Thanks to FFRF, the city of Winter Haven, Fla., ended its endorsement of religion through the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in May.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that Mayor Steven Hunnicutt planned on hosting the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast to recognize the National Day of Prayer on May 4. The conspicuous religious event was being promoted through the official Winter Haven Facebook page, Twitter account and in the city’s e-newsletter. Moreover, tickets for the event were being managed and sold through the city clerk’s office.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter to the Winter Haven commissioners on April 28. On May 8, City Attorney Frederick Murphy responded, writing that the city had taken measures to ensure that its conduct regarding the prayer breakfast was in compliance with the First Amendment.
