The purpose of this summary provided by the Communications Department of The Florida Bar is to present media coverage that may be of interest to members. Opinions expressed in the articles are attributable solely to the authors. The Florida Bar does not adopt or endorse any opinions expressed below. For information on previous articles, please contact the publishing newspaper directly.
May 23, 2023
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The Florida Bar
MEREDITH SASSO APPOINTED TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT
The Florida Bar | Article | May 23, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Sixth DCA Chief Judge Meredith Sasso to the Florida Supreme Court. Sasso is the fourth woman justice and, as a Cuban-American, the fourth Hispanic justice Gov. DeSantis has appointed to the high court since taking office in 2019. Sasso fills the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Justice Ricky Polston. Prior to serving on the court, Sasso served as chief deputy general counsel for Gov. Rick Scott. In that role, she represented the Governor’s Office in litigation before the Florida Supreme Court, the First District Court of Appeal, and state and federal trial courts, among other duties. Sasso also led the effort to implement the new law creating the new Sixth DCA. She was charged with managing the myriad operational and fiscal components necessary to activate and maintain a district court of appeal.
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Judiciary
MEET THE NEW JUDGE: GOV. RON DESANTIS ELEVATES FLORIDA ATTORNEY TO THE BENCH
Daily Business Review | Article | May 22, 2023
Cory Chandler of Tampa has been chosen by the governor to fill a judicial vacancy. Chandler is an attorney at Spector Gadon Rosen Vinci, specializing in civil litigation and federal criminal defense. He has successfully defended clients against federal indictments in numerous jury trials and has represented major insurance companies in various cases. Previously, Chandler owned The Chandler Law Firm and worked as an Assistant State Attorney. The appointment comes after Judge Cynthia Oster was elevated to the Hillsborough Circuit Court. Another judicial vacancy exists in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, covering Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties. The position became available due to the resignation of Judge G. Richard Singeltary after 38 years of service. The Florida Bar also announced openings for lawyers to join the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission. Applicants must be practicing attorneys and residents within the relevant commission’s jurisdiction.
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Civil Justice
APPEALS COURT REJECTS LAWSUIT OVER FIU’S SHUTDOWN DURING COVID PANDEMIC
News Service of Florida | Article | May 22, 2023
The appeals court has dismissed a class-action lawsuit filed by students against Florida International University (FIU) due to the campus shutdown during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The named plaintiffs, Rebecca Alexandre and Sarah Fagundez, claimed a breach of contract as FIU collected fees for services that were not provided during the shutdown. However, the panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal overturned the decision made by a Miami-Dade County circuit judge and ordered the dismissal of the case. One of the crucial issues at hand was whether FIU was protected by sovereign immunity, which generally shields government agencies from liability. The University of South Florida’s request to dismiss a similar lawsuit was also denied by the 2nd District Court of Appeal. The Florida Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal by the University of South Florida.
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Civil Justice
CHINESE FLORIDIANS, REAL ESTATE COMPANY SUE OVER DESANTIS’ FOREIGN LAND OWNERSHIP LAW
Florida Times Union | Article | May 22, 2023
A group of Chinese Floridians and a real estate brokerage firm have filed a federal lawsuit against the state over a recently signed policy by Governor Ron DeSantis that they argue imposes “draconian restrictions” on individuals from China. The law, Senate Bill 264, targets “foreign countries of concern,” including China, and prohibits Chinese Americans from purchasing homes in Florida. It also restricts the purchase of farmland and property near military installations or critical infrastructure facilities. The lawsuit claims that the law forces the plaintiffs to cancel property purchases, register existing properties under threat of penalties, and harms their businesses. The plaintiffs are represented by organizations including the ACLU and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. The defendants include government officials and the Florida Real Estate Commission. Supporters of the law argue it is necessary for national security, while opponents raise discrimination concerns.
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Criminal Justice
DESANTIS PUTS HOLD ON FLORIDA EXECUTION FOLLOWING INSANITY CLAIM
News Service of Florida | Article | May 22, 2023
Governor Ron DeSantis has temporarily halted the execution of Duane Eugene Owen and ordered a psychiatric evaluation after his lawyers argued that he may be insane. Owen, scheduled for execution on June 15, will undergo evaluation by three psychiatrists. The evaluation was prompted by a letter from Owen’s lawyers, which included a neuropsychologist’s recent evaluation suggesting Owen meets the criteria for insanity. While the report does not demonstrate a lack of understanding regarding the death penalty, the governor implemented the evaluation out of caution. Owen, who has been on death row for over three decades, was convicted of the 1984 rape and murder of Georgianna Worden.
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Tech Tip
SAVE A FULL-PAGE SCREENSHOT ON YOUR IPHONE
The Florida Bar | Article | May 23, 2023
You might be familiar with taking a screenshot on your iPhone using the power and volume up button. Did you know you can screenshot a full-page or an email that exceeds the length of your iPhone and save it as a PDF? To capture a full-page, screenshot using the power and volume up button as usual, and then select the screenshot to open. At the top, select “Full-screen,” “Done,” and then “PDF to Files.”