We’ve Been Down — Our Apologies
The Florida Center for Investigative Reporting’s website was temporarily taken down last week due to technical problems, which have now been resolved. We regret the service interruption.
The Miami Herald Uncovers Secret Governor’s Mansion Project
Mary Ellen Klas of The Miami Herald has revealed another round of documents that shows Gov. Rick Scott’s office routinely used private email accounts, thus skirting the state’s public records laws. This time there’s a paper trail showing Scott’s people took a project out of the public eye.
Lee County Schools Becomes First District To Opt-Out of State-Mandated Testing
This week, the Lee County School board voted 3-2 to opt out of state-mandated standardized testing. The district became the first in the state, and possibly the country, to do so.
Records Show Scott Administration Is Shielding Public Records
Records obtained by The Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee bureau show Gov. Rick Scott’s office has been using private email and text messages to discuss state business and then shielded that communication from the state’s broad public records law.
Judge Approves Florida’s New Congressional Map For 2016
A circuit court judge in Tallahassee ruled Friday the state’s troubled congressional map will be in place for the upcoming election. Judge Terry Lewis also approved a new map the state legislature drew earlier this month during a special session.
Miami Herald Reporting Prompts Policy Changes In Florida Prisons
After months of scathing reports, Florida’s Department of Corrections announced it will begin implementing a series of reforms within the state’s prisons. The changes are aimed at improving how guards treat mentally-ill inmates, as well as increase transparency in instances where things go wrong.