Judith Fike, a Groveland City Councilwoman, has been reinstated following a suspension over old social media posts that mocked Pulse shooting victims. Attorney Anthony Sabatini announced the reinstatement after a preliminary hearing. Florida Circuit Judge Dan Morley noted that suspension could cause irreparable harm and indicated that Fike was likely to succeed in her defense. Fike was suspended due to controversial comments made in a post that many interpreted as mocking the shooting, but she argued the post was misconstrued and intended to be supportive.
My client Groveland City Councilmember Judy Fike has been REINSTATED to the Groveland City Council, effective immediately - after a preliminary hearing today at the Lake County Courthouse - HUGE WIN. The case will continue, but the major form of relief has been granted.
There is a likelihood of irreparable harm in that Petitioner is prohibited from voting at council meetings while suspended. As previously stated, the suspension is not set fourth [sic] in the City Charter of Ethics Policy therefore there is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.
Allowing Fike to vote on city issues did not present a disservice to the public.
The offending post read, 'Duh....why would the shooter target a gay club? My answer...Easier than marching them up steps to push off the roof..some sarcasm, some truth,' according to the Orlando Sentinel.
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