Heritage Pines board cites counsel advice on candidate 'coffee' events; recommends separate seat events

The Heritage Pines Community Development District Board of Supervisors discussed legal limits for a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event after District Counsel advised separation by seat to avoid Sunshine Law concerns. District Manager Chuck Adams opened the discussion, asking whether additional debate was needed following counsel’s written response.

Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said their preferred attendee would not participate under the counsel interpretation, saying "our guy" would not attend because of the interpretation of the campaign and Sunshine Rules. 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." Lonergan also noted that the Florida Election Commission enforces complaints but does not provide advisory opinions.

Board members reported differing views about whether the HPCA attorney’s opinion aligned with District Counsel’s interpretation and cited portions of Florida statute in the discussion. No formal motion or vote on event format was recorded; the board discussed the options and the counsel-recommended approach remained the primary legal guidance on the record.

The Board did not take further action during the meeting; staff and counsel guidance will guide any scheduling or format decisions going forward.