Law firm drops St. Johns County Airport Authority over allegations of law violations
Action News Jax obtained a letter sent to board members by Douglas Law Firm, in which the firm accused two board members of violating public meetings and records laws and Florida's voting conflicts law.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
'Our firm has repeatedly advised of the consequences that could endanger the Airport Authority,' wrote the firm. 'Those warnings and legal advice have been ignored.'
In a press release Saturday, the airport responded, saying it is aware of the law firm's withdrawal and, 'The staff of the Northeast Florida Regional Airport remains focused on the safe and orderly operation of the Airport while the Board of Directors addresses this matter at their next regularly scheduled board meeting. This matter has no impact on the day-to-day operations of the Airport'.
A special board meeting was previously scheduled for Monday, but was canceled by the board chair without explanation.
The next regular board meeting is March 10th.
Board member Jennifer Liotta told Action News Jax she found out about the press release from one of our reporters, not from her four fellow board members.
She's calling for a full investigation into the allegations laid out in the law firm's letter, adding that the lack of legal council is 'detrimental' to the board's operations.
'Do the proper interviews, document reviews, whatever's necessary and come back with a report. And that may potentially lead to referrals to the Florida Commission on Ethics or potentially law enforcement,' said Liotta.
Read: St. Johns County Sheriff's Office votes NO to unionization
We've learned the state attorney's office has been notified about the allegations and could review the case for potential criminal charges.
Action News Jax has reached out to the two board members named in the letter, but we have not heard back.
Read: St. Augustine study shows need for better street lighting downtown
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jacksonville Beach Police arrest two, recover stolen guns and drugs during traffic stop
The City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department announced the arrest of two people after a traffic stop at 5 3rd Street North on August 17. According to the police department, Officer Rich conducted a traffic stop at 5 3rd Street North for a stop violation. During the investigation, officers found: Three firearms, including an AR-style pistol Marijuana and psilocybin (mushrooms) Two of the firearms were confirmed stolen out of Jacksonville more than two years ago Cash The driver and passenger were both arrested. The driver, Xavier F. J. Fountain, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana <20g, and Driving while License Suspended. The passenger, Christian M. Bartley, was charged with Possession of Marijuana <20g. The guns that were found were seized and placed into evidence. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jacksonville mother of 5 missing for 2 days found alive in woods
A Jacksonville woman who disappeared Monday was found alive in the woods Wednesday after a massive rescue effort by police and firefighters. Kayla Bailey was last seen early Monday morning by one of her daughters as she left her home on Maxville Boulevard, her family told Action News Jax. Authorities said she could be in danger, sparking a search that covered the community and nearby wooded areas. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The Sky Action News Jax drone took video of the dense forest where Bailey was found. First responders described the discovery as a relief after she had gone two days without food, water, or shelter. 'She was found in a wooded area just off a trail,' Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Sgt. Michael Monts said. 'She was laying on the ground. She was alive and well when rescuers walked up on her.' RELATED: Missing mom of 5 found alive, Jacksonville police say Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department search teams spotted Bailey's feet from UTVs before reaching her. 'Search teams went out on UTVs … They were able to see her feet in the woods … and went and found her,' JFRD Chief Gary Kuehner said. Authorities mapped out the extensive search, which included officers on horseback, on foot, and by boat. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'She was within three-quarters of a mile,' Kuehner said. Hours after Action News Jax interviewed him, Bailey's husband, Joshua Bailey, was booked into jail on charges of violating probation and a domestic violence-related restraining order. Authorities said the arrest was not connected to the investigation of his wife's disappearance. 'The charges that he was arrested for are totally unrelated to the missing person's investigation,' Monts said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Bailey spoke briefly with her rescuers, though officials have not shared details. The fact that she is safe brought relief to the search team. 'Our victim was recovered alive and well. Which is great news to us,' Monts said. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bailey's disappearance. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Putnam County man indicted on child sex assault charges
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office says a 25-year-old man has been indicted on capital felony sexual assault charges. A grand jury handed down the indictment Tuesday morning against Logan Bangart of Interlachen. Read: Putnam County man arrested, accused of sexually assaulting a child Bangart is charged with sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and lewd or lascivious molestation. This marks the second grand jury indictment on capital felony sexual assault involving a child in Putnam County since May. The sheriff's office said that because of how quickly Bangart gained the child's trust, they fear there could be other unreported cases. Detectives are asking anyone with information about Bangart to call 386-329-0800. If convicted, the indictment means the death penalty could be sought in this case. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
