JANUARY2011: A mobile home park in Manatee County has prevailed in a Sunshine lawsuit brought by two residents of the special taxing district. The residents alleged the park's board of trustees violated the Public Records Law by not responding to all requests and the Open Meetings Law by discussing park business outside of public meetings. Judge Janette Dunnigan ruled in favor of Trailer Estates ruling that although "the evidence shows that there is a need for improvement in the maintenance of its records," Trailer Estates did not wrongfully deny access. On the open meetings violations, the Judge agreed that five meetings of an executive committee without notice did in fact violate the law. However because the specific committee members involved were no longer serving and the executive committee had been discontinued, the violations were cured.
Florida Public Records and Open Meetings Laws Prosecutions Database
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The Brechner Center answers queries about media law from journalists, attorneys, and other members of the public. The Center is prepared to explain issues relating to media law, react to current developments, and offer speakers for meetings and classes.