Case: Baroody v. City of Quincy Florida

4:20-cv-00217 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

Filed Date: April 28, 2020

Closed Date: June 19, 2020

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On March 26, 2020, the City of Quincy, Florida adopted a redistricting plan which created four (4) districts, “apportioning population to create nearly equal populations between districts.” (ECF 21, p2). In this case, two White voters challenged a redistricting plan adopted by Quincy, which has a majority Black population, alleging that the plan disperses “racial-minority electors” in a way that prevents them from engaging in in political cohesion, “such that they now have no meaningful opportu…

On March 26, 2020, the City of Quincy, Florida adopted a redistricting plan which created four (4) districts, “apportioning population to create nearly equal populations between districts.” (ECF 21, p2). In this case, two White voters challenged a redistricting plan adopted by Quincy, which has a majority Black population, alleging that the plan disperses “racial-minority electors” in a way that prevents them from engaging in in political cohesion, “such that they now have no meaningful opportunity to win the election…” (ECF 1, p13). Plaintiffs claimed that the City, and certain officials, implemented the plan to intentionally “dilute, deny and abridge” the voting rights of its White voters.

On May 15, 2020, private plaintiffs- eligible voters- filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida against the City of Quincy, Florida, its Mayor, Mayor Per Tem and City Commissioners. The plaintiffs alleged that the redistricting plan constitutes vote dilution in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (52 U.S.C. Section 1030(a)), which prohibits any “standard, practice, or procedure” which “results in a denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color…”. Plaintiffs argued that the plan diluted the strength of the White vote in Quincy, thus constituting “denial or abridgement” of their right to vote based on race. Accordingly, the plaintiffs sought preliminary injunction, specifically asking the court to either (i) declare the redistricting plan invalid; (ii) compel Defendants to redraw a redistricting map that does not violate dilute the voting strength of White voters; or (iii) should Defendants fail to timely adopt such plan, to draw a new map itself.

On May 22, 2020, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, further alleging that the redistricting plan is unconstitutional. Plaintiffs claimed that the redistricting plan was implemented with discriminatory motive and is therefore unconstitutional discrimination in violation of Equal Protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. Plaintiffs also argued that the plan impermissibly burdens the right to vote, right to core political speech, association and expression guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Furthermore, plaintiffs alleged that the plan violates the Fifteenth Amendment, which “forbids denial and abridgement of the right to vote on account of race or ethnicity”.  Accordingly, in addition to the injunctive relief sought, plaintiffs requested declaratory relief.

The case was assigned to Judge Allen Winsor. On June 7, 2020, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. The court found that plaintiffs were not likely to succeed on their claims of vote dilution under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Specifically, the court held that the plaintiffs failed to prove that (i) Quincy’s White population was “sufficiently large and geographically compact” to form an effective voting majority in an additional district; (ii) White voters in Quincy act as a “politically cohesive unit”; and (iii) the city’s racial majority “votes sufficiently as a bloc usually to defeat the minority’s preferred candidates.”. Additionally, plaintiffs failed to show that a balance of the interests favors the granting of the injunction, nor that such relief is in the public interest. The remaining claims, seeking declaratory relief, were unaddressed by this order.

On June 19, 2020, plaintiffs filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss the case without prejudice. The court granted the motion the same day.

This case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Kirby Shilling (11/9/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17149140/parties/baroody-v-city-of-quincy-florida/


Judge(s)

Winsor, Allen Cothrel (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

ANDREWS, RYAN JOSHUA (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

BROWN, JOSEPH ALEXANDER (Florida)

DIOT, KRISTEN CANDICE (Florida)

JAZIL, MOHAMMAD OMAR (Florida)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

4:20-cv-00217

Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

April 28, 2020

April 28, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
7

4:20-cv-00217

Plaintiffs' Notice of Constitutional Challenge

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

May 7, 2020

May 7, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
15

4:20-cv-00217

Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

May 15, 2020

May 15, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
18

4:20-cv-00217

First Amended Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

4:20-cv-00217

Defendants' Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

May 29, 2020

May 29, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
22

4:20-cv-00217

Plaintiffs' Reply Brief in Further Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

June 2, 2020

June 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
23

4:20-cv-00217

Defendants' Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Supplemental Memorandum Directed at Plaintiffs' Reply in Support of Their Preliminary Injunction Motion

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
25

4:20-cv-00217

City of Quincy's Motion in Limine to Exclude New Argument and Evidence Presented in Plaintiffs' Reply and Incorporated Memorandum of Law in Support

