The Lakeland Ledger has received the prestigious Brechner Center for Freedom of Information award for its successful battles to keep public records and government accessible.
This is a coveted national award, it recognizes excellence in reporting about freedom of information, access to government-held information or the First Amendment and it's a significant effort on behalf of all Floridians.
The Ledger submitted five stories, including ones on the Polk County School Board requiring people to present identification before entering meetings; the Lakeland Fire Department making people who want public records fill out a form to get them; and the city of Winter Haven failing to keep written minutes of its meetings. All three organizations changed their practices after The Ledger wrote stories as part of its weekly investigative Eye on Polk series. Continue>>>
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