By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
March 8, 2019 1:00 a.m.
Nassau County, Florida (and the City of Fernandina Beach) have been sued of late for not having a “close captioning” option as part of the ‘live streaming” videos of City Commission meetings and those of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners. The service of live streaming is managed by the Nassau County Clerk of the Courts, the office of John Crawford.
According to Mr. Crawford, “a complaint has been filed by Eddie I. Sierra against Nassau County with regard to the video streaming service it offers for the Board of County Commissioners’ meetings.
The current service does not offer a closed-captioning feature, which is at the heart of the complaint. There is currently no plan in place to halt the service, however, the County is still evaluating all options. The hope is to provide a solution in the end that will benefit all users.”
When reached by phone, Michael Mullin, Nassau County Manager and Nassau County Attorney, said such lawsuits, “have been filed all over Florida” and also confirmed that “no one has called” to request any sort of alternative method relating to live streaming of BOCC meetings. If such a request had been made, the County would have been prepared to immediately respond and make available whatever accommodation is necessary.
Despite the fact that no special requests have been made, nor any complaints received, Mullin said that it looks like the County will be settling “out of court” for the sum of $9,000 in attorney fees and $1,000 in compensatory damages.
Conversely, the City of Fernandina plans to halt live streaming.
To read a previous article by Suanne Thamm regarding the City’s decision and rationale to discontinue live streaming click on the following:
City to halt live streaming of FBCC meetings this spring
Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.
crooked lawyers abound