There have been an increasing number of questions from the public about the process that was used to negotiate the Canaveral Port Authorities contract with Gulftainer, which has lead to the initiation of the process to build a commercial rail link between Port Canaveral and the Florida East Coast Railway.
Because the Canaveral Port Authority is a state-formed body, it is bound by Florida's Sunshine Act. But in order to obtain documents, you have to submit requests. This can be done either in person, by mail or via email.
If you'd like to learn more about Government in the Sunshine and FOIA requests, I recommend visiting the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information. It's one of the leading centers for research into open government and media law.
Below is a sample letter from Brechner that can be cut and pasted, (or downloaded here) then edited for your needs.
If you'd like to request information from the Canaveral Port Authority, requests should be addressed to:
George P. Kistner III
Records Manager
445 Challenger Road, Suite 301
Cape Canaveral, FL 32930
You can also click here or on the image above and it will take you to CPA's electronic submission site, but its still advisable to send an email or hard copy.
Sample FOIA Request Letter
Dear (Records Custodian):
I am writing to request (be as specific about your request as possible), pursuant to the Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
This request includes copies of every document related to the matter, regardless of the format in which the information is stored. (If the information you are looking for is on a computer somewhere, remind the custodian that information stored on a computer is as much a public record as a written page in a book or stored in a filing cabinet.)
If you refuse to provide this information, Chapter 119 requires you advise me in writing and indicate the applicable exemption to the Public Records Act. Also, please state with particularity the reasons for your decision, as required by Section 119.07(2)(a). If the exemption you are claiming only applies to a portion of the records, please delete that portion and provide photocopies of the remainder of the records, according to Section 119.07(2)(a).
I agree to pay the actual cost of duplication as defined in Section 119.07(1)(a). However, if you anticipate that in order to satisfy this request, "extensive use" of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance as defined in Section 119.07(1)(b) will be required, please provide a written estimate and justification.
I request these records be available by (pick a reasonable date). If you have any questions or need more information in order to expedite this request, please call me at (phone number where you or your editor can be reached.)
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address