Four state heroes to be inducted into NFOIC’s Open Government Hall of Fame

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, Sept. 16, 2021 — Four “Heroes of the 50 States,” representing Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, will be inducted Sept. 30 into the National Freedom of Information Coalition’s State Open Government Hall of Fame, as the Class of 2021. The inductees have backgrounds in law, journalism, and academia.  The 2021 inductees are: Barbara […]

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‘Marsy’s Law,’ Public Records Law Clash in Police Case

The city of Tallahassee and media organizations tried to persuade a circuit judge that a 2018 constitutional amendment aimed at protecting victims’ rights does not allow police officers involved in use-of-force incidents to keep their identities secret. The arguments came in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Police Benevolent Association asserting that the constitutional amendment […]

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Florida: Governments resist citizens on public records

TALLAHASSEE — A long-running clash between state water managers and a celebrated environmental activist is heightening tension over aggressive tactics used by Florida governments pushing back against citizens seeking public records. The battle also is putting Florida at the forefront of a rising trend. Instead of turning over requests for records, a growing number of […]

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Florida: Open government activists back legal challenge to worker’s comp rate increase

A leading open-government advocate offered strong support Monday for a legal challenge to a proposed workers’ compensation insurance premium increase of nearly 20 percent.

“I think he’s got a cause of action,” First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Peterson said of Miami attorney James Fee, who is challenging the rate hike on open-government grounds. Continue…

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Florida Open government watchdog group announces award

A north Florida woman and a Lake City newspaper publisher are being honored by an open government watchdog group.

The First Amendment Foundation said Tuesday it is giving its 2015 open government award to Barbara Jeffords Lemley of Lake City and Columbia County Observer publisher Stew Lilker.  Continue…

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