By the second hour, six people had agreed on something nobody had checked. By the sixth, no one had corrected it. When someone finally demanded proof — a home address — what came back was real. It just wasn't his.
On September 1, inside a private Facebook group serving Medley at Mirada, a post announced that the editor of a community newspaper was "fake," that he didn't live in the community, and that his work existed to stir up drama. No source. No verification. No pause.
The claim was right about one thing: the editor isn't a Mirada resident. He isn't a member of that group, either. He couldn't see the thread, couldn't answer the accusation, and couldn't correct the record. The only people who could were Mirada residents, and they didn't.
Two hours in, five members had repeated the claim as if repetition were evidence. An administrator added a two-word confirmation — no documentation, no check. A resident who actually knew the facts corrected the thread. It didn't change anything. The claim kept moving.
Calling an ordinary neighbor "fake" is reckless. Calling a newspaper editor "fake" is something else entirely. Editors work in a world where credibility is currency. A false claim about identity or residency doesn't just bruise feelings — it undermines the legitimacy of the publication, the reporting behind it, and the trust readers place in documented information. And it carries real risk for whoever repeats an unverified claim publicly, not just for the person it targets.
The sequence is the point: an assertion, repetition, escalation to personal information, no correction even after the truth appeared in the same thread. It's the standard pattern of online harassment — a cheap claim, amplified because it's easy, drifting toward a demand for identifying details aimed at someone who had no way to see the thread at all.
Social psychology has a term for what happened next: diffusion of responsibility. The more people who witness something, the less likely any one of them is to act, each assuming someone else will. A thread with dozens of members and exactly one correction fits that definition cleanly.[1]
An ordinary member repeating an unverified claim is predictable — the bystander pattern explains it. An administrator is different: the role carries the authority to remove a post, require a source, or correct the record for everyone at once. Here, the administrator reinforced the claim instead. When another resident defended the editor — who wasn't in the group and had no way to respond — the administrator asked her for her home address, despite having met her in person. No correction followed. No removal. No use of the authority that existed.
Researchers studying how information spreads online found that falsehoods travel farther, faster, and more broadly than accurate information — not because of bots, but because people repeat them.[2] This thread followed that pattern precisely: five repetitions in two hours, one person asking whether any of it was true.
Verification would have taken minutes: a direct question to someone who actually knew the account holder, or simply asking the original poster for a source. Neither happened before the claim reached six participants.
Medley Dispatch covers five Tampa Bay–area Medley communities and applies one standard to every claim it publishes: primary source documentation, or it doesn't run. This thread is a routine example of what private groups allow — not because their members are unusually unkind, but because the structure makes an unverified claim cheap to post and structurally impossible for an outsider to answer.
If you have a view on whether Mirada should buy the club, vote for the candidate who shares it on September 16. Not because you're confident this board will be the one that decides — you can't be. Because there is no other moment, ever, where your view on the club purchase gets any say at all.
Ask around Mirada why a candidate's position on the club purchase doesn't seem to matter much in this election, and the answer keeps coming back the same way: there's time. Whoever wins will look into it, gather more information, and residents will get a vote once the details are worked out. There is no such vote. Not now, not later, not ever.
Section 5.5 of the Mirada Club Plan gives the power to buy the club to the board alone, "without the joinder of any Owner or any other person or entity."[1] Once Lennar sets the Option Date, the sitting board has 90 days to exercise it. If it doesn't act — no vote against it required, just inaction — the option automatically terminates, becomes null and void, permanently.[1] Whichever three people residents elect September 16 may or may not be the board in the room when that clock starts; staggered terms under Bylaws §4.2 mean it could just as easily be a board elected years from now.
That uncertainty is exactly why waiting is the wrong move, not a reason to. Residents can't know in advance which election will produce the deciding board — this one, or one three or five years out. What they can know is that whichever board it is will act alone, with no vote returning to the membership at that point. The only leverage residents have over this decision is choosing, at every election including this one, people whose position on the club matches their own — because by the time it's clear which board actually holds the 90-day window, it's too late to do anything but watch them use it.
Medley at Southshore Bay already lived this. Its resident board exercised the same kind of purchase option and closed on an $8.55 million purchase in November 2025[2] — no resident vote occurred at either stage. According to MedleyMembers.net, a community-run information site not affiliated with the HOA, the loan amount grew from $9 million to $11 million between a March 11, 2025 townhall and an August 12, 2025 meeting, and a rushed proxy-only vote followed on August 27 with no further financial disclosure.[3] The only vote Southshore homeowners got in the entire process was over how to pay their share of the loan afterward — a lump sum or installments over time;[3] some households' lump-sum payments have been reported at just over $12,700 each.[4] Not whether to buy. How to pay for what the board had already decided to buy. Medley Dispatch requested comment from Susic on the board's handling of that process; he did not respond as of publication.
Medley at Angeline, Medley Club at Prosperity Lakes, and Medley Club at New Port Corners operate under the same developer and corporate structure. Their Club Plans haven't yet been independently reviewed by Medley Dispatch, so it isn't confirmed each contains identical language — but every one of those communities is headed toward the same fork, and residents there will face the same choice: pick their board on the club question now, or lose any say in it at all.
The bottom line: There is no vote on the club purchase — not this year, not whenever Lennar finally decides to act. The closest thing residents get is this one: choosing who sits on the board. Vote that view now. There's no later.
