The Florida FOI Summit featured panelists from across the country who traveled to Gainesville to discuss freedom of information laws. The conference began on Thursday, Sept. 20, with a panel, titled "Hit the Ground Running: FOI Advice from the Experts, (Video)" moderated by Gregg Thomas (Thomas & LoCicero). The panel featured FOI advice from experts Pat Gleason (Director of Cabinet Affairs and Special Counsel for Open Government for Gov. Charlie Crist); Jon Kaney (Cobb & Cole); Jane Kirtley (University of Minnesota); Jim Leusner (Orlando Sentinel); and Philip Ward (South Florida Sun-Sentinel). Panelists discussed access to autopsy photos, the best way to build rapport with records custodians, and the lengthy delays that often accompany requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

Professor Kirtley focused on global FOI issues during her Friday morning presentation, “Windows on the World: A Global Perspective on FOI (Video).” Florida was the focus of another special presentation Friday morning, with JoAnn Carrin (director of the Office of Open Government), Pat Gleason, Simone Marstiller (associated deputy attorney general), and Barbara Petersen (president of the First Amendment Foundation) discussing “The ‘Real’ Sunshine State: FOI in Florida.”

Also on Friday, attendees were able to choose from three different breakout sessions. “Capitol Conversations: Working with Florida Legislators” featured Barbara Petersen, Professor and Director of the Center for Governmental Responsibility Jon Mills, and Orlando Sentinel State/National Editor Bob Shaw.
“FOI on the Horizon: A National Outlook on FOI Issues” offered a national perspective on open government laws. This panel was led by Charles Davis, executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition; John Dunbar, reporter for The Associated Press; and Pete Weitzel, coordinator of the Coalition for Journalists for Open Government.

The third breakout session, titled “Top 10 Tools for Your FOI Toolbox (Video) ” offered practical tips for taking advantage of FOI laws. Professor Sandra Chance, executive director of The Brechner Center, moderated the session. Panelists included Florida Times-Union Opinions Editor Joe Adams, Attorney Carol LoCicero, Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Executive Director Gil Thelen, and WikiFOIA Director Sara Key.
Everyone attending the Summit had the opportunity to weigh in on the issues during a small group session Friday afternoon. Prof. Chance will present the recommendations of the small groups to the Commission on Open Government.

The conference was brought to a close with student presentations on the history of Florida’s Open Meetings Law and the Top 30 FOI stories, followed by an update on the MBCAP by Dr. Bill F. Chamberlin.