Joan Krauter: Bulletin boards sufficient to announce meeting, Spring Hill fire district attorney says …

October 22, 2008

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Fort Myers News-Press, by Bill Cotterell: Special open government panel urges law that would require the state to reveal its personal records on citizens …
Central Florida Future, by Stephanie Wilken: Open government experts say University of Central Florida impeachment process regarding Student Government Association senator may have violated state Sunshine Law …

October 21, 2008

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Northwest Florida Daily News, by Dusty Ricketts: City of Fort Walton Beach violated Sunshine Law for seven years …
The Associated Press: Florida’s Commission on Open Government to discuss recommendations for the governor …

October 11, 2008

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Hernando Today, by Tony Holt: Residents complain of Sunshine Law violation for being left out of Spring Hill Fire Department union negotiations …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Sunshine Law dominates at debate for Venice City Council elections …
Hernando Today, by Tony Holt: Bulletin boards sufficient to announce meeting, Spring Hill fire district attorney says …

October 6, 2008

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Beaches Leader, by Kathy Hartman: Sunshine Law is “garbage,” outgoing St. Johns County Commissioner says …
Naples Daily News, by Liam Dillon: Public-private roles raise questions on Ave Maria boards …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Sarasota activist Anthony Lorenzo faults Venice meeting at city manager’s house …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Top administrators meeting at interim Venice city manager’s house raises public meetings flag …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kathy Silverberg: Sunshine is simply doing public’s business in public …
Pensacola News-Journal, by Jamie Page: Public gets first chance to speak before Community Maritime Park Associates at meeting …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Judge says Venice officials must pay e-mail experts to retrieve e-mails from their personal computers in ongoing open government lawsuit …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Judge sets trail date for open government lawsuit involving nine current and former Venice city officials …
Naples Daily News, by Jenna Buzzacco: Union, bus driver sue Collier School Board members, saying they violated Sunshine Law …
WTBO Channel 8, by Steve Andrews:Lowry Park Zoo turns over records after threat of lawsuit …

August 27, 2008

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Orlando Sentinel, by Mike Bianchi: FSU must stop stonewalling on turning over list of NCAA violations …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Open government lawsuit could add to Venice budget woes …
Naples Daily News, column by Phil Lewis: Posting e-mails opens “e-meetings” to the public …

August 19, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Aaron Kessler: Manatee and Duval County clerks of court will soon offer foreclosure sales online …
Miami Herald, by Matthew I. Pinzur: Online public records become issue in Miami-Dade clerk of courts race …

August 17, 2008

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St. Petersburg Times, by Rita Farlow: It’s OK to look at photos in D.C. Madam suicide case but not to publish, judge says …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Bruce Ritchie: Judge orders Jefferson County Tax Collector Lois Howell-Hunter to turn over public records she had denied Caroline Carswell, her opponent in the primary election …
Naples Daily News, column by Phil Lewis: Opinions differ on open government and journalism practice with interviews …
Naples Daily News, by Leslie Williams: State lawmaker questions whether Alligator Alley lease meeting by Florida Department of Transportation officials violated Sunshine Law …

August 10, 2008

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Palm Beach Post, by Jennifer Sorentrue: Former U.S. Attorney Dexter Lehtinen sues South Florida water managers and alleges regarding proposed $1.75 billion U.S. sugar buyout …
Naples Daily News, column by Phil Lewis: State attorney should put Collier School Board to the test on possible Sunshine Law violations …
The News Sun, by Kevin J. Shutt: Clerk grants access to video regarding the theft of county fuel despite attorney’s advice …

July 26, 2008

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Fort Myers News-Press, by Jacob Ogles: Cape Coral officials face allegations of possible Sunshine Law violations …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Jacob Ogles: State investigates Cape Coral city council members on possible Sunshine Law violation …
Panama City News-Herald, by Ryan Burr: Anti-dissolution group alleges Sunshine Law violated by Cedar Grove officials …
Palm Beach Post, by Susan Spencer-Wendel: Judge rules that Wendy’s shooting video can be viewed regarding fatal death of Palm Beach County firefighter …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Voters will be watching for candidate positions on open government laws enforcement in Duval County State Attorney race …
Lakeland Ledger editorial: Judge used common cense and concern in recent ruling of private e-mails by Venice city officials …

