FAF NEWS

July 3, 2019






With a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, liberty and independence, the First Amendment Foundation wishes you and yours a Happy Independence Day.

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!
In Case You Missed It . . . FAF President Barbara Petersen To Retire

On Friday, June 28 your First Amendment Foundation announced that after 25 years of serving as President of FAF, Barbara Petersen has announced her plans to retire at the end of this year. Under Petersen’s leadership, the First Amendment Foundation worked with Governor Charlie Crist in the creation of the Office of Open Government in the Executive Office of the Governor and has written dozens of friend of the court briefs supporting citizens and the media, including two cases before the United States Supreme Court.

Petersen intends to stay involved in FAF and like causes in retirement. Petersen’s replacement will be announced sometime this fall as will details of her retirement celebration.
*Read what Florida journalists are saying about Barbara’s Departure:
 





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Quotes-of-the-Month - about Barbara Petersen's retirement

“You are brighter than the sun in any sunshine law. Thank you for everything, my friend.” –  Gilbert King , Pulitzer Prize-winning author of  Devil in the Grove
  
“If you are a Floridian, you owe  Barbara Petersen  your thanks. For a quarter-century, Barbara has been a tenacious and steady advocate for open government and in doing so, reminding our elected and appointed officials and public employees that ultimately in a democracy, it is the public who is boss and like any boss, they are entitled to see the records and activities of the business. These are big shoes to fill. Thank you, Barbara, as a Floridian, but also a former journalist who relied on open government to do her job.” –  Joni James , Chief Impact Officer, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and former Senior Editor, Tampa Bay Times

“Thank you for all you have accomplished and attempted to bring into the sunshine. Please keep helping us to Resist the darkness that surrounds this state. Enjoy your retirement You truly are a Warrior of Truth.” -  Cindy Lang  
FAF Top Posts - June
#1
Herald Tribune
June 12, 2019

#2
Daily Commerical by Will Hobson/ The Washington Post
June 18, 2019

#3
The Palm Beach Post by Tony Davis
June 19, 2019