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Board cautioned on 'Coffee with Candidates' event; counsel recommends separate events to avoid Sunshine Law concerns
Summary
District Counsel advised incumbents to ensure election-code compliance and suggested separate events per seat to avoid potential Sunshine Law violations; the board discussed the differing view of the HPCA attorney and noted the Florida Election Commission enforces complaints but does not give advisory opinions.
The board discussed District Counsel's written response about a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event and potential conflicts with the Sunshine Law and election rules. District Manager Chuck Adams asked whether further discussion was needed given counsel's response. Chair Kathleen Lonergan read District Counsel's email aloud: "If any incumbent Supervisor is interested in participating they will need to ensure compliance with the election code and I think it would be a fair request for them to ask them to arrange separate events per seat to avoid any potential Sunshine Law violations." The board debated whether separate events per seat would be required.
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes commented that "our guy" would not attend under the counsel's interpretation. Board members noted that the HPCA attorney had offered an opinion that varied from District Counsel's and that portions of Florida statute were relevant. The board additionally observed that the Florida Election Commission enforces complaints but "it does not give advice or opinions," underscoring that enforcement and advisory functions are separate.
Members discussed options including holding a non-incumbent forum, separate seat-specific events, or seeking further written guidance. No formal motion or policy change was recorded; the discussion concluded with direction to follow counsel's recommendation and to avoid arrangements that might raise Sunshine Law concerns.