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
30

4:20-cv-00217

City's Motion to Dismiss and Incorporated Memorandum of Law

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

June 5, 2020

June 5, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
31

4:20-cv-00217

Order Denying Preliminary Injunction Motion

Baroody, Et Al V. City Of Quincy Florida, Et Al

June 7, 2020

June 7, 2020

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17149140/baroody-v-city-of-quincy-florida/

Last updated Dec. 21, 2024, 9:17 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA, KEITH DOWDELL, RONTE HARRIS, ANGELA SAPP (Filing fee $400.), filed by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-City of Quincy, # 2 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-Dowdell, # 3 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-Harris, # 4 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-Sapp) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 04/28/2020)

1 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-City of Quincy

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2 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-Dowdell

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3 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-Harris

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4 Exhibit Summons to be Issued-Sapp

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April 28, 2020

April 28, 2020

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2

CIVIL COVER SHEET. (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 04/28/2020)

April 28, 2020

April 28, 2020

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3

Summons Issued as to CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA, KEITH DOWDELL, RONTE HARRIS, ANGELA SAPP. (Attachments: # 1 Summons DOWDELL individually, # 2 Summons HARRIS, # 3 Summons SAPP) (blb) (Entered: 04/29/2020)

1 Summons DOWDELL individually

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2 Summons HARRIS

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3 Summons SAPP

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April 29, 2020

April 29, 2020

PACER
4

Filing fee: $ 400.00, receipt number FLN400039009. Fee status updated to paid. (blb) (Entered: 04/29/2020)

April 29, 2020

April 29, 2020

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5

SUMMONS Returned Executed by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA served on 4/29/2020, answer due 5/20/2020; KEITH DOWDELL served on 4/29/2020, answer due 5/20/2020; RONTE HARRIS served on 4/29/2020, answer due 5/20/2020; ANGELA SAPP served on 4/29/2020, answer due 5/20/2020. (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 04/29/2020)

April 29, 2020

April 29, 2020

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6

MOTION for Case Management Conference and Scheduling Order by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 05/07/2020)

May 7, 2020

May 7, 2020

PACER
7

NOTICE OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1-Complaint) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 05/07/2020)

1 Exhibit 1-Complaint

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May 7, 2020

May 7, 2020

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8

ORDER GRANTING IN PART 6 MOTION FOR CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND SCHEDULING ORDER signed by JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR on 5/8/20.Plaintiff must file a report indicating when the parties conferred, indicating who participated, reporting any agreements reached, and noting any areas of disagreement by 5/11/2020. The court will hold a telephonic status conference on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. The clerk will distribute call-in information. Plaintiff must provide the call-in information to Defendants. (tss) (Entered: 05/08/2020)

May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020

PACER
9

NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC HEARING Telephonic Status Conference set for 5/12/2020 at 10:00 AM before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR. ALL PARTIES are directed to call the AT&T Conference Line (see below) Conference Call Information You may dial into the call up to five minutes before start time. Call in number: 877 873 8018 When prompted for an access code, enter: 6109198# If you are asked to join as the host, just ignore and wait until you are asked for a security code. When asked for a security code, enter: 7020# Say your name, when prompted. You are now in the conference call. Remember to mute your phone when you are not speaking. The Court also asks that counsel try NOT use cell phones or speaker phones during the call as the quality of the audioconnection is compromised by these devices. However, the Court also understands that under the current circumstances, a cell phone may be all that is available. Note: If you or any party, witness or attorney in this matter has a disability that requires special accommodations, such as a hearing impairment that requires a sign-language interpreter or a wheelchair restriction that requires ramp access, please contact the Clerk's Office at least one week prior to the hearing (or as soon as possible) so arrangements can be made. s/TiAnn Stark Courtroom Deputy Clerk (tss) (Entered: 05/08/2020)

May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by JOSEPH ALEXANDER BROWN on behalf of All Defendants (BROWN, JOSEPH) (Entered: 05/08/2020)

May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020

RECAP
11

STATUS REPORT IN RESPONSE TO ORDER GRANTING IN PART MOTION FOR CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND SCHEDULING ORDER by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 05/11/2020)

May 11, 2020

May 11, 2020

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12

Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR:Telephonic Scheduling Conference held on 5/12/2020 - written order to follow (Court Reporter Lisa Snyder, USDC Tallahassee) (tss) (Entered: 05/12/2020)

May 12, 2020

May 12, 2020

RECAP
13

ORDER SETTING PROCEDURES signed by JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR on 5/12/20. Plaintiffs deadline to file their preliminary injunction motion is Friday, 5/15/2020. Defendants must respond within 14 days after the motion is filed. The court will hold a telephonic status conference on May 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The clerk will provide call-in information. (tss) (Entered: 05/13/2020)

