It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pete Weitzel, the Director Emeritus of the First Amendment Foundation and a tireless advocate for government transparency. Pete's remarkable career as a journalist and champion of open government shaped the landscape of press freedom and public access to information not just in Florida, but across the nation.

Pete dedicated nearly 40 years to the Miami Herald, serving as both a reporter and editor, before founding the First Amendment Foundation in 1984 during his presidency of the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors. His vision of a transparent government led to the Foundation’s creation, and he served as its president until 1995. His legacy includes drafting an amendment to the Florida Constitution, guaranteeing citizens the right to access government records, and his work on a Florida Supreme Court commission that helped modify court rules on public access to court records.

Among Pete’s many accomplishments, he played a pivotal role in establishing the National Freedom of Information Coalition, serving as its second president, and was a founding force behind Sunshine Week, launched in 2005 with the American Society of News Editors. His lifelong dedication to protecting and promoting the public’s right to know earned him numerous accolades, including his induction into Florida’s Freedom of Information Hall of Fame and the State Open Government Hall of Fame.

Pete’s legacy will live on through the many protections he fought for in support of the public’s right to know, and we at the Foundation will continue to honor his life’s work.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Neptune Society. For more information, please contact (817) 201-3468.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.