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.
April 14, 2025
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The Florida Bar
FOURTH DCA JNC SEEKS JUDICIAL APPLICANTS FOR TWO VACANCIES
The Florida Bar | Article | April 14, 2025
On April 11, 2025, Gov. Ron DeSantis asked the Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) to submit nominees for two vacancies on the Fourth District Court of Appeal, following the retirements of Judges Dorian Damoorgian and Martha C. Warner. Applicants must meet qualifications outlined in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution. The current application form, available on The Florida Bar website, must be submitted in both redacted and unredacted PDF versions by 4 p.m. on April 23, 2025, to Greg Schwinghammer, Debra Jenks, and cc’d to [email protected]. Applications must include a recent photograph, not exceed 8 MB, and be fully completed. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for May 20–22 and will be held in person. The JNC will issue a notice with interview details and a list of applicants. All proceedings are public except for deliberations.
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Legal Discipline
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT SETS DEADLINE FOR FARMER RESPONSE
News Service of Florida | Article | April 13, 2025
On Friday [April 11], the Florida Supreme Court gave former Senate Minority Leader Gary Farmer until April 21 to respond to a recommendation that he be suspended without pay as a Broward County circuit judge. The recommendation came from an investigative panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, which cited “pervasive and extensive” misconduct indicating Farmer’s “present unfitness to hold office.” The investigation began after complaints about comments he made during felony cases in August 2024. The panel found his remarks “discriminatory, offensive, sexually charged, and demeaning,” including references to a comedy sketch mocking gay people. Farmer served as Senate minority leader in 2021 before being removed by Democratic colleagues. He was elected to Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit in 2022 after six years in the Florida Senate.
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Civil Justice
JUDGE TOSSES DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST ARKMEDIA, NETFLIX AND HOST OF ‘WHO KILLED MALCOLM X?’
Daily Business Review | Article | April 11, 2025
On April 2025, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell of the Middle District of Florida dismissed defamation claims filed by Reginald E. Wood Jr. against Abdur Rahman Muhammad, Netflix, and Arkmedia over the documentary Who Killed Malcolm X? The court ruled personal jurisdiction was lacking over Muhammad and claims against Netflix and Arkmedia were time-barred. Wood, representing himself, alleged the defendants tried to control the “life rights” of his late cousin Raymond A. Wood, a former NYPD officer linked to a disputed deathbed confession about Malcolm X’s assassination. After Wood released the letter in 2021, Muhammad discussed it in two YouTube videos, one featuring Kelly Wood, who called the letter “fake.” The court emphasized Muhammad’s videos were not directed at Florida. Wood stated he may refile elsewhere.
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Criminal Justice
THE DEFENDANT CAN’T STAND TRIAL. BUT AN OCALA JUDGE ISN’T DISMISSING THE CHARGES, EITHER.
Ocala Star Banner | Article | April 13, 2025
In April 2025, Circuit Judge Peter Brigham declined to dismiss charges against Jason Leigh Dykes, despite a finding of mental incompetency due to traumatic brain injury and strokes. Ocala defense attorney David Mengers cited Florida Statute 916.303(1), arguing dismissal was appropriate since Dykes is unlikely to regain competency. Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon countered that charges should only be dismissed after five continuous years of incompetency and said restoration was possible. Dykes is charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and related offenses from a May 2020 crash in Marion County that killed 31-year-old Joshua Torch. His blood alcohol level was 0.193. Dykes was hospitalized and in rehabilitation until his October 2021 booking into the Marion County Jail, where he remained until his release to family two months ago.