Brad Warren, a Medley resident since 2022, is running on 27 years of human resources experience — 18 of them in C-suite roles — that he says gave him direct experience negotiating large contracts and overseeing employee pension funds.
Editorial note: Medley Dispatch does not endorse candidates. This profile is drawn entirely from Brad Warren's submitted candidate statement and is part of a series covering all seven candidates for the September 16, 2026 election.
Tree roots are lifting and cracking sections of the pickleball courts at the Southshore Bay Club, and for the first time since Lennar built the community, the repair bill belongs entirely to the homeowners.
According to a recap of the Association's July 14, 2026 open board meeting posted on MedleyMembers.net, a community-run information site not affiliated with the HOA, board members presented on "pickleball court conditions" and outlined a "general plan to repair courts and remove surrounding trees whose roots are causing damage." A resident survey was to be distributed through the Association's TownSquare portal, with detailed repair quotes expected at a subsequent meeting. The same recap states repair funding is expected to come from "extra funds obtained with clubhouse purchase."
The purchase referenced is the Association's $8.55 million acquisition of the Southshore Bay Club, financed with an $11 million loan and completed on November 20, 2025. Before that closing, any defect in the Club's courts, pool, or clubhouse was Lennar's financial responsibility. Since then, it is the Association's — and, ultimately, the roughly 854 homes that make up Medley at Southshore Bay.
Michael Susic is listed as President of the Medley at Southshore Bay Community Association, Inc. in an October 22, 2025 fictitious-name filing recorded with Hillsborough County. Medley Dispatch attempted to reach Susic and the Association's community association manager for comment on the extent of the court damage and the timeline for repair. Neither returned those calls as of publication.
Medley Dispatch has also requested Southshore Bay's most recent capital reserve study, to determine whether court resurfacing was anticipated in the Association's reserve planning or is being funded on an ad hoc basis from purchase-related loan proceeds. Because official-records access under Florida Statute §720.303 extends only to members of the Association, Southshore Bay is under no legal obligation to provide that document to Medley Dispatch, and has not indicated whether it will.
The stakes go beyond cosmetics. Tree root uplift is the most common cause of the kind of vertical surface displacement that industry and legal standards treat as an active trip hazard — commonly set at one-quarter inch or more, the same threshold used in sidewalk and premises-liability cases nationally. Under Florida law, an association becomes exposed to liability once it has actual or constructive notice of such a hazard and fails to act; a documented, unaddressed report to management is generally treated as actual notice. The July 14 meeting recap indicates the board is already aware of the condition, which — depending on how quickly repairs proceed — could itself become a relevant fact if a member or guest is later injured on the affected courts.
Cost estimates for the repair will depend on how much of the court structure — surface only, or the base beneath it — has been affected by the roots. Industry pricing for pickleball and tennis court work ranges from roughly $2 to $4 per square foot for surface crack repair and repainting, up to $15 to $25 per square foot for a full base rebuild where root intrusion has undermined the sub-surface — the scenario tree-root damage most often produces if the roots themselves are not removed or blocked. Courts damaged by ongoing root intrusion are frequently cited in industry guidance as base-rebuild candidates rather than simple resurfacing jobs, since repeated patching without addressing the roots tends to bring cumulative repair costs close to the price of a full rebuild.
Medley Dispatch will update this story as further information becomes available, including any response from Association leadership and the results of the requested reserve study.
Jody Lazzara moved to Medley at Mirada in October 2025 — less than a year before this election — after 13 years in nearby San Antonio, Florida. Her statement, dated July 23, 2026, points to prior HOA board service, including as treasurer, as her qualification.
Editorial note: Medley Dispatch does not endorse candidates. This profile is drawn entirely from Jody Lazzara's submitted candidate statement and is part of a series covering all seven candidates for the September 16, 2026 election.
Alejandero Kelly's statement leads with 21 years in the U.S. Army — retiring as a Brigade Communications Chief after six deployments — followed by a federal IT career he says has prepared him for board-level accountability and decision-making.
Editorial note: Medley Dispatch does not endorse candidates. This profile is drawn entirely from Alejandero Kelly's submitted candidate statement and is part of a series covering all seven candidates for the September 16, 2026 election.
Voting opened today in Medley at Mirada's Turnover Election, with residents choosing three directors from a field of seven candidates. Ballots can be cast electronically through GetQuorum, delegated by proxy through the same platform, or returned on paper by residents who did not consent to electronic voting.
Catherine Hegarty's candidacy centers on more than 25 years in business operations and finance, including her current role as a Finance Manager overseeing budgets, bank reconciliations, and vendor payments — experience she says translates directly into board-level financial stewardship.
Editorial note: Medley Dispatch does not endorse candidates. This profile is drawn entirely from Catherine Hegarty's submitted candidate statement and is part of a series covering all seven candidates for the September 16, 2026 election.
Ellen Greco is running for a third term on the Mirada HOA board. Her statement points to two years as a resident board member plus 37 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Air Force as the basis for her candidacy, with a platform built around a smooth developer-to-resident board handover.
Editorial note: Medley Dispatch does not endorse candidates. This profile is drawn entirely from Ellen Greco's submitted candidate statement and is part of a series covering all seven candidates for the September 16, 2026 election.
In her candidate statement, Karen Ford says she has spent nearly seven years in Medