BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Friday, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of Governor Rick Scott in the High Speed Rail case. The ruling means that the federal government will award the $2.4 billion for the rail system to another state.

The Justices ruled unanimously that Governor Scott could refuse the funding.

The lawsuit claimed that Governor Scott exceeded his constitutional authority and violated the separation of powers under the Florida Constitution.

Senator Thad Altman

“The Court has reviewed the petition, response, and reply, has heard oral argument, and has considered the factual allegations and legal arguments. Based on the limited record before the Court, and a review of the federal and state law relied on by the parties, the Court has determined that the petitioners have not clearly demonstrated entitlement to quo warranto, mandamus, or any other relief. Accordingly, the emergency petition is hereby denied,” the Justices stated in a one-page ruling.

On Thursday afternoon, at 3 p.m., the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments pertaining to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed by Senate Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Arthenia Joyner (right) (D-Tampa) and Senator Thad Altman, (R-Melbourne), asked the court to order Governor Scott to accept the funding from the federal government by the new deadline.