“The plaintiffs should have filed an ex parte motion to shorten time.“
Is there any other way they can get this moved forward or provide relief for those affected?
File an ex parte motion to shorten time. See Local rules where the preliminary injunction was filed.
e) EMERGENCY OR TIME-SENSITIVE MOTION. If a party moves for emergency or time-sensitive relief, the title of the motion must include “emergency” or “time-sensitive,” and the motion must include an introductory paragraph that explains the nature of the exigency and states the day by which a ruling is requested. The unwarranted designation of a motion as an emergency can result in a sanction.
Middle Dist of Florida Local Rule 3.01 (e)
Also see FRCP 65 especially (b); Middle Dist Florida Local Rule 6.01 & 6.02
I’ve filed numerous OSTs which are generally granted. Focus on exigency and irreparable harm.