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Unlike Florida, California Law Prohibits Law Enforcement From Posting Suspect Photos On Social Media

Author Joe Winner

In another example of why California is completely different than Florida (it is!), California law restricts what police can post on their social media accounts.

If you live in Florida and spend any time on social media, you’ve seen accounts like Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, or Sheriff Grady Judd from Polk County, posting pictures of arrests and wanted fugitives. Their social media accounts even mix in humor and local culture into their accounts. Like this one from this morning.

Well, that doesn’t happen in California. According to Murrieta Police Department “The new law, Assembly Bill 994 & Penal Code 13665, now prohibits law enforcement from sharing suspect photos for nonviolent crimes, unless specified circumstances exist.” And even if special circumstances exist, California law says they still have to take the photos down after 14 days. Unless they have a good reason not to do so.

That brings us to the authorities of Murrieta, California.

A town with a population of just over 100,000 south of Los Angeles. They found a way of posting their goings on on social media while still abiding by the law. Lego heads. Love the stubble on this one.

As you can see by the caption, the police department has still found a fun way to do their posts. The humor in these is actually quite similar to what we see here in Florida. Just without the faces.

Some residents are not fans of the new California Law.

One comment on the sheriff’s facebook account read “Leave it to California to make It easier for the criminals 😡😡“, while another chimed in “The reality is this new law protects the suspects from being identified by the public for other crimes they may also have been witnessed committing.”

One other poster sees the benefit in the California law “maybe its to prevent prejudicial mentalities later down the road from a dumb decision. People mess up in life. Why make it worse on them when it could’ve been their lowest time in their lives. Plus, its hilarious.” Although that comment is clearly in the minority as most agree with the top comment of “Lawd that’s all we need, more laws to protect the criminals!”

Florida and California aren’t so different after all.

Clearly the Murrieta Police Department social media department belongs in Florida. But they’ve certainly found a fun way to deal with the laws there. Besides, the Lego Heads are actually pretty funny. Maybe Florida Man can incorporate that.

7 Of US News "25 Best Hotels in the USA" Are In Florida

Florida has some amazing hotels, some of the best hotels in the USA, and I have been to many of them. Here in Estero I stayed at the Coconut Point Hyatt. In Naples I’ve been at both Ritz Carltons. The Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee has suites on the top floor that are just amazing.

Outside of Southwest Florida, my favorite in Orlando is The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney. The place is so amazing you’ll not even care if you make it to the park. I’ve stayed at the legendary Fontainebleau on Miami’s South Beach, but I’d put them second behind the Junior Suites at W South Beach. That felt more like a luxury apartment that it did a hotel room.

So did any of those hotels make the top 25? No, they did not. Not that they aren’t amazing in every way, but Florida is just on top of things when it comes to luxury accommodations. That’s why they show up so often on these lists.  As Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News states “The 2024 Best Hotels rankings offer travelers dependable options to stay for every type of trip, balancing location, amenities and quality service to ensure an enjoyable experience.”

The Best Hotels in the USA

For the second year in a row, Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, takes the No. 1 spot, setting itself apart with its oceanfront pools, memorable dining and Mediterranean-inspired decor. The beautiful hotel is located on 4.5 beachfront acres in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach. If you’re planning on a stay, maybe check your finances first. The best price I could find for 2 adults was $1,599 a night. That’s for a room that doesn’t even face the ocean, but, as the website states, breakfast is included. Ok, I’m going to back off on judging that price too soon. The breakfast does look absolutely amazing.

Plus, I took a look ahead to see how much number 2 on the list is charging.

  • Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

    The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida. A legendary Miami Beach-area hotel that offers guests stellar service and unique experiences at its world-class spa ranks No. 2. Now keep in mind, we are in full season here in Florida. These are going to be some of the most expensive rates of the year. That being said, I found an oceanfront room on booking.com for $2,720 a night. That view is incredible.

  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

    Always mentioned as one of the best hotels in the country, this Orlando resort takes the number 7 spot. Perhaps what’s bringing it down a notch is the construction of a residential development nearby. I did see a “construction discount” on the price, so they’re definitely aware of it. It’s still a Four Seasons hotel, and it’s still amazing.

  • Faena Hotel Miami Beach

    Rounding out the top 10 of the list is the Faena Hotel. US News states “Rooms are decorated in a modern, South American style and come outfitted with sleek wooden furnishings and colorful accents.” I did find a room for $1,140 a night, but spring for the extra and get the ocean view and a balcony. Because of the hotel’s location, rates will also fluctuate based on events in the area. 

  • The Setai Miami Beach

    The Setai Miami Beach finds itself at number 11 on the list. If you enjoy the water, you’re in luck. The hotel is not just on Miami Beach, but boasts three on-site infinity pools. I did find a room for $1,080 a night, but expect double that rate if you want the ocean view. This is the ocean view.

  • The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

    Down a few spots, to number 17, is The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. This resort, 10 miles north of South Beach has amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. And being a Marriott hotel, likely boast some of the cool tech like the W South Beach has like automated controls of the lights, blinds, and thermostat. Best price I could find was $1,299 a night but if you know someone who works for Marriott, ask them about the hotel’s “friends and family” discount. 

  • The Breakers Palm Beach

    Finishing up their top 25 list, at number 25, is The Breakers Palm Beach, an Italian Renaissance-style resort on the coast. if you’re looking for an active stay, this is where you’ll find it. Two golf courses, four pools, and 10 Har-Tru tennis courts. If you’d rather relax, they have a private beach. So, if you want a top notch resort hotel on the Atlantic, but don’t want Miami, here it is. There’s also a lot of history, here. I did see Booking.com have a room for $1,290 a night. But again, I’m writing this in February, when rates are usually the highest. 

    The full list of 25 can be found here.

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.

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