Longwood residents challenge recording ban at police lobby; commission appoints special magistrate for trespass appeals

The Longwood City Commission on Aug. 18 unanimously approved the appointment of Special Magistrate Amy Goodblatt to hear appeals of trespass warnings issued under Ordinance 23-22-66, a measure that residents say has been used to bar recording in the police department public lobby. The motion to appoint Goodblatt passed on a 5-0 roll call.

Supporters of the magistrate appointment and city staff said the role will provide an independent due-process forum for people who wish to appeal a trespass warning given under the ordinance. "This is due process given to the person that receives a warning under this ordinance," the City Attorney said, describing the magistrate's role as determining whether to uphold or overturn a warning.

Why it matters: the ordinance and its enforcement touch on a frequent point of friction between residents and municipal staff—whether people can record interactions with public servants in…