Exploring Transparency: My First Amendment Audit in Belle Glade, FL

Welcome to Good Citizen News Network! Today, I’m sharing my experience conducting a First Amendment audit in the vibrant city of Belle Glade, Florida. My goal was to visit key public spaces to exercise and document our constitutional right to film in public and ensure transparency and accountability in government.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of my day, highlighting the places I visited and the encounters I had:

Belle Glade City Hall

I started my day at the Belle Glade City Hall. The interactions here were positive, and I was fortunate to meet Mayor Wilson. In a true show of hospitality, the mayor personally walked me across the parking lot to my next stop, the Lawrence E. Will Museum of the Glades.

Lawrence E. Will Museum of the Glades

At the museum, I met Cheryl Stein, who went above and beyond by giving me a personal tour. The museum captures the rich history of Belle Glade and the surrounding area, offering a glimpse into the heritage of this unique community. Cheryl’s enthusiasm and knowledge made this visit a highlight of my day.

Belle Glade Branch Library

Next, I stopped at the Belle Glade Branch Library. Libraries are cornerstones of public access to knowledge, and this location did not disappoint. Dawn, a staff member, greeted me warmly and even gave me a tour of the library. It was great to see how dedicated the staff is to serving the community.

Belle Glade Post Office

The post office experience was a mixed bag. While most of the staff were respectful and professional, one worker made an inappropriate comment, suggesting I might “blow up the building.” While this was disappointing, it’s worth noting that the majority of the staff were courteous and adhered to professional standards.

C. L. Brumback Glades Health Center

Unfortunately, the health center didn’t have much activity during my visit, so I decided not to keep any of the footage. It’s a reminder that sometimes, audits can be quieter than expected.

Torry Island Swing Bridge

I wrapped up my day at the historic Torry Island Swing Bridge. Built in 1935, it’s the oldest swing drawbridge in Florida and the only manually operated one in the state. This unique structure connects Belle Glade to Torry Island and represents a piece of local history that continues to serve the community.

Reflection on the Day

Overall, Belle Glade proved to be a welcoming and respectful community. From the hospitality of Mayor Wilson and Cheryl, to the professionalism of the library staff and the historic charm of the Torry Island Swing Bridge, this audit highlighted the importance of public spaces and the people who make them thrive.

While there were minor challenges, such as the comment at the post office, these moments reinforce why it’s essential to exercise our rights and encourage accountability.

Watch the Full Video

To see the full story, including footage of my encounters and the places I visited, check out the video on my YouTube channel embedded at the top of this page.

Thank you for following along, and remember to stay informed, stay vigilant, and stand up for your rights. Until next time!