July 3, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Judge grants access to three Venice City Council members’ e-mails in case alleging open meeting violations …
Lakeland Ledger, by Rick Rousos: Legal fee information released regarding Polk County Opportunity Council defense of alleged open meeting violations …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Jacksonville City Council members have no excuses for any future Sunshine Law abuses given new model training program …

June 29, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Todd Ruger: Sarasota Sheriff’s Office settles Sunshine Law lawsuit, required to undergo training and pay $15,613 in legal fees …
Lakeland Ledger editorial page: Cloudiness on how to keep electronic communications records can lead to abuse and controversy regarding public officials …
St. Petersburg Times, by Dave DeCamp: Records of county commission candidate withheld in Pasco County due to law exemption …
Sarasota Herald Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Judge asked to order volunteer government board members to turn over computer e-mails in ongoing lawsuit over alleged Sunshine Law violations in Venice …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: E-mail training is insufficient for elected and appointed officials in Venice …
Tampa Bay Business Journal: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation upgrades its online services …

June 15, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Open records case with Venice City Council draws national attention on freedom of information front …
Daytona Beach News-Journal: Gelber earns First Amendment award from First Amendment Foundation …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, column by Eric Ernst: Laws don’t take sides on public records at Venice City Council …

June 13, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Judge says Venice City Council members must hand over home PCs for retrieval of government-business e-mail …
ABC Action News.com: Florida Attorney General’s Office launches new Web site on most wanted fugitives …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Todd Ruger: Sarasota County arrests posted online ask a judge to rule that recorded telephone conversations of jail inmates are not public record …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Public records prices from Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office fall after newspaper inquiries …
Orlando Sentinel editorial: Attorney General McCollum’s “sunshine" advocate has an important role to play…
Florida Times-Union, by Paul Pinkham: Duval State Attorney Harry Shorstein changes policy on copying files sought by outside agencies …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Nic Corbett: Leon grand jury selection held in private …
Cape Coral Daily Breeze, by Matt Blumenfeld: Leon Cape Coral conversations before meeting cloud open meetings mandate …

June 4, 2008

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: City of Venice promises to stop deleting records in open government case …
The Tampa Tribune, by Ray Reyes: Florida Attorney General’s Office launches new Web site on most wanted fugitives …
St. Petersburg Times, by Jonathan Abel: Attorneys for Nick Bollea, Hulk Hogan’s son, file lawsuit asking a judge to rule that recorded telephone conversations of jail inmates are not public record …

June 3, 2008

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Florida Times-Union editorial: City attorneys should seek attorney general’s opinion on legality of local ordinance allowing higher-than-usual costs for public records copies from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Paul Flemming: Florida Attorney General’s Office appoints new attorney to focus on open government issues …

May 31, 2008

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Florida Times-Union, by Tia Mitchell: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office fees for public records copies are several times more than state law specifies …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Zac Anderson: Accusations of behind-the-scenes dealing in Venice ramp up requests for public records and raise questions …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Council member in Venice apologizes for possible violation of state public records law …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial: Crist keeps the sun shining for open government in capital…
Fort Myers News-Press, column by attorney Joe Adams (not the iDig Joe Adams): Records of condo associations must be made available to members …

May 26, 2008

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Fort Myers News-Press, by Jim Ash: Sunshine Law supporters beaming over how open government fared with recent legislative session …
Missouri Associated Press, by David A. Lieb: Missouri governor responds to Sunshine Law violation allegations by retaliating with his own use of Missouri’s open-records law …

May 25, 2008

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Orlando Sentinel, by Josh Robbins: State schools are inconsistent going public with records …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Sunshine lawsuit against city of Venice by activist stirs up talk, speculation …
Sarsota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: City manager claims Sunshine Law was violated …
Florida Times-Union, by Paul Pinkham: State attorney candidates in Jacksonville share views on open government laws …
Stuart News editorial: Florida’s open meeting law still enables government to pull down the shades …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota resident files complaint against Venice officials, alleging Sunshine Law violations …

