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District counsel advises separate events for incumbents at "Coffee with Candidates" to avoid Sunshine concerns
Summary
District Counsel advised incumbents to arrange separate seat-specific events to reduce potential Sunshine Law violations; the board heard differing advice from the HPCA attorney and referenced the Florida Election Commission’s role.
District Counsel’s written guidance on a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event prompted the Heritage Pines board to caution incumbents about combined events. Chair Kathleen Lonergan read the counsel email aloud, quoting: "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."
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said "our guy" would not attend under that interpretation, and board members noted the HPCA attorney had given advice that differed from District Counsel’s. Board discussion referenced portions of the Florida statute related to meetings and mentioned the Florida Election Commission, which enforces complaints but does not provide advisory opinions. The board did not take a formal vote; the guidance was recorded for future event planning and to inform incumbents considering participation.
