SHORT ITEM: FLORIDA

Fort Myers mayor Bruce Grady was acquitted in late May of battery charges stemming from an altercation with a reporter outside a public meeting in February, according to the Associated Press.

Grady’s attorney acknowledged to the AP that a “touching” took place; however, he asserted that the mayor was provoked by News-Press reporter Roger Williams, whom Coleman termed the “aggressor,” and that no criminal battery took place. Grady argued that he was merely responding to impolite and aggressive questioning. Williams had claimed in his complaint that the mayor struck him on the neck and cursed at him, the AP reported.

The News-Press requested a public apology, but when none was forthcoming, Williams filed a criminal complaint. The six-person jury found Grady not guilty of criminal battery.

Since the incident, Roger Williams has been temporarily reassigned from the city beat. (Florida v. Grady)