May 12, 2008

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Highland Today editorial: Negotiation with proposed Highlands County administrator illustrates how fortunate Floridians are to have strong government access laws …
Bradenton Herald, column by Joan Krauter: Let’s keep the Sunshine beaming for Trailer Estates residents …
Florida Times-Union, by Paul Pinkham: Times-Union plans to sue state attorney over handling of probe records …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Anthony Cormier: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office accused of violating Florida’s open meetings law …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Venice mayor disputes claim that Sunshine Law was broken …
Stuart News editorial: Fellsmere follies trample open government and taxpayers …
Highlands Today, by Bill Rettew Jr.: Local public watchdog Preston Colby is back in court seeking public records …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, by Kim Hackett: Venice Mayor Ed Martin denies violation of Sunshine Law …
Boca Raton News, by John Johnston: Proposed "Voice of the People Act" on meetings draws mixed reviews …
Broward New Times, The Daily Pulp blog by Bob Norman: Public records request shows how in government gets around the spirit of and intent of the Sunshine Law …
Bradenton Herald editorial: Manatee County needs to upgrade its act in following-open government laws …
Florida Times-Union, by Kevin Turner: Fernandina Beach Inn owners legal actions include allegation of Sunshine Law violation …
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Sarah Talalay: Suit against new Marlins ballpark moves forward but open records violation point dismissed by judge …
Daytona Beach News-Journal, by Mark I. Johnson: Public records access getting easier in New Smyrna Beach …

Sunshine Sunday, March 16, 2008

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Sunshine Sunday is an annual focus by Florida newspapers and other media on the value of open government. Since it began in Florida, the effort has gone national and expanded to “Sunshine Week." Aside from sample stories posted here, read more articles and see cartoons through the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors’ Web site …
Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. Crist proclaims a week of sunshine …
South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial: Sunshine Sunday calls attention to Florida’s open records and meetings laws …
Tampa Tribune, guest column by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum: Florida should be proud is of Sunshine Week …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Practical power of public records can help people make better life choices, keep government accountable …
Bradenton Herald, by Nicholas Azzara and Grace Agostin: Manatee government works in the sunshine …
Lakeland Ledger, guest column by Barbara Petersen: Latest audit of agencies regarding open records requests proves to be enlightening …
Tallahassee Democrat editorial: Bloggers, pontificators have equal access to government information under open government laws …
Palm Beach Post editorial: Story examples from Post show how public records make a difference to society …
Panama City News-Herald, by Tony Bridges: Cell phone records lacking in newspaper response to public records requests …

March 6, 2008

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Associated Press, by Bill Kaczor: Florida hospitals lose court fight against patients’ right to know …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Sunshine law is strong but not absurd …
Sarasota Herald Tribune, by Anna Scott: Editors criticize limits on records before state open government panel …
Tampa Tribune editorial: Horse rules by state agency come up lame on medical history, names …
American Chronicle, by Lanny Britnell: The changing face of identity theft requires new awareness.…

February 13, 2008

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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…

January 27, 2008

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Florida Times-Union, by Mary Kelli Palka: Grand jury returns no indictments in Jacksonville City Council Sunshine probe with release of presentment pending …
Tampa Tribune editorial: Tampa Bay Water board’s secretive vote leaves public high and dry …
*Naples Daily News: Legal defense fund set up for Marco Island city councilman accused of violating public records law by deleting public e-mails on private account (*free registration required) …
Tallahassee Democrat, by TaMaryn Waters: Fish fry raises Sunshine questions in Leon County …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial: Refresher on open meetings in Cape Coral is a good idea …
Daytona Beach News-Journal, guest column by Barbara Petersen: Access to public records critical for democracy …

January 12, 2008

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Florida Times-Union, by Jim Schoettler: Florida Times-Union’s Sunshine Law probe earns top honors in North Central Florida SPJ awards …
*Naples Daily News, by Katherine Lewis: Secrecy prevailed among Collier County School Board before firing, attorney says (*free registration required) …
Florida Times-Union, by J. Taylor Rushing: Governor’s Sunshine panel marks its first year (*free registration required) …
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Vanessa Blum: Gag order raises questions in Liberty City terror trial (*free registration required) …
*Miami Herald, by Susannah A. Nesmith: Judge issues gag order in Sean Taylor murder case (*free registration required) …
*Naples Daily News, by Liam Dillon: Marco Island city council member vows to fight charges that he broke state public records laws (*free registration required) …

