Open Records Project

PINAC reporter Jeff Gray conducted a public records audit at the town hall of Penney Farms last month, a tiny town in North Florida known more for its retirement community than its farms that describes itself as “one of the best kept secrets” in the state.
And judging by town clerk Anita Cooper’s refusal to comply with one of his request, it’s certainly living up to that promise.

The basic premise of Florida’s Public Records Act is that the public has a right to access any records dealing with official government business.  Its purpose is to promote public awareness and knowledge of government actions to ensure the government remains accountable to the people.

A Florida School Board and its lawyer announced that they’ve violated the state’s constitution’s “Sunshine Law” requiring open meetings, by making the decision to file a SLAPP lawsuit against PINAC’s Jeff Gray for reporting about school bus safety violations.
The St. Johns County School District swore in court documents that filed suit without a public hearing or notice, and it’s attorney admitted publicly this week polling elected school board officials in advance of any possible hearing.

Florida’s famous Sunshine Law is under attack in the state legislature today as a state House Committee has already voted to eliminate the provision that guarantees government agencies must pay citizens’  attorney fees when public records are illegally withheld.
Its companion measure, Florida State Senate Bill 1220, passed in committee today with a 3-0 vote and two abstentions.

A northeastern Florida School Board sued PINAC reporter Jeff Gray in retaliation for seeking public records and investigating school bus safety practices in and around St. Augustine.
Gray’s latest video on his popular HonorYourOath Youtube Channel shows his lawyer’s reply, and can be seen below.

The Albuquerque Police Department has found its way into another lawsuit. This time a former employee is suing on grounds of wrongful termination for not complying to Police Chief Gorden Eden’s orders to find ways to deny public records request.