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Board reviews counsel guidance on "Coffee with Candidates," cautioned over Sunshine and election rules
Summary
District Counsel advised incumbents to comply with election rules and recommended separate seat-specific events to avoid potential Sunshine Law violations; board discussed competing counsel opinions and possible referral to the Florida Election Commission.
Board members spent part of the Oct. 15 meeting reviewing District Counsel’s written response to questions about a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event and whether incumbents could participate without violating Sunshine Law or election rules.
Chair Kathleen Lonergan read District Counsel’s email to the board: "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 one incumbent likely would not attend given that interpretation. The board noted differences between District Counsel’s advice and an opinion offered by HPCA counsel and discussed whether any questions should be referred to the Florida Election Commission, which enforces complaints but does not provide advisory opinions.
No formal policy change or vote was taken; the board discussed the option of holding separate events or workshops to reduce legal risk and whether certain questions raised should be directed to the Florida Election Commission for enforcement guidance.
