Rudman, during the July 11 Santa Rosa County Republican Executive Committee political forum, denied he made an “obscene gesture” at White.
Florida House District 3 Representative Joel Rudman and South Santa Rosa News Publisher Romi White will face off in court on Wednesday, July 24 after the politician sought a temporary injunction against the reporter, alleging stalking.
First Judicial Circuit Judge Steven Warrick, in his order setting the hearing, stated:
“Upon review of the Petition, this Court concludes that a Temporary Injuction for (Protection) NOT be entered at this time.” Warrick went on to state, “The Court finds that based upon the facts, as stated in the Petition along and without a hearing on the matter, there is no appearance of an immediate and present danger of (stalking) that exists”
White issued the following response:
“I’m deeply thankful for an opportunity to question Rudman at length under oath. Joel has exhibited a pattern of lying. Additionally, he’s been contacting my customers, and, in the case of political candidates, threatening to endorse their competitors if they don’t pull their advertising with me. District 3 should not have to deal with a politician who abuses his power in such ways. I’m confident this request will be tossed out, and, subsequently, an Ethics Complaint and a complaint against his medical license will be pursued, due to him stating I should be Baker Acted.”
The hearing will take place at 8:15 a.m., Wednesday, July 24 at Santa Rosa County Courthouse, located at 4025 Avalon Boulevard in Milton.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Florida House District 2 Representative Alex Andrade will be representing Ms. White in the case.