December 22, 2007

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Fort Myers News-Press editorial: News-Press receives $105,000 in attorneys fees relating to FEMA public records release …
*Fort Pierce Tribune, by Alexi Howk: Fort Pierce Mayor Bob Benton, two others accused of Sunshine Law violations (*free registration required) …
*Fort Pierce Tribune, by Alexi Howk:Sunshine Law allegations against Benton, others likely to be hard to prove, State Attorney’s Office says (*free registration required) …
*Naples Daily News, by Katherine Lewis: Former Collier County Schools Superintendent Ray Baker’s Sunshine Law lawsuit heads to court (*free registration required) …

December 17, 2007

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Tampa Tribune editorial: Gov. Crist shouldn’t let CSX Railroad derail open government …
St. Petersburg Times, by Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler: University of Florida clash pits free speech against faith …
Tampa Tribune editorial: Suppressing speech on campus hurts University of Florida’s prestige …

December 13, 2007

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South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Andy Reid: Everglades cleanup could dodge public records laws …
Palm Beach Post editorial:Curb SLAPP court harrassment of development critics …
Gainesville Sun, by Jack Stripling: State Attorney General Bill McCollum blasts University of Florida over free speech …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Bill Cotterell: Public records access takes leap into 21st century …
Tampa Bay Newspapers Beach Beacon, by Bob McClure: Former Reddington Beach Town commissioner Sam Maniotes awarded fees after winning a public records-related lawsuit against the city …

December 10, 2007

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune editorial: State, google will make public records easier to find …
Daytona Beach News-Journal, by Mark Harper: Freedom of speech limited at University of Central Florida …

December 9, 2007

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Tampa Bay 10, by Mike Deeson: Sunshine violation may have occurred at Devil Rays news conference …
Bradenton Herald, by Nicholas Azzara: Activist from First Amendment Foundation shines light on state Sunshine Law …
Palm Beach Post, by Larry Keller: Taunts prompt conservative columnist Ann Coulter to get address of her Palm Beach home removed from property appraiser’s records …
Palatka Daily News: Palatka city commissioners reverse stand, allow reporters in interviews …
DeLand-Deltona Beacon, by Pat Hatfield:DebaryPOP Web site by bloggers turned elected city officials will continue …
Naples Daily News editorial: State Attorney’s Office decision to file non-criminal charge of violating state’s open records law against Marco Island City Council member sends important message…
Palm Beach Post editorial: Crist opens up Florida with open government moves, including executive order on Open Government Bill of Rights …
Computerworld, by Linda Rosencrance: State of Florida, Google team up to make it easier to access government Web sites …
Lakeland Ledger editorial: Florida, Google deal should help untangle Florida’s Web …

November 11, 2007

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*Naples Daily News, by Liam Dillon: Marco council’s closed-door consensus raises Sunshine Law questions …
Florida Times-Union, by David Hunt: Winn-Dixie’s booting of press from stockholders meeting goes too far for First Amendment advocates and corporate attorneys …

November 4, 2007

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Florida Times-Union, by Bridget Murphy: Judge seals “snitch confession" recording in drug trafficking case despite Florida Times-Union objections …
Florida Times-Union, by Bridget Murphy: Defendant obtains “snitch" tapes through public records request and then circulates them through the neighborhood to put pressure on witness …
Florida Times-Union, by Bridget Murphy: Judge releases phone calls from jail in murder case that defendant fought to keep his phone calls from jail from the public records …
Florida Today, by Keyonna Summers:State may obtain medical records sought in investigation regarding motorcycle builder Billy Lane …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Paula Bryant, Citizen Editorial Board: Offender search brings insights into open government …
Columbus Disptach (Ohio), by Jill Riepenhoff: Ohio puts disciplinary teacher data online for parents, others to see …
ABC News: Pistol cam fits on gun barrel and records as soon as the gun is removed from its holster, allow police to review shooting incidents …
Jackson County Floridan, by Deborah Buckhalter: Greenwood woman faces prison in fraud, identity theft…

