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Board reviews counsel guidance on ‘Coffee with Candidates’ amid Sunshine Law concerns
Summary
District Counsel advised incumbents to arrange separate events per seat to avoid potential Sunshine Law violations; board members discussed differing legal opinions and possible referral to the Florida Election Commission.
Board members discussed District Counsel's written response regarding a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event and whether incumbents could safely participate.
Chair Kathleen Lonergan read District Counsel's email recommendation: "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 counsel's interpretation, and the board noted that the HPCA attorney offered a different view and that portions of the Florida statute and the Florida Election Commission's role were relevant to questions about enforcement and advice.
The board did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting; counsel's email was accepted as guidance and members discussed the possibility of separate events or seeking additional clarification from the Florida Election Commission.