May 12, 2020

May 12, 2020

PACER
14

NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC HEARING Telephonic Status Conference set for 5/20/2020 at 10:00 AM before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR. ALL PARTIES are directed to call the AT&T Conference Line (see below) Conference Call Information You may dial into the call up to five minutes before start time. Call in number: 877 873 8018 When prompted for an access code, enter: 6109198# If you are asked to join as the host, just ignore and wait until you are asked for a security code. When asked for a security code, enter: 7020# Say your name, when prompted. You are now in the conference call. Remember to mute your phone when you are not speaking. The Court also asks that counsel try NOT use cell phones or speaker phones during the call as the quality of the audioconnection is compromised by these devices. However, the Court also understands that under the current circumstances, a cell phone may be all that is available. Note: If you or any party, witness or attorney in this matter has a disability that requires special accommodations, such as a hearing impairment that requires a sign-language interpreter or a wheelchair restriction that requires ramp access, please contact the Clerk's Office at least one week prior to the hearing (or as soon as possible) so arrangements can be made. s/TiAnn Stark Courtroom Deputy Clerk (tss) (Entered: 05/13/2020)

May 13, 2020

May 13, 2020

PACER
15

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 06.25.19 Quincy Commission Meeting Transcript, # 2 Exhibit Chen Declaration, # 3 Exhibit Election Billing Records) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 05/15/2020)

1 Exhibit 06.25.19 Quincy Commission Meeting Transcript

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2 Exhibit Chen Declaration

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3 Exhibit Election Billing Records

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May 15, 2020

May 15, 2020

RECAP
16

Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR:Telephonic Status Conference held on 5/20/2020 from 10:00 to 10:12 a.m. - Ryan Andrews present for the Plaintiffs; Mohammad Jazil and Joseph Brown present for the Defendants - hearing set for June 4, 2020 at 10:00 in Tallahassee courthouse - written order to follow (Court Reporter Lisa Snyder, USDC Tallahassee) (tss) (Entered: 05/20/2020)

May 20, 2020

May 20, 2020

PACER
17

NOTICE of Hearing on Motion 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Motion Hearing set for 6/4/2020 at 10:00 AM in U.S. Courthouse Tallahassee before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR. Note: If you or any party, witness or attorney in this matter has a disability that requires special accommodations, such as a hearing impairment that requires a sign-language interpreter or a wheelchair restriction that requires ramp access, please contact the Clerk's Office at least one week prior to the hearing (or as soon as possible) so arrangements can be made. s/TiAnn StarkCourtroom Deputy Clerk to the Honorable Allen Winsor (tss) (Entered: 05/20/2020)

May 20, 2020

May 20, 2020

PACER
18

First AMENDED COMPLAINT for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief against All Defendants All Defendants., filed by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Email dated March 9, 2020, # 2 Exhibit Adopted Redistricting Plan, # 3 Exhibit June 25, 2019 Transcript of City of Quincy Meeting, # 4 Exhibit Chen Declaration, # 5 Exhibit Racial Heat Maps, # 6 Exhibit March 24, 2020 Transcript of City of Quincy Meeting) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 05/22/2020)

1 Exhibit Email dated March 9, 2020

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2 Exhibit Adopted Redistricting Plan

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3 Exhibit June 25, 2019 Transcript of City of Quincy Meeting

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4 Exhibit Chen Declaration

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5 Exhibit Racial Heat Maps

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6 Exhibit March 24, 2020 Transcript of City of Quincy Meeting

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May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

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19

MOTION FOR CLARIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSE TO AMENDED COMPLAINT by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA. . (BROWN, JOSEPH) Modified on 5/27/2020 (tss). (Entered: 05/27/2020)

May 27, 2020

May 27, 2020

PACER
20

ORDER REGARDING DEADLINES signed by JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR on 5/27/20. The 19 Motion for Clarification is granted. This order confirms Defendants response to the preliminary injunction motion remains due 5/29/2020. Their response to the amended complaint is due 6/5/2020. (tss) (Entered: 05/27/2020)

May 27, 2020

May 27, 2020

RECAP
21

RESPONSE in Opposition re 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA, KEITH DOWDELL, RONTE HARRIS, ANGELA SAPP. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4) (BROWN, JOSEPH) (Entered: 05/29/2020)

