I often find that people take umbrage at things without full knowledge of the facts. Here are some facts. Code Enforcement records are public records.
From the Office of the Attorney General on Florida Public Records Laws
"Florida began its tradition of openness back in 1909 with the passage of what has come to be known as the "Public Records Law," Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law provides that any records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by the Legislature. Over the years, the definition of what constitutes "public records" has come to include not just traditional written documents such as papers, maps and books, but also tapes, photographs, film, sound recordings and records stored in computers.
It was in 1967 that Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law was enacted. Today, the Sunshine Law can be found in Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes. The Sunshine Law establishes a basic right of access to most meetings of boards, commissions and other governing bodies of state and local governmental agencies or authorities. "
There is a difference between a public record and intrusion.
ReplyDeleteIt is upsetting enough to get a notice from code without having every neighbor from here to 30th st. knowing about it.
Publicly embarassing a 70 year old is not my thing.
If the offending offender gets a judgment or ends up in court then publish away.
I agree with your comment, however, there are other views. It is impossible to help a neighbor if you do not know they need help. In the case of many elderly they have no ability to help themselves or understanding of how they can obtain assistance.
ReplyDeleteMany of us wish to know the difference between an elderly person who needs help and someone who just doesn't give a darn. If people know who needs help then the case never needs to get a judgement or end up in court!