Government – Page 49 – Florida Center for Investigative Reporting

Legislature To Vote On Possible Special Session To Review ‘Stand Your Ground’

August 14, 2013

Florida’s Secretary of State has received enough letters from state lawmakers to trigger a vote on whether to hold a special session to take a second look at the state's "Stand Your Ground" law.

Open Record Laws May Prevent Corruption, But Apparently Not In Florida

August 12, 2013

New research found that open record laws can prevent corruption. Florida, however, presents an interesting case study of how public information laws haven't meant less corruption.

Shoe-Leather Reporting Keeps The Ledger Ahead of Lakeland Police Scandals

August 8, 2013

It began with simple records request. The Lakeland Police Department’s employees dragged their feet in response, and from there, the story snowballed.

Head Of Agency Meant To Protect Nursing Home Residents Resigns Amid Controversy

August 8, 2013

Jim Crochet, Florida's long-term care ombudsman, turned in his resignation papers this week as the Department of Elder Affairs continues to conduct an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing.

Study Links California Gun Murder Decrease to Strict Regulations, a Sharp Contrast to Florida

August 7, 2013

California has seen a 56 percent drop in gun death rates, and a new report says the decrease is related to the state's gun restrictions.

Virtual Schools Are Spending Millions of Taxpayer Dollars On Advertising

August 7, 2013

A new report from USA Today found that virtual school operators are dealing with low enrollment numbers by spending public funds on advertising.