Let’s be clear: The government has no right to silence the speech of its residents—or its elected officials.
Yet that’s exactly what the Groveland Mayor and City Council tried to do when they illegally suspended Councilwoman Judith Fike over tweets made years before she ever ran for office.
Why? Because she wouldn’t play along. Because they wanted someone else in that seat. One of their own.
On July 8, 2025, Councilwoman Fike filed an emergency legal complaint to protect her constitutional rights—and yours.
The court ruled on July 16, 2025 what we all knew:
✅ Groveland’s Mayor and Council had no legal authority to suspend her
✅ They violated the Florida Constitution, and Sunshine Laws
✅ This was a political stunt—paid for with your tax dollars
-Councilwoman Judith Fike
Because Judith Fike asks hard questions.
Because she stands up to unchecked development and wasteful spending.
Because she puts you—the people of Groveland—first.
They tried to use their office to force her out and make room for their friends.
They failed.
“I take full responsibility for my past words. I regret them deeply, and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was hurt by them, Personal growth isn’t always neat or pretty, but it is necessary. I’m proud of the person I’ve become and the leader I strive to be.
Since early 2024, I’ve devoted myself to serving this community. I attend nearly every city event. I participate in almost every meeting, and I serve on several boards. And I submit regular Director Reports that are a matter of public record because I believe in transparency, accountability and showing up.
I’ve campaigned on inclusiveness, fairness and standing up for Groveland – not tearing others down. That’s what makes this political attack so disappointing. These tweets didn’t suddenly resurface, someone chose to dig them up and distribute them anonymously in an election season, to distract from the real issues.
I will not let that tactic work.
Our focus must stay on what matters:
* Combating bad overdevelopment and preserving our agricultural roots
* Revitalizing downtown Groveland
* Fully funding our roads
* Building a stronger, more connected Groveland for everyone.
The voters of Groveland know me not by a past post – but by my present action. I am not perfect. But I am committed, I am accountable, and I am present.
Let’s move forward – not backward – and keep our eyes on the real prize: building a stronger, more vibrant city together.”
WeLikeFike.com
Paid for by Judith Fike, Candidate for Re-Election Groveland Council, District 4
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