JUDGES SOCIAL MEDIA The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments concerning whether a judge should be disqualified from a case if they are friends with opposing counsel on Facebook. This case is viewed as the first test for new rules governing judges’ social media use. SMOKER AWARD TOSSED The Florida Supreme Court declined an appeal Read more about Legal Updates[…]
HURRICANES The Office of Insurance Regulation estimated insured losses from Hurricane Irma are over $6.55 billion, with almost 866,000 claims as of December 18th. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it would send $616 million from its community development block grant-disaster recovery program help. Governor Scott sent a letter to Majority Leader Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION Bills to strip the Florida Bar of its role in recommending members to the judicial nominating commission has been filed by Representative Frank White (R-Pensacola) and Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville). The decisions to fill vacancies would be made by the Senate and House leaders’ appointees. RESTORATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS Representatives Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) and Read more about Legislative Issues[…]
Arnett Giradeau Former Jacksonville legislator and civil rights leader Arnett Girardeau, DDS died October 26th at the age of 88. Dr. Girardueau served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1976 to 1983. In 1982, he was elected to the State Senate and he served until 1992. He was president pro tempore of the Senate in Read more about In Memoriam[…]
EDUCATION Several education bills are gaining traction this year. Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) is sponsoring the “Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018” which includes provisions to create a World Class Faculty and Scholar Program; establishes the State University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program; authorizes students to use Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program awards Read more about Legislative Issues[…]