Winter Garden's new restrictions on journalists are unconstitutional, First Amendment experts say
Winter Garden is facing criticism for a resolution restricting journalists' ability to directly ask questions of city leaders at public meetings – ...
Winter Garden is facing criticism for a resolution restricting journalists' ability to directly ask questions of city leaders at public meetings – measures that several of the state's leading experts in First Amendment law describe as unconstitutional. Resolution No. 23-02 was unanimously passed in February by four members of Winter Garden's five-member city commission, including Mayor John Rees. One commissioner was absent from the meeting. The resolution established 'Rules of Conduct for the Media,' including the prohibition of journalists using the citizen comment period at public meetings from asking questions to city officials or following city officials before, during or after meetings to ask questions.