The Sunshine Law and a popular public Italian dish, baked ziti. Delizioso!

Learn more about the infamous baked ziti incident at Lake Worth City Hall below. But first. . .

MYTH vs. FACT:

FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAW.
Plus two very informative videos below.

One of the ways troublemakers and malcontents try to shake public confidence in City government and elected officials is to plant the seed of wrongdoing, e.g., just suggest a “Sunshine Law” violation, not even an actual allegation. Say things like, “commissioner so-and-so was spotted with commissioner so-and-so over lunch at such-and-such restaurant”.

There is nothing wrong with elected officials having lunch together. Or talking. Or acting like a regular human being in general. But there are rules for electeds (explained in the first video below).

If you ever hear an electeds name mentioned and the Sunshine Law cited, it’s very important to know what the law is and what it’s intended to do — and just as importantly — what the law does not cover and is not intended to do.

Lake Worth City Attorney Glen Torcivia gave an excellent summation of the Sunshine Law several years back. This was around the time of the infamous “Baked Ziti incident” at Lake Worth City Hall and shortly thereafter when a former Lake Worth commissioner went ‘prowling’ for a Sunshine Law violation at a BBQ in Sunset Ridge Park. . . and yes indeed! If you wanted, there was also a side dish of delicious baked ziti available that day.

The video below is highly-recommended viewing for anyone interested in learning more about this subject from the City of Lake Worth’s long-time and well-respected city attorney:

Glen J. Torcivia, “Serving Florida clients

for over 25 years”:

The political theater of “Sunshine Law Violation!”, or “Wag the Dog” tactics to manipulate the public aren’t new by any means.

At Sunset Ridge Park in 2016. . .

A former Lake Worth commissioner prowling

for a Sunshine Law violation:

Sadly however, there remain some in the public left ‘scratching their heads’ when allegations of Sunshine Law violations are alleged and misunderstand or are confused about all the political theatrics and about what is actually happening.

So please take the time and watch the video of “The Florida Sunshine Law” explained by City Attorney Glen Torcivia, if you haven’t done so already, and share it with your neighbors, friends, and family.

And if you happen to know anyone in the press or news media — share it with them too — just as a refresher.