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CDD counsel recommends separate 'Coffee with Candidates' events to avoid Sunshine Law issues
Summary
District Counsel advised incumbents to ensure election-code compliance and suggested holding separate events per seat to avoid potential Sunshine Law violations; the board discussed differing legal views and referral to the Florida Election Commission for enforcement.
During the Oct. 15 meeting, Chair Kathleen Lonergan read District Counsel's written response regarding a proposed "Coffee with Candidates" event, advising caution for incumbent supervisors who consider participating.
"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 arrange separate events per seat to avoid any potential Sunshine Law violations," Lonergan read. Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said "our guy" would not attend because of the interpretation of campaign and Sunshine rules. Members noted the HPCA attorney's opinion differed from District Counsel's and that the Florida Election Commission enforces complaints but does not provide advisory opinions.
