Mike Huckabee Files "Tweet" Complaint Against Walton County Attorney
Internet fame can come from the most unusual places.
Walton County attorney Daniel Uhlfelder found his Twitter following increase from 422 to nearly 75,000 as of Monday afternoon, after he shared an article about former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee filing a bar complaint against him.
“On Saturday, I was at my daughter’s ballet recital and I had just about 400 Twitter followers,” Uhlfelder said. “Now it’s close to 75,000. That’s more than Walton County has full-time residents. My notifications are going off every three seconds.”
In the complaint filed Oct. 24 by Huckabee’s attorney, J. Nixon Daniel III of the Pensacola firm, Beggs & Lane, Huckabee alleges that Uhlfelder used social media to “harass” him by repeatedly posting about the quiet title/customary use issue in Walton County.
The complaint includes examples of Uhlfelder retweeting a joke someone made about Huckabee “slathered in Noxema, clad in ‘Fox & Friends’ T-shirt, khaki shorts, black socks and sandals, wandering around the beach with a metal detector.” In another tweet, Uhlfelder shared a screenshot showing that Huckabee had blocked him. In the complaint, Huckabee said did so because of the “vile and unprofessional attacks on me and my family.”
A final example refers to Uhlfelder responding to a tweet about a possible Secret Service code name for Huckabee, his suggestion was “beach thief.”
“He accused me of being a thief, disparaged me and my family,”Huckabee said in the complaint. “Mr. Uhlfelder’s conduct is an embarrassment to the reputation of the Florida Bar.”
Uhlfelder and Huckabee have never met in person, but they’re on opposing sides of a beach-access battle that has been waging since July 2017. Uhlfelder is the counsel of Florida Beaches for All, a citizens group working to save the “customary use” ordinance that allows beachgoers to access dry sand areas of private beach property, which became void when House Bill 631 was signed into law in April 2018.
Huckabee, who owns a beachfront home in Walton County, has been opposed to customary use and even wrote an email to state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo of Naples thanking her for sponsoring House Bill 631.
On Dec. 2, Uhlfelder’s lawyer, Mark Levine of Levine & Strivers, LLC, responded to the complaint saying “a lawyer — simply because he or she is a lawyer — does not check First Amendment rights at the door to admission to The Florida Bar.”
The news of the complaint blew up when The South Florida Sun Sentinel shared an opinion piece chiding Huckabee. “Ol’ Huck can dish it out, but he can’t take it,” wrote Steve Bousquet.
When Uhlfelder shared the article, he started to see responses from U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, of California, to former “Star Trek” star George Takei.
“I had to take time away from work and my Thanksgiving holiday to respond to the complaint,” Uhlfelder said. “But I’m grateful for the outpouring of interest and support.”
The Walton County attorney said he’s not going to stop tweeting. In fact, now with a bigger audience, he feels even more compelled to share.
“Apparently, it’s resonating with people,” he said. “The followers are from all over the world. I don’t think many people publicize their bar complaints …. I was raised by my family to stand up for what I believe.”
Attempts to reach Huckabee were not successful.
Replies
23Beach FanaticAuthor
Beach FanaticAuthor
Beach Fanatic
Did Governor Huckabee complain about Representative Gaetz comments about the former lawyer of Presidents Trump, Michael Cohen? Would venture to guess that any punishment will be less than what Representative Gaetz recieved.
Beach Fanatic
What a shame that this is the way people handle differences. Name calling, disparaging, ridiculing, and spreading hate all divide our citizens and resolve nothing. This is true for both sides of the customary use issue in my opinion and our politics in general. No wonder so many children become bullies at some time in their life, if not for all their lives. Just look at how adults jump on a bandwagon and spout off without truly understanding the full issues or discussing them intelligently and respectfully. Our political climate is a disaster and this interchange involving Mr. Uhlfelder and Huckabee truly brought politics into the CU battle in spite of the claim that CU is a totally bipartisan issue. The courts will decide many of the controversial issues of our day, whether CU or a wide assortment of political issues, but no matter what, we have all lost the precious ability to have a respectful dialogue among our citizenry and resolve issues in a positive manner that may not make either side 100% happy, but can restore civility. Social media may ultimately be the straw that brings our nation to the point of no return. What a horrible state of affairs that hate is the common denominator for so many.
