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Counsel urges separate candidate events to avoid Sunshine Law risks at Heritage Pines
Summary
District Counsel advised Heritage Pines supervisors to ensure election-code compliance and recommended separate events per seat for any 'Coffee with Candidates' gatherings, citing potential Sunshine Law concerns; board members discussed differing opinions and possible referral to the Florida Election Commission.
During the meeting the board considered District Counsel's written response to questions about a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event. Chair Kathleen Lonergan read counsel's email recommending that if any incumbent supervisor participates they should ensure compliance with the election code and consider arranging separate events for each seat to avoid potential Sunshine Law violations.
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said "our guy" would not attend based on the interpretation of the campaign and Sunshine rules. Board members noted the HPCA Attorney expressed an opinion that differed in parts from District Counsel's view, and the board discussed that questions about enforcement could be referred to the Florida Election Commission, which enforces complaints but does not provide advisory opinions.
No formal board action was taken on organizing candidate events; the discussion concluded with members expressing differing viewpoints and with the counsel guidance entered into the record.
