The attorneys for both sides most likely met in chambers with The Honorable Judge Perry. They knew exactly what "the matter" was and what they were going to do. There are probably some details to work out this afternoon and overnight.
Did I understand correctly that the courtroom was not generally going to be available in Pinellas County on Thursday but the Presiding Judge in Pinellas County was being supportive and cooperative? Then, a trial scheduled for that courtroom might have been delayed slightly for some short period of time starting at 8:30 a.m. that the Anthony case might have to do that needed to be done in the courtroom -- like enter a plea deal.
This is the huge budget crunch time for local governments. The new budget year starts July 1st. This would be the moment that the States' Attorney himself is looking at whether something less than a full trial on the charges would result in a sentence that would be within a reasonable range of justice for the People in this matter and on the other hand not having to lay off a few of his Assistant State's Attorneys or support staff. He can't have it both ways.
ICA also can't have it both ways. Remember when she took her deception about working at Universal all the way to their office building and walked down the hall with Law Enforcement in tow before they finally pulled her into an empty room and she admitted it wasn't the truth. Well, ICA has also arrived at the end of another hallway -- this afternoon's session was likely to result in the seating of the 12th juror and swearing in the jury panel; in other words, trial would have officially begun and the plea deal offers would be off the table.
ICA's attorneys other than JB could see with certainty where this case was in all probability headed if it went to full trial. No doubt, JB had promised ICA a fair trial. JB would have gone the distance based on that alone. The other members of the DT though, were just as committed to saving her life; which they probably felt it was a very high risk they could not if they went to a full trial.
I would guess a couple of things happened. The DT put it to ICA that JB and the other DT members had an impasse in their opions. ICA had to choose. If she chose to remain loyal to JB, she might be doing so with her life. Maybe that pressure had gone on for a week. Then it all came down to D-Day here this afternoon and ICA had to make the decision one way or another over the lunch break. Maybe she chose herself and JB gave his farewell speech just before the lunch recess. During lunch, there was a communication with SA and an indication of being willing to work out some fine details with respect to a plea. HHJP had to arrange to use the courtroom for about an hour tomorrow morning. Mr. Cheney Mason left but was totally mum to the press.
I don't have any idea if this is all true or even any part of it. It is just a working hypothesis.
That's just my opinion. I have no inside information.