Governor Rick Scott countersues Steven Andrews over land deal

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Cabinet are suing an attorney who has been a frequent critic of the administration.

The governor and the three other state officials who oversee state lands filed a counterclaim lawsuit last Friday against Tallahassee attorney Steven Andrews.

Andrews is challenging a decision by Scott and the Cabinet to purchase land near the governor's mansion that is the location of his current law office.

Andrews and his law firm are representing a former aide to Jennifer Carroll, who resigned last week from her post as lieutenant governor. Carroll's aide was arrested on charges that she handed over a secret recording to a reporter.

In court filings Carletha Cole alleged that she found Carroll and her travel aide in a compromising position.