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Judicial Watch founder among eight disciplined by Florida Supreme Court

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Judicial Watch founder among eight disciplined by Florida Supreme Court



The Florida Supreme Court has suspended Judicial Watch founder Larry Klayman for two years.

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The Florida Supreme Court recently disciplined eight attorneys, suspending seven and reprimanding one.

The Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar and its Division of Lawyer Regulation are charged with administering a statewide disciplinary system to enforce Supreme Court rules of professional conduct for the more than 114,000 members of The Florida Bar.

Court orders are not final until time expires to file a rehearing motion and, if filed, determined. The filing of such a motion does not alter the effective date of the discipline. Disbarred lawyers may not re-apply for admission for five years. They are required to go through an extensive process that includes a rigorous background check and retaking the Bar exam. Attorneys suspended for periods of 91 days and longer must undergo a rigorous process to regain their law licenses including proving rehabilitation. Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment.

Boca Raton

Larry Elliot Klayman, suspended for two years. Admitted to practice in 1977, Klayman engaged in a conflict of interest when he represented plaintiffs in three separate cases against Judicial Watch, an organization he founded and for which he previously served as general counsel, without seeking conflict waivers. In another matter, he expressed to his client that his personal feelings for her rendered him unable to properly represent her. However, he failed to withdraw from her case even after being terminated, and he publicized the case against her wishes.

Fort Lauderdale

David Casals, suspended due to a felony conviction. Admitted to practice in 2000, Casals was charged by information with Trafficking in cocaine, Delivery of cocaine, and Introduction of contraband into a County Detention Facility. On Sept. 5, Casals was convicted after a jury trial of Possession of Cocaine, a third-degree felony, and Introduction of Contraband into a County Detention Facility, a first-degree misdemeanor.

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Casals was sentenced to 364 days in the Palm Beach County Jail, followed by a three-year term of supervised probation with other conditions. Casals has filed a notice of appeal. The Supreme Court of Florida has ordered that a referee recommend the appropriate disciplinary sanction for Casal’s criminal misconduct.

Marcy S. Resnik, suspended for 10 days and ordered to attend Ethics School. Admitted to practice in 1988, Resnik entered a plea of no contest to the misdemeanor charge of Obstruction/Resisting an Officer without Violence. The charge was based upon Resnik’s advice to a former client that she should not discuss a certain matter with police because she had previously signed a settlement agreement that contained a confidentiality and non-disparagement clause.

Panama City

Billy-Joe Hoot Crawford, felony suspension. Admitted to practice in 1998, Crawford was convicted of one count of Interference with Custody, a third-degree felony, and one count of Tampering with a Witness, Victim or Informant, a third-degree felony, on Jan. 30, 2024.

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Altamonte Springs

Jeffrey Rice Hussey, suspended. Admitted to practice in 1990, Hussey failed to respond to an official Bar inquiry and the Bar filed a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause with The Florida Supreme Court. The Court issued an Order to Show Cause to which Hussey failed to respond.

Plantation

Joan Marie Powers, suspended for 20 days. Admitted to practice in 1985, Powers filed appearances in immigration proceedings while her clients were being held at Krome Detention Center. The appearances specifically indicated that Powers would represent her clients in all proceedings, where Powers claimed her services were only meant for the cases while at Krome.

When each client was released from Krome, Powers took no further action on their cases but failed to withdraw. In one matter, after failing to appear for a removal hearing, that client was ordered deported. In the other, a one-year deadline to file a petition for asylum was missed.

Orlando

Eduardo Rodriguez, public reprimand administered by personal appearance before the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, completion of Ethics School, completion of Professionalism Workshop, and completion of an additional continuing legal education course. Admitted to practice in 1999, Rodriguez, the supervising partner of his law firm, at times permitted retainer and contingency fee contracts and other legal documents to be notarized by qualified law firm employees without the notaries having witnessed the execution of the documents, nor were the client/signors present, as required by Florida law regarding notarizations.

