Florida Councilwoman Suspended Amid Probe Into Alleged Offensive Social Media Posts

GROVELAND, Fla. — Groveland City Councilwoman Judith Fike has been suspended from her position following a unanimous vote by the city council Monday night. The move comes as officials launch an independent investigation into a series of controversial social media posts allegedly linked to Fike — some dating back nearly a decade, others as recent as late 2024.

What We Know

Fike’s suspension comes in response to a growing backlash over social media posts described by council members as “racially charged” and “anti-LGBTQ+.” The posts allegedly span from 2015 through 2024, with at least one reportedly published after Fike took office. City leaders voted to bring in a third-party investigator to determine the authenticity of the posts and whether they warrant her permanent removal from office.

What Remains Unclear

Fike denies responsibility for some of the posts, claiming that certain content was either altered or taken out of context. It is not yet clear which posts may have been authored by her directly, nor has the identity of the individual who anonymously submitted the screenshots to Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines been disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and no final ruling has been made regarding Fike’s future on the council.

The Backstory

Fike, who was appointed to the Groveland City Council and is now campaigning to retain her seat, became the focus of controversy during a recent council meeting. There, Vice Mayor Gaines presented printed screenshots of the alleged posts, some of which included racial slurs, offensive comments about former President Barack Obama, and derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, including a post referencing the Pulse nightclub shooting. While the council did not debate the posts' intent or origin in detail, members agreed that a formal investigation was necessary given the serious nature of the content.

What Happens Next

Fike’s suspension will remain in place while the investigation proceeds. The findings will help determine whether she can remain in public office or face permanent removal. In the meantime, the Groveland City Council is working to ensure the situation does not interfere with city governance or upcoming elections. The city has not announced a timeline for the investigation’s completion.

Florida Councilwoman Suspended Amid Probe Into Alleged Offensive Social Media Posts

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