Panels

The Florida FOI Summit provided an opportunity for journalists, attorneys, scholars, and students to discuss and educate on issues of freedom of information. The Summit included two days worth of workshops and panel discussions.

All photos (c) Marvin Halelamien/ The Brechner Center

Brechner Center Exectuive Director Sandra Chance leads a roundatable discussion during "Sunshine Solutions: Tackling FOI Challenges," a session providing attendees an opportunity to express concerns and provide recommendations on FOI issues.
Return to top

Associated Press reporter John Dunbar (left), Pete Weitzel (middle), coordinator for the Coalition of Journalists for Open Government, and Charles Davis (right), the executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, par ticipate in a panel titled "FOI on the Horizon: A National Outlook on FOI Issues."
Return to top

First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Petersen (left), Office of Open Government Director JoAnn Carrin (middle) and Associate Deputy Attorney General Simone Marstiller (right) discuss "The 'Real' Sunshine State: FOI in Florida" during the second day of Summit activities.
Return to top

Orlando Sentinel reporter Jim Leusener (right) discussed his experiences with filing Freedom of Information requests during the opening session "Hit the Ground Running: FOI Advice from the Experts."
Return to top

Attorney Gregg Thomas (left) leads the opening panel discussion with attorney Jon Kaney (middle) and University of Minnesota professor Jane Kirtley, former executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
Return to top

Sara Key (left) introduces attendees to the WikiFOIA Web site during the "Top 10 Tools for Your FOI Toolbox" breakout session.
Return to top

Attorney Jon Kaney shares his thoughts on working with records custodians during the "Hit the Ground Running" session, which kicked-off Summit activities.
Return to top

Coalition for Journalists for Open Government Coordinator Pete Weitzel participates in a roundtable discussion addressing current FOI issues and possible recommendations.
Return to top

Following the conference luncheon, Summit attendees participated in small group discussions to tackle FOI challenges and offer possible solutions and recommendations.
Return to top

University of Florida JD/MA student Drew Shenkman (left) records the recommendations of group participants including Florence Snyder Rivas (middle) and Pete Weitzel (right).
Return to top

Attorney Gregg Thomas (center) instructs and leads a group of attendees during the "Sunshine Solutions: Tackling FOI Challenges" small group discussions.
Return to top

Attorney Carol LoCicero (left), The Florida TImes Union opinion editor Joe Adams (center), and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Executive Director Gil Thelen (right), informed the crowd of tools needed in an "FOI toolbox."
Return to top

Attorneys Gregg Thomas (Thomas & LoCicero) and Jon Kaney (Cobb & Cole) address various issues during the Florida FOI Summit opening panel discussion.
Return to top

Pete Weitzel and Charles Davis participate in a breakout session titled "FOI on the Horizon: A National Outlook on FOI Issues" during the Summit activities hosted on Friday, Sept. 21.
Return to top