A judge on Wednesday ordered Gov. Rick Scott to release about three months’ worth of meeting schedules and travel plans — including upcoming campaign events — and rejected his argument that the information should remain secret for security reasons.
Circuit Judge Charles Dodson in Tallahassee ruled in favor of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The group sued the governor in July demanding a complete copy of Scott’s calendars for the period beginning July 20, 2018 and ending on Oct. 31, 2018.
The period covered by the request includes most of the time leading up to election day, Nov. 6, where Scott is the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.
READ MORE: Health care group files lawsuit to get Rick Scott’s schedule
Scott’s office called the judge’s decision “irresponsible” and said he will appeal Dodson’s ruling to the 1st District Court of Appeal.
“FDLE, who oversees the governor’s security, has submitted an affidavit to the court stating that releasing details of the governor’s schedule weeks in advance would pose a security risk and is protected from release under Florida law,” Scott spokesman John Tupps said. “This ruling is irresponsible and puts the safety of the governor at risk.”
Tupps said the lawsuit was brought by a disgruntled vendor. (Read more…)