St. Petersburg

Jennifer Anne Tanck, suspended. Admitted to practice in 2008, Tanck failed to respond to an official Bar inquiry and the Bar filed a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause with The Florida Supreme Court. The Court issued an Order to Show Cause to which Tanck failed to respond.

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Key discipline case files that are public record are posted to attorneys’ individual online Florida Bar profiles. To view discipline documents, follow these steps. Information on the discipline system and how to file a complaint are available at www.floridabar.org/attorneydiscipline.



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Former Florida guards swap jersey in first NBA meeting

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Former Florida guards swap jersey in first NBA meeting


Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard wore the same logo on their chests for two years, but now they’re both looking to make a name for themselves in the NBA. Still, the duo remains part of Florida Gators history, and what do old teammates do when they meet up at the pro level? That’s right, it’s jersey swap time.

Richard and the Golden State Warriors got the better of Clayton and the Utah Jazz, 134-117, but it was all love after the game. The two won a national championship just seven months ago, and they remain the blueprint for transfer success at Florida under Todd Golden.

Although Clayton was the bigger star in college, Richard has gotten off to a hotter start in the NBA. He’s started a few games for the Warriors and put up nine points, six rebounds and two steals in Monday night’s win. Despite coming off the bench, Richard played 29 minutes. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and point guard Steph Curry have praised the former Gator, who’s emerging as one of the biggest steals of the NBA draft (56th overall).

Clayton’s NBA career has started off slower. The 18th overall pick is averaging 5.4 points, 3.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds over 15.9 minutes per game. He spent a game at the G-League level earlier this week, but a 20-point, five-rebound and five-assist outburst got him called back up after a few days.

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Although Clayton went scoreless in the head-to-head matchup with his former teammate, he had four assists, one rebound and a block.

This won’t be the last time the two meet on the hardcourt. Gators fans hope to see several matchups between the two, hopefully with both as starters, in the coming years. Getting the jersey swap out of the way early is smart. Who knows how tightly contested those future contests will be?

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.





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DHS moves to deport ‘criminal illegal alien’ who threw coffee at Florida mom and baby over unleashed dog

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DHS moves to deport ‘criminal illegal alien’ who threw coffee at Florida mom and baby over unleashed dog


Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to deport an alleged “criminal illegal alien” from Finland accused of throwing coffee on a baby, mother and the family’s dog during an altercation in Florida. 

Nina Kristina Jaaskelainen, who has been in the country illegally since 1999, was hit with an immigration detainer following her arrest in New Smyrna, Fla., earlier this month on battery and domestic violence charges.

Jaaskelainen, 54, allegedly hurled coffee at the mother, infant and their dog after becoming enraged that they had strolled past her property with their pooch off-leash, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. 

Jaaskelainen has been in the country illegally since 1999, according to DHS. Volusia County Sheriff

A police affidavit noted the dog, a Dalmatian, was indeed not on a leash but “following closely alongside (the mother and son),” according to News 6 Orlando. 

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The Finnish national first threw coffee at the dog, which led to an argument during which Jaaskelainen tossed another cup of joe at the mother and her 11-month-old son, police said.  

“It was all over my clothes, and all over him,” the victim, Kelly Brisell, told WESH 2 News. “It was over his eyes, nose and temple. Thank God the coffee wasn’t hot.”

Cops observed dried coffee on the mother, child and dog when they arrived at the scene, and Jaaskelainen “confirmed that she had thrown coffee on (the mother’s) dog and denied intentionally throwing coffee on (the mother) and her baby,” according to the affidavit. 

Jaaskelainen defended her actions by claiming the unleashed dog was upsetting her own dog, and argued that the family and their pet were on her property.

The enraged homeowner first entered the country on a tourist visa in April 1999. 

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She was required to leave the US by July 1999, but flouted federal law and opted to remain in the country illegally for the last 26 years.


