Open Government in Florida

As police chief of Daytona Beach, Mike Chitwood became the first police chief in Florida to require his officers to wear body cameras. First Amendment Foundation President, Pamela Marsh, sits down with Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood to talk about how the use of body cameras has increased officer accountability and improved the department's relationship with the community. Sheriff Chitwood weighs in on why Marsy's Law was not intended to protect law enforcement officers. Finally, we discuss the need for access to accurate COVID-19 data to protect Florida's first responders, students, and teachers.

In our fourth episode of “Open Government in Florida,” FAF President Pamela Marsh talks with Trimmel Gomes, an award winning journalist and president of Gomes Media Strategies, a media relations firm. Trimmel is also the host of The Rotunda; a weekly public affairs podcast about the people and issues shaping Florida politics. Pamela talks with Trimmel about how and why he was inspired to start his Rotunda Podcast, as well as current conspiracy theories, QAnonymous candidates, and algorithmic news drivers. Finally, we wrap it up by talking about how to bring people together with facts, understanding and transparency.

In this episode, the First Amendment Foundation talks with Gary Fineout about the current challenges faced by journalism and journalists. Gary currently writes for Politico Florida, and has been covering Florida politics and government for decades. We'll talk about the "wild, wild west" of information, the creation and funding of "fake news" websites, and what the future holds for both readers and writers of breaking news.

Celebrating 100 years of the League of Women Voters, I talk to Patti Brigham, the president of the League in Florida. We talk about the League of Women Voter’s legacy in voting rights and fighting voter suppression, and its expansion into various policy issue affecting Floridians. We also discuss preparations for the upcoming August primary and November general elections in 2020. As part of the League’s Vote-by-Mail Campaign, Patti encourages listeners to get their vote-by-mail ballots and to take advantage of early voting, as a way of staying safe during the pandemic and avoiding long lines expected at polling sites. Patti confirms with data and studies that voting by mail is the best alternative and provides a safe, secure and efficient voting option.

In this episode, the First Amendment Foundation talks with Mary Ellen Klas about investigative reporting and the state of the news media in Florida. Mary Ellen is the capital bureau chief for the Miami Herald, covering state government and the legislature in Tallahassee for nearly 30 years. We will talk about where she gets her leads and information, and discuss how the capitol city has become a perfect storm of politics, power and influence manipulating billions of taxpayer dollars. Mary Ellen will share her thoughts on changes in the way we receive our news and why that is killing local newspapers. What can you do to find accurate news sources, prevent news deserts, and support freedom of the press in Florida? Listen and find out.

Website: www.floridafaf.org