Tim Nickens visit

  Almost anything you say over the phone or on the internet is public record.  I never knew how easy it was to actually obtain those records until Tim Nickens explained it in his visit.  He discussed the Sunshine Laws and how they make it easy for reporters and other officials to obtain public records.  Nickens explained that it is easier to request public records in Florida than in most other states.  Public records are extremely valuable sources of information, so it must be difficult reporting in other states where it is not so easy to obtain public records.
  I found it fascinating that anyone can find out if another person has voted or not through public records.  Although they cannot see who the person voted for, it can be beneficial to see that they actually voted. 
  Nickens discussed how the public can see the cost, square footage, etc. of a person's home through public records.  I feel this is too invasive, but these are areas that are not exempt from public record.
  When I took Advanced Reporting last year, we looked up public records such as these.  It is amazing how much you can learn through public records.  I have been writing for years now and never realized the pure value of public records.  It gets to the facts and the raw evidence.
  Online sex predators are caught in internet stings with the help of public records.  The accused person's computer is searched and the evidence is clear through public records.
  Nickens brought the importance of public records to light.