ICE agent
Jaaskelainen was hit with an ICE detainer after being charged with assaulting the mother and child. AP

The detainer ensures that Jaaskelainen is “not released back into American neighborhoods,” according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

“For over TWO DECADES, Jaaskelainen has been in our country illegally, skirting the law without consequence,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement Monday. “Now, a baby, a mother, and a dog have been assaulted by her.”

 “She is now facing charges for battery and domestic violence,” McLaughlin continued. “ICE lodged an arrest detainer to ensure she can never victimize another American family. 

“President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow illegal aliens to terrorize American citizens.”

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Florida’s Funky Bayside Town Offers Scenic, Coastal Recreation And Art Galleries – Explore

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Florida’s Funky Bayside Town Offers Scenic, Coastal Recreation And Art Galleries – Explore






Set on the gentle waters of Boca Ciega Bay, the small town of Gulfport delivers a mix of Old Florida charm and bayside leisure. Once a humble fishing village, Gulfport has managed to stay delightfully unpolished even as the larger Tampa Bay metro area expands around it. Take a slow walk along the waterfront pier between Shore Boulevard and Beach Boulevard for sunset views — if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins cutting through the shallows. From the Municipal Marina, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mangrove-fringed estuary of Clam Bayou Nature Preserve where herons and osprey stir in the salt air.

The Gulfport Beach Park draws a mellow crowd to its calm shores and is still just steps from art galleries, museums, and restaurants. The compact town layout means you can park once and spend the day exploring on foot. Getting to Gulfport is easy, with Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International (PIE) both within a 30-minute drive. Once you arrive, the pace slows to match the tide. To extend your visit in the area, consider continuing on to Safety Harbor, known as the “Jewel of Tampa Bay.”

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Art, color, and a touch of quirkiness

If Gulfport has a pulse, it beats strongest along Beach Boulevard, where galleries, vintage shops, and sidewalk cafés radiate local color. The town’s long-standing embrace of the offbeat has made it a haven for artists, writers, and makers who prefer brushstrokes over big-box stores. On the first Friday and third Saturday of every month, the Art Walk transforms the streets into an open-air gallery. Musicians play, artists paint live in The Village Courtyard, and the scent of fresh seafood drifts from waterfront restaurants. Between events, galleries showcase everything from blown glass and hand-stitched textiles to vivid paintings of Gulfport’s own oak-lined streets.

For overnight stays, opt for character over corporate. The Peninsula Inn & Spa, housed in a lovingly restored 1905 building, anchors the town’s lodging scene. You’ll also find cozy cottages and boutique inns that mirror Gulfport’s creative, walkable spirit. Dining is as eclectic as the décor. Expect Venezuelan comfort food, dockside seafood, and small wine bars tucked beneath the oaks. The vibe is unhurried and communal. This is a town for browsing, chatting, and lingering over a second cup of coffee. If you’re looking for more artsy Florida communities to explore, check out mural-filled DeLand, known as the “Athens of Florida.”

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The story of Gulfport

Long before it became a bohemian hideaway, Gulfport began as Barnett’s Bluff, settled in 1868 by James and Rebecca Barnett. Over time it cycled through a few identities — Disston City, Bonifacio, Veteran City — before officially becoming Gulfport in 1910. Its enduring symbol, the Gulfport Casino, has been the town’s social anchor for more than a century. The current 1930s-era building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still hosts dances and community events overlooking the bay.

That independent streak still defines the town. Gulfport’s dining scene skips national chains in favor of small, personality-driven spots. The Pink Winehouse, known for its wines, barbeque, and chill vibes, is a local favorite. Most guesthouses and short-term rentals sit within walking distance of shops, the marina, and the bayfront park, making it easy to experience the town without a car.

Parking is free and plentiful, and the Gulfport Historical Society offers walking tours that uncover the stories behind the cottages, piers, and historic homes. Together, they reveal a town that’s grown with grace: colorful, creative, and confident in its quirks. If you have time during your trip to Gulfport, make the journey to some of these other spectacular beaches around Tampa Bay.

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