Daytona Beach News-Journal: Court to rule on public’s right to speak

BY JAY STAPLETON

DAYTONA BEACH — Two years ago, a civil rights legend with deep roots in Central Florida was not permitted to speak at a public hearing about a water treatment plant on the St. Johns River.

William Stetson Kennedy, who died earlier this year at the age of 94, wanted to voice his disapproval of the project. It was, after all, his right as a Florida citizen.

Or was it?

Although Kennedy didn’t live to see the court case he started come to its resolution, he and his widow are now at the center of a dispute over the public’s right to be heard at public meetings.

Read more here.