Beach Fanatic
I am sure that the ol' Huckster is trying to silence his detractors because when the facts come out nationwide about how he and his "engineers" scammed the DEP its not going to bode well for him.
SoWal Insider
Using social media to warn everyone social media is going to be the downfall of the nation, got it.
Beach Fanatic
Supview, at first I thought the word "zealot" was a bit harsh. Do you know the history of the word? It goes back to the roman occupation of Judea Province (Palestine) and the political movement to unseat the Romans. Many translations define the word as "loyal to God" or "true believer". Paul the Apostle may have been a zealot. Of course modern translations are more related to fanatic and idealogue and even the biblical use of the word seemed to indicate those that are willing to go a little too far. Of course I speak only for myself and I am pretty sure the word was not used as a compliment but it does have a history of political activism. The incessant posting by those wanting private beach enjoyment at the expense of public beach enjoyment seemed to be tied to a particular political party with a lot of power at the moment. How else could a bill get thru our legislative branch that quickly? In politics it is all about power and where that power comes from. Our Constitution give us checks and balances on that power because man abuses power. My research of many of those who support private beach enjoyment seems to believe in a Constitutional and maybe even religious mandate. Since every one of those in this forum who support private beach enjoyment are hiding their identity we are left with a simple game of connecting dots. I think the dots are all connected to an abuse of power because I know of very view individuals who can build a mansion on the beach that requires access to loopholes in the building codes, has a direct effect on the legislative branch and then justifies elite wealth and power with "well life just ain't fair so deal with it". I am very disappointed because the political party that I have always supported seems to be that abuse of power. I sincerely hope that we will use those checks and balances to bring this abuse of power back to where fairness and equality AND public beach enjoyment is a realistic ideal for not just this community but all communities...The End 
Beach Fanatic
My research of many of those who support private beach enjoyment seems to believe in a Constitutional and maybe even religious mandate.You are getting very very desperate.
Beach Fanatic
Bmbv, the accurate word is "enlightened". Look up the definition.
Skunky
Gov. Huck could shoot someone on 30-A and the sheriff would not even investigate. We welcome your magical medicine show to Walton County, Mike.
Beach Lover
The incessant posting by those wanting private beach enjoyment at the expense of public beach enjoyment seemed to be tied to a particular political party with a lot of power at the moment.
No Private Property in the State of Florida has ever been subject to FORCED occupation of unlimited people and unlimited equipment AGAINST the will of the property owner. Never ever. Not saying that it can not happen. Just that it is currently not legal and has never happened before. So yea, maybe you can change the Constitution.
The property purchased by Gov Huckabee was Private Property before he ever became Governor of Arkansas. No property in Blue Mountain Beach was EVER made Private by Quiet Title. Governor Huckabee purchased private property from other private property owners.
Each individual property owner can decide if they want to allow day camping (chairs., umbrellas, beach equipment) on their private property and the rules associated it with (for example must pay a fee or be staying on the grounds like the rules at all Florida State Parks).
If the County wants more private property and made into Public Beach then buy it like they have done since time immemorial instead of trying to steal it.
Skunky
No Private Property in the State of Florida has ever been subject to FORCED occupation of unlimited people and unlimited equipment AGAINST the will of the property owner. Never ever. Not saying that it can not happen. Just that it is currently not legal and has never happened before. So yea, maybe you can change the Constitution.
The property purchased by Gov Huckabee was Private Property before he ever became Governor of Arkansas. No property in Blue Mountain Beach was EVER made Private by Quiet Title. Governor Huckabee purchased private property from other private property owners.
Each individual property owner can decide if they want to allow day camping (chairs., umbrellas, beach equipment) on their private property and the rules associated it with (for example must pay a fee or be staying on the grounds like the rules at all Florida State Parks).