October 14, 2007

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St. Petersburg Times, by Lorri Hefland: Largo City Commission candidate who advocates more transparency at city hall kept sealed from the public an arrest that resulted in probation two decades ago …
Bradenton Herald, by Robert Napper: Ellenton man working as a cleaner stole personal information from a Sarasota doctor’s office …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Legislature should play by the same open government rules it imposes on local governments …

October 2, 2007

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South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Denise-Marie Balona: Experts say Deltona talk on sex-offender rule probably defied state open meetings laws…
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by John Kennedy and Aaron Deslatte: Secrecy ushers in Legislature’s special session …
Miami Herald staff report: Miami Herald’s Christensen, Danner win win annual Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information award …

September 21, 2007

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Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Grand jury probe on Sunshine Law concerns widens in Jacksonville …
Miami Today, by Ted Carter and Risa Polansky: Illegal meeting puts Miami budget at risk…

September 16, 2007

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Tallahassee Democrat editorial: State lawmakers negotiate behind the scenes legally as part of the exemption they gave themselves from the Sunshine Law …
*Naples Daily News, by Brad Kane: Bonita Springs advisory board takes wrong turn on Sunshine Law (*free registration required) …
Florida Times-Union, by Adam Aasen: Times-Union editorial writer to receive the 2007 Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award for open government efforts …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Jim Ash: Open government seminars coming by Office of Open Government, First Amendment Foundation …
*Miami Herald, by Lesley Clark: Members of Congress pull pet projects out of hiding with a new ethics bill looming (*free registration required) …

August 26, 2007

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*Orlando Sentinel, by Rene Stutzman: Number of offenders getting their criminal court records sealed reaches all-time highs (*free registration required)…
Venice Gondolier, by Courtney Linn: How employees with different government entities deal with reporting arrests …

August 25, 2007

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St. Petersburg Times, by Steve Bousquet: Open government panel hears that Sunshine Law is routinely violated or treated lightly …
Florida Times-Union, letter to the editor from Thomas S. Edwards Jr.: Sunshine Law does not impair or slow down effective government …
*Naples Daily News, Julio Ochoa: Florida Gulf Coast University puts names on ballots but admits no wrongdoing (*free registration required) …
Fort Myers News-Press: News-press to receive addresses of disaster aid applicants and recipients on Monday…
Florida Times-Union, by Bridget Murphy: Lawyer wants records sealed on the death of 12-year-old Tony Youmans …

August 24, 2007

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Tallahassee Democrat, by Bill Cotterell: State task force on open government to hears from public in Tallahassee …
Associated Press, by Brendan Farrington: Department of Children and Families wants more records opened, shared …
Associated Press: Open government panel begins series of hearings …
Palm Beach Post, by Dara Kam: New commission begins look at state open government laws …
*South Florida Sun-Sentinel, column by Earl Maucker: FEMA’s public records loss in court is a victory for the public …
*Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Records requests by state attorney rain on city in Sunshine Law grand jury probe of City Council …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Melanie Payne: FEMA to release Florida disaster grant payment records to News-Press, Pensacola News-Journal and Florida Today …
*Naples Daily News, Julio Ochoa: Florida Gulf Coast University search committee says it didn’t violate Sunshine Law (*free registration required) …
*Naples Daily News, by Julio Ochoa: Florida Gulf Coast University presidential search committee changes procedures but admits no wrongdoing regarding Sunshine Law (*free registration required) …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Dave Breitenstein: Dinners put Florida Gulf Coast University presidential search committee members in hot water …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial:Ask state attorney general for opinion on whether Florida Gulf Coast University presidential search committee violated the Sunshine Law …
*Naples Daily News, by Katherine Lewis:State ethics panel can’t probe Collier County School Board for Sunshine Law problems …

August 20, 2007

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St. Petersburg Times, by Sandee Davies: Court clerks must take steps to protect sensitive information as part of public records filings …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Jim Ash: Lawmaker seeks release of state bridge inspection reports …
Florida Today, by Susanne Cervenka: Court records released in Titusville teacher sex case …
Panama City News Herald, by Tom McLaughlin: Lawmakers and open government advocate question state Department of Transportation Decision to keep bridge inspection reports from the public …
*Naples Daily News, Liam Dillon: Union organizers accuse Marco Island support staff of stalling on public records request (*free registration required) …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Florida consumers, parents benefit from new Web offerings …

