Former Fort Myers Beach Town Council member Bill Veach and former Mayor Ray Murphy have asked for a 20-day extension to respond to the defamation lawsuits filed against them by John King and Karen Woodson.
The attorney for Veach and Murphy, Michael Pizzi, says he is asking for the delay because he just wrapped up a federal trial “that required extensive preparation, daily court attendance, and post-trial obligations, substantially limiting the time available to prepare an adequate response in this matter.”
King and Woodson have filed the defamation lawsuits against Veach and Murphy after they were accused of violating Florida’s Sunshine Law and accepting gifts from developers who had business before the Town Council. King and Woodson have vehemently denied the allegations.
King and Woodson were both recalled by the voters earlier this month. Woodson was replaced by Rebecca Link who edged out Tom Brady in the recall election by 9 votes. King retained his seat when a judge ruled the recall petition against him was flawed. That ruling has so far been upheld by an appeals court, however, Veach can still file an amended appeal if he wants to continue the fight to remove King.
The King seat and the seat now occupied by Link are up for election in November 2026.
Local journalism is hard work. If you appreciate the most in-depth reporting on Fort Myers Beach, please support what we do HERE by Venmo, Zell or PayPal. Thank you.
No no and no.