If the County wants more private property and made into Public Beach then buy it like they have done since time immemorial instead of trying to steal it.
I'm pretty sure that the Framers didn't consider protection from being butthurt a God given right, but what do I know? There is a whole other thread involving private property debate, this one is about Mike's fragile ego.
Beach Fanatic
The Huckster and the Haak bought private "unbuildable" lots then CREATED enough land to build their "compounds". Hell they even got a "BOGO" on the permits. But Mother Nature can be a b**ch sometimes.....she claimed that little section of beach once before and she will probably do it again. She really doesnt care how holds the title or if it is "Private" or not.
Beach Fanatic
I'm pretty sure that the Framers didn't consider protection from being butthurt a God given right, but what do I know? There is a whole other thread involving private property debate, this one is about Mike's fragile ego.He's a tad touchy. I guess attorney Dan got under his skin.
Beach Lover
Personal attacks against Mike Huckabee are permitted on SoWal.
SoWal Insider
Personal attacks against Mike Huckabee are permitted on SoWal.He is a public figure, politician, TV personality, and hypocrite preacher, so fair game.
Beach Lover
Mr. Huckabee is also a resident of Walton County. One might also argue that there are other residents of Walton County, who by virtue of their activism could be called "public figures". But hatred for those you disagree with seems to be trendy these days.
Beach Fanatic
Mr. Huckabee is also a resident of Walton County. One might also argue that there are other residents of Walton County, who by virtue of their activism could be called "public figures". But hatred for those you disagree with seems to be trendy these days.I don't see hatred on this forum but I have no problem pointing out his million watt lights at his beachfront home alone make him a bad neighbor to people and turtles and other wildlife. Light polluters get no defense from me.
I've seen things he says and does publicly that are hateful though. Especially against the environment and LGBTQ peoples. I imagine he doesn't need your pity though he likes the heat in the kitchen and handles it better than most right wing snowflakes.
Beach Lover
He is a public figure, politician, TV personality, and hypocrite preacher, so fair game.
THATS THE LAW BUT THIS IS A PRIVATE WEBSITE SO WACH WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT HUCKABEE AND GAYS ARE SINNERS!!!
SoWal Guide
Mr. Huckabee is also a resident of Walton County. One might also argue that there are other residents of Walton County, who by virtue of their activism could be called "public figures". But hatred for those you disagree with seems to be trendy these days.Huckabee is a very controversial and disagreeable "Christian" public figure and TV personality who invites disagreement/ridicule with his own words and actions. If you like him then say what you think instead of attacking others who don't find him to be a good neighbor. He's not my cup of tea but if he's yours then awesome. He definitely has a following who enjoys his thought process. Own it.
Beach Lover
I don't see hatred on this forum but I have no problem pointing out his million watt lights at his beachfront home alone make him a bad neighbor to people and turtles and other wildlife. Light polluters get no defense from me.I happen to agree with Mr. Huckabee's response to being ridiculed on Twitter by an attorney, but then I think it's inappropriate for attorneys, holders of public office and others in positions of public trust to pop off on Twitter. Does that make me a "right wing snowflake"?
I've seen things he says and does publicly that are hateful though. Especially against the environment and LGBTQ peoples. I imagine he doesn't need your pity though he likes the heat in the kitchen and handles it better than most right wing snowflakes.
Beach Lover
Huckabee is a very controversial and disagreeable "Christian" public figure and TV personality who invites disagreement/ridicule with his own words and actions. If you like him then say what you think instead of attacking others who don't find him to be a good neighbor. He's not my cup of tea but if he's yours then awesome. He definitely has a following who enjoys his thought process. Own it.Who did I "attack"?
Beach Fanatic
I happen to agree with Mr. Huckabee's response to being ridiculed on Twitter by an attorney, but then I think it's inappropriate for attorneys, holders of public office and others in positions of public trust to pop off on Twitter. Does that make me a "right wing snowflake"?
Who did I "attack"?
Asked and answered, snowflake.
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