August 13, 2007

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Tallahassee Democrat, by Stephen D. Price: House Speaker Rubio forms committee to combat identity theft …
Florida Times-Union, by J. Taylor Rushing: St. Augustine lawmaker Proctor to lead new ID theft panel …

August 12, 2007

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*Orlando Sentinel, by Rebecca Mahoney: Volusia County’s steep charges for e-mail are illegal, critics say (*free registration required) …
*Orlando Sentinel editorial: Volusia County should stop soaking the public to see officials’ e-mails (*free registration required)…
Pensacola News-Journal editorial: Don’t restrict access to public records under guise of protection …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, column by Eric Ernst: Commission on Open Government offers hope in the fight to open records …
*Naples Daily News staff report: Collier County School Board member calls for for Sunshine Law probe (*free registration required) …
*Naples Daily News, by Katherine Lewis: Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce joins 15 other organizations in backing review on whether school board members violated ethics and Sunshine Law when firing Superintendent Ray Baker (*free registration required) …
*Naples Daily News, by Phil Lewis: Collier School Board Sunshine Law controversy is a reminder of importance in following both the letter and spirit of the law (*free registration required) …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Melanie Payne: FEMA to release Florida disaster grant payment records to News-Press, Pensacola News-Journal and Florida Today …
Associated Press: FEMA to release records to four newspapers …
Lakeland Ledger:Sunshine Law seminars coming for Tallahassee, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale in October …

July 30, 2007

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Tallahassee Democrat, by Paige St. John: Sink switching to paperless records after complaints about record keeping …
Florida Times-Union, by Anne Marie Apollo: Technical problems means governments don’t always have the e-mail records to open upon request …

July 17, 2007

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*Naples Daily News, by Liam Dillon: E-mail by Marco Island city councilwoman’s husband triggers conflict of interest concerns (*free registration required)…
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Jacksonville City Council acts to settle Sunshine Law lawsuit stemming from 2005 meeting on a rezoning issue …
Florida Times-Union: Readers speak out on Jacksonville City Council and who should foot the bill for defense attorneys in grand jury probe …
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Democrats say Jacksonville City Council can pay own legal bills for Sunshine Law probe …

July 14, 2007

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Florida Times-Union editorial: How Jacksonville City Council can build trust in light of grand jury probe into its Sunshine Law problems …
Florida Times-Union, by Michael P. Clark: Jacksonville’s 10 new council members share views about following the Sunshine Law …
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Grand jury to shine light on Jacksonville City Council’s sunshine practices …
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Jacksonville City Council members hire attorneys for grand jury probe access and public could foot the bills …
Florida Times-Union editorial: New Jacksonville City Council Web additions put public meetings in focus that had always been obscured from the public …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Is “culture of blatant disregard" for Sunshine Law at Jacksonville City Council just the tip of the iceberg? …

July 7, 2007

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Florida Times-Union, column by Ron Littlepage: Jacksonville City Council president seeks to provide more access the “Green Room" near council chambers …
St. Petersburg Times, by Colleen Jenkins: Fight for Gasparilla rape investigation records by woman to continue …
Florida Today editorial:State should stop dumping insurance dispute records and step up oversight …

July 4, 2007

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Lakeland Ledger: Florida Department of Financial Services stops disposing of records related to consumer disputes with insurance companies …
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Where probe of Jacksonville City Council Sunshine problems goes from here …
Tallahassee Democrat, by Paige St. John: State destroyed its records of insurance company complaints but says it was within the law …
All Headline News, by Josephine Roque: Fidelity National Information Services of Jacksonville reports theft of 2.3 million consumer records …

July 1, 2007

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Florida Times-Union, column by Wayne Ezell: Times-Union’s probe of City Council Sunshine problems started 18 months ago and included review of 4,000 pages of calendars, meeting notices and other documents …
Fort Myers News-Press editorial: Court victory on open records against FEMA is a win for more government accountability …
Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial: New open government commisison can spotlight shady spots in Florida’s open government laws …

