![Jack Sanborn is a local businessman and a long-time member of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council. On Nov. 6, he was charged with the violation of Florida's Sunshine Law. [File photo]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-5d3f7ed5-76af-3b58-e053-0100007ff475-fc72bb9e-scaled.jpeg)
MILTON — Local businessman Jack Sanborn has been charged with violating Florida’s Sunshine Law.
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced the indictment on Nov. 6, stating that Sanborn was charged with a non-criminal violation which is punishable by a fine.
Sanborn will visit the matter in Santa Rosa County Court on Dec. 5, when the court will determine the amount of the fine, which cannot exceed $500, according to Eddins. County Judge Robert Hilliard has been assigned to oversee the court proceedings.
Sanborn will have two choices: pay the assigned fine or go before a judge where both sides will be presented in a hearing and a decision will be made.
The complaint that Sanborn was possibly violating a Sunshine Law involving members of the Tourist Development Council — in which Sanborn is a long-time member — was brought to Eddins’ attention in August by Santa Rosa County Attorney Roy Andrews.
Florida's Sunshine Law provides access to governmental proceedings at state and local levels. The laws also apply to gatherings of two or more members of the same board to discuss a matter that could come before a board for action, according to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's website.
The Sunshine Laws also apply to elected and appointed governmental boards, such as the TDC. The TDC comprises nine members and advises Santa Rosa County’s Tourism Development Office on issues such as marketing and the spending of grants and other funds.
Eddins’ office issued a press release that stated Sanborn “did unlawfully engage in a discussion or exchange of information with other members of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council.”
All members of the TDC were interviewed, as well as other support personnel, according to Eddins. The investigation is now complete. Sanborn was also interviewed in late August, but following the official charge, he said he is unsure of the nature of the alleged violation.
Sanborn is the owner and president of Adventures Unlimited in Milton, as well as Gulfstar Advertising Brochure Distribution.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Local businessman charged with Sunshine Law violation