1 Exhibit Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit Exhibit 3

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4 Exhibit Exhibit 4

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May 29, 2020

May 29, 2020

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22

REPLY to Response to Motion re 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Baroody Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Farmer Declaration, # 3 Exhibit Chen Second Declaration, # 4 Exhibit June 2, 2020 Roberts' Email, # 5 Exhibit 1975 Quincy District 1 Election Results, # 6 Exhibit McLean Deposition Transcript, # 7 Exhibit March 24, 2020 Quincy City Commission Meeting Transcript, # 8 Exhibit Spitzer Deposition Transcript, # 9 Exhibit March 18, 2020 Quincy City Commission Meeting Transcript, # 10 Exhibit March 26, 2020 Quincy City Commission Meeting Transcript) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 06/02/2020)

1 Exhibit Baroody Declaration

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2 Exhibit Farmer Declaration

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3 Exhibit Chen Second Declaration

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4 Exhibit June 2, 2020 Roberts' Email

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5 Exhibit 1975 Quincy District 1 Election Results

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6 Exhibit McLean Deposition Transcript

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7 Exhibit March 24, 2020 Quincy City Commission Meeting Transcript

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8 Exhibit Spitzer Deposition Transcript

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9 Exhibit March 18, 2020 Quincy City Commission Meeting Transcript

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10 Exhibit March 26, 2020 Quincy City Commission Meeting Transcript

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June 2, 2020

June 2, 2020

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23

MOTION for Leave to File re 22 Reply to Response to Motion,, by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA, KEITH DOWDELL, RONTE HARRIS, ANGELA SAPP. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A- Supplemental Memo) (BROWN, JOSEPH) (Entered: 06/03/2020)

1 Exhibit A- Supplemental Memo

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June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

PACER
24

NOTICE of Filing Points of Authority by JULIE BAROODY (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 06/03/2020)

June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

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25

MOTION in Limine by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA. (BROWN, JOSEPH) (Entered: 06/03/2020)

June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

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26

NOTICE of Filing Third Declaration of Dr. Jowei Chen by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Third Declaration of Dr. Chen) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 06/03/2020)

1 Exhibit Third Declaration of Dr. Chen

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June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

PACER
27

NOTICE of Filing Deposition Designations by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA (BROWN, JOSEPH) (Entered: 06/03/2020)

June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

PACER
28

NOTICE of Filing Fourth Declaration of Dr. Jowei Chen by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Fourth Declaration of Dr. Chen) (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 06/03/2020)

1 Exhibit Fourth Declaration of Dr. Chen

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June 3, 2020

June 3, 2020

PACER
29

Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR:Motion Hearing held on 6/4/2020 re 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by WILLIAM FARMER, JULIE BAROOD and, 25 MOTION in Limine filed by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA - arguments presented - written order to follow (Court Reporter Lisa Snyder, USDC Tallahassee) (Attachments: # 1 Court's Exhibit List) (tss) (Entered: 06/04/2020)

1 Court's Exhibit List

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June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

PACER
30

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM Lack of Standing and Failure to Comply with Rules 8 and 10 by CITY OF QUINCY FLORIDA, KEITH DOWDELL, RONTE HARRIS, ANGELA SAPP. (JAZIL, MOHAMMAD) (Entered: 06/05/2020)

June 5, 2020

June 5, 2020

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31

ORDER DENYING 15 PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION MOTION signed by JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR on 6/7/20. The Citys 23 unopposed motion for leave to file a supplemental memorandum is GRANTED, and that filing is accepted. The Citys 25 motion in limine is GRANTED to the extent it sought to exclude consideration of the Plaintiffs Demonstration 5; it is otherwise DENIED as moot. A scheduling order to control the remainder of the case will issue separately. (tss) (Entered: 06/07/2020)

June 7, 2020

June 7, 2020

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32

INITIAL SCHEDULING ORDER signed by JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR on 6/16/20. Rule 26 Meeting Report due by 7/9/2020. Discovery due by 12/2/2020. Dispositive Motions to be filed by 12/23/2020. Jury Trial set for 4/14/2021 at 08:30 AM in U.S. Courthouse Tallahassee before JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR. (tss) (Entered: 06/17/2020)

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

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33

NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by JULIE BAROODY, WILLIAM FARMER (ANDREWS, RYAN) (Entered: 06/19/2020)

June 19, 2020

June 19, 2020

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34

ORDER OF DISMISSAL - re: 33 Notice of Voluntary Dismissal Without Prejudice As to Defendants. I will treat the notice as an unopposed motion to dismiss without prejudice. That motion is granted, and the case is dismissed without prejudice, with each side to bear its own fees and costs. The clerk will close the file. Signed by JUDGE ALLEN C WINSOR on 6/19/2020. (cle) (Entered: 06/22/2020)

June 19, 2020

June 19, 2020

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Case Details