June 30, 2007

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Pensacola News-Journal, by Paige St. John: Florida Department of Financial Services draws fire for pitching insurance records …
Florida Bar News, by Jan Pudlow: Manatee County court clerk’s one-year pilot program on access to court records seeks to advance public information while protecting confidential details …
Belleair Bee, by Henry Weikle: Flurry of e-mail raises questions at Indian Rocks Beach …
Bradenton Herald, by Natalie Neysa Alund: Company selling copies of property deeds at inflated costs in Manatee County …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Governor’s new commission on open government will take long-overdue look at vitality of open records, meetings …

June 27, 2007

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Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: State attorney slams Jacksonville City Council regarding Sunshine Law lapses …
Wall Street Journal, column by Jason Fry: Internet availability of records raises questions about when public records are too public …

June 23, 2007

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South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Megan O’Matz: Court rules FEMA must turn over documents to Sun-Sentinel in climax of three-year effort …
Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial: New nine-member panel on open government has important job to do …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Public will be shortchanged if grand jury does not investigate Jacksonville City Council’s Sunshine Law failings …
Florida Times-Union staff report: State attorney to show the light to Jacksonville City Council regarding the Sunshine Law …
Associated Press, by Brandan Farrington: Crist honored for efforts toward open government …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Time to end the state Legislature’s “do as we say, not as we do" approach to open government meetings …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Melanie Payne: News-Press, other newspapers, prevail in public records request with FEMA …
Gainesville Sun, by Cindy Swirko: Springhills developers allege Sunshine Law violations in lawsuit against the county …
Palm Beach Post, by Dwayne Robinson: A Wellington administrator says city council members violated the Sunshine Law …
Florida Times-Union: Times-Union unveils searchable database on restaurant inspections in Northeast Florida …

June 18, 2007

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Associated Press, by Bill Kaczor: Crist creates commission to keep government in the sunshine …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Aaron Deslatte: Crist creates open government reform commission …
*Orlando Sentinel, by Mark Hollis: Open government laws to get most comprehensive review in decades with new commission from Gov. Charlie Crist (*free registration required) …
Hernando Today, by Michael D. Bates: Information flow tightened on Hernando County budget …

June 17, 2007

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Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: City Council proposes new ordinance to ensure Sunshine Law compliance in response to yet-to-be-published Times-Union findings …
Florida Times-Union, by Beth Kormanik: Times-Union investigation finds evidence of Florida Sunshine Law violations by City Council …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Jacksonville City Council culture kept public in dark about hundreds of public meetings among council members …
Florida Times-Union editorial: Public needs grand jury to investigate Sunshine Law problems at Jacksonville City Council and study other oversight issues …
Florida Times-Union, by columnist Ron Littlepage: Grand jury needs to probe council’s culture of secrecy …
Florida Times-Union, by columnist Mark Woods: What’s on the menu for Jacksonville City Council members at “City Hall Annex West?" …
First Coast News, Jacksonville, by Mark Spain: City Council probe reveals big mistakes in Jacksonville …

June 11, 2007

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Associated Press, by Bill Kaczor: Hospitals seek delay on constitutional amendment that gives patients the ability to know about past mistakes made by doctors and medical facilities …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: Public deserves the info it demanded on doctors and hospitals …
Florida Today editorial: Lawmaker tax plan made in secret shuts out informed citizen debate …
Fort Myers News-Press, by Jennifer Misthal: Bonita Springs special events committee must abide by sunshine laws…
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, by Sally Apgar: Probe into ID card scheme finds 115 people got jobs using counterfeit cards with a 10-year-old Florida girl’s tolen Social Security number…
*Orlando Sentinel, by Tanya Caldwell and Steven D. Barnes: DeBary City Council minutes from recent meeting turn out to be wrong (*free registration required) …
Boca Raton News, by Dale M. King: Palm Beach clerk urges residents to guard personal data …

June 5, 2007

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St. Petersburg Times, by Alex Leary: Property tax talks of state lawmakers stay a secret …
St. Petersburg Times editorial: Vague, secret deals by state lawmakers are no way to do public business …
EmeraldCoast.com: Florida Department of State adds some new material to its Florida Memory Photographic College holdings online …
WBBH Channel 2, Fort Myers, by Kate Eckman: More businesses printing credit card numbers on receipts despite federal law against it …

June 1, 2007

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Bradenton Herald, by Natalie Neysa Alund: Manatee County Clerk of Courts Chips Shore soon to put court records online in unique state pilot project …
Palm Beach Post, by Michael C. Bender: Bills aim to thwart I.D. theft …

May 28, 2007

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St. Petersburg Times, by Michael Van Sickler: Florida Transportation Commission’s practices defy Sunshine Law and raise concerns about its actions …
*Orlando Sentinel, by Claudia Zequeira: Sunshine Law inquiry clears Osceola School Board trio (*free registration required) …

May 24, 2007

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Palm Beach Post, by Michael C. Bender: Crist signs bill to make it easier to request public records …
Lakeland Ledger editorial: Winter Haven Housing Authority comes down hard on the side of the public’s right to know …

May 22, 2007

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Palm Beach Post editorial: Government in the Sunshine took fewer hits than usual this legislative session …
Lakeland Ledger, by Rick Rousos: City defends investigation into who provided a public record to The Ledger showing a $43.7 million loss on Lakeland Electric’s natural gas purchases…
*Miami Herald, by Dan Christensen and Patrick Danner: Investigation into the planting of false court records by two Miami-Dade judges finds no wrongdoing (*free registration required) …

May 19, 2007

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The Daily Pulp blog, by Bob Norman: Judge Gary M. Farmer writes one of the strangest and most entertaining legal papers ever in ruling on Miami Herald defamation case involving a Kentucky Derby-winning horse …
Palm Beach Post, by Tony Doris: Two seek secrecy on “pay-to-play" grand jury report…
*Miami Herald, by Dan Christensen and Patrick Danner: Federal courts are changing the way cases are docketed to avoid “the appearance of a secret docket" (*free registration required) …
Florida Times-Union editorial (see second item): Butterworth praised for loosening records, lips regarding Florida Department of Children and Families …
*Miami Herald, by Carol Marbin Miller: State child welfare adminstrators, Miami Herald seek open hearing in Cuban child custody case (*free registration required) …
Associated Press, by Paul Davenport: States, including Florida, want to safeguard names of fallen troops …

May 15, 2007

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Tallahassee Democrat, by Bob Gabordi: FAMU gets $60.25 for records as newspaper gets a dose of frustration for its money…
Tallahassee Democrat staff report: FAMU turns over records to newspaper …
*Miami Herald, by Charles Rabin: Miami-Dade Commissioner Barbara Jordan wants to ban the “N-word" (*free registration required) …

May 13, 2007

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Fort Myers News-Press editorial : Teens learn hard lesson about First Amendment as principal was wrong to muzzle students’ writing about issues …
*St. Augustine Record, by Paulette Perhach: Cry of censorship rallied Flagler College students to protest decision regarding editing of the Gargoyle, the student newspaper (*free registration required) …
*St. Augustine Record, by Paulette Perhach: Editing of students newspaper article at Flagler College generates controversy and questions regarding press freedoms at the school (*free registration required) …
Palm Beach Post, by Eliot Kleinberg: Post’s request for federal records on 9/11 hijackers yields little new information…

May 9, 2007

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Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial : Officials’ private phones shouldn’t hide their public responsibility to provide records …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune editorial: Google search engine’s efforts should improve access to public records …

May 5, 2007

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The Spinnaker editorial : University of North Florida student newspaper protests the withholding of election violation documents by the school student government and the university administration in a front-page editorial …
*Miami Herald, by Monica Hatcher: Legislature wants to give court clerks three more years to strike out personal information from their public records on the Internet (*free registration required) …
*Miami Herald, by Monica Hatcher: Public records can be easy targets for identity thieves (*free registration required) …
Jacksonville Financial News and Daily Record: Florida Bar to post lawyer disciplinary histories on its Web site …

May 1, 2007

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Daytona Beach News-Journal, by Barry Flynn: Flagler Sheriff’s Office is planning to translate some brochures and parts of its Web site into Spanish, Portuguese and Russian …
Associated Press, by Jim Ellis: Judge to mull over releasing boy’s statement regarding homeless beating …
Florida Today, by Kate Brennan: Florida Department of Education hopes to have new Web site on teacher disciplinary actions going by August …

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