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Board asks counsel to review 'Coffee With Candidates' event over Sunshine Law concerns
Summary
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes raised concerns that an HPCA‑organized candidate coffee on Oct. 9 could function as a campaign event and risk Florida Sunshine Law violations. The board directed the district manager to investigate and asked District Counsel for a legal opinion.
The Heritage Pines Community Development District Board of Supervisors voted on Sept. 17 to direct the district manager to review the implications of an outside "Coffee With Candidates" event and asked District Counsel to provide a legal opinion on potential Sunshine Law issues.
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said an August memo from Ms. Kim Norton scheduled a candidate event for Oct. 9, 2024 and that biographies submitted for some candidates raised "serious problems in the relationship between the HPCA and the CDD." Rhodes relayed the candidates' stated reasons for running, saying that Mr. Steele described the need for "necessary changes from current direction, priorities and results," Mr. Putman expressed a wish to "work together to enhance the community," and Mr. Kleeman said he observed "discord between the CDD and Heritage Pines." Rhodes asked who instructed Ms. Norton to schedule the event and whether the HPCA's role could create a campaign atmosphere rather than a public service event.
Herb Hurley, HPCA general manager, said the candidates requested the event and that CDD board members were advised they could not attend because of the Sunshine Law. Mr. Hurley also declined to discuss the matter further and suggested attorneys handle the dispute. District Manager Chuck Adams told the board he will ask District Counsel to prepare a memorandum and reminded members not to reply to the related email.
The board approved a motion directing the district manager to review the implications of outside candidates and directing District Counsel to provide a legal opinion. The motion carried "with all in favor." The board also requested that Mr. Rhodes' presentation be included in the meeting minutes.
