A Florida appeals court ruled that the City of St. Petersburg violated Florida’s Sunshine Law when it reached a decision to amend a city ordinance at a meeting that was not open to the public. The Sunshine Law protects the right of the public to bep resent and heard during all phases of decision-making by government boards and commissions.
The court sided with Rev. Bruce Wright, who initiated this lawsuit. Wright felt vindicated by the court’s ruling, saying, “I am pleased the City’s secret dealings are laid bare in this decision. The City’s failure to hold a public debate about this ordinance is undemocratic to its core.”
Wright was represented in this lawsuit by Southern Legal Counsel, a Florida statewide nonprofit public interest law firm. Kirsten Anderson, lead attorney for the case, said, “This decision is a great victory for government in the sunshine. We will continue to fight to protect the public’s right to government that is transparent and accountable
to the people.”
to the people.”
The First Amendment Foundation, Florida’s premier Sunshine Law organization, filed an amicus brief in support of Wright’s case before the appeals court. Read a copy of
the court’s decision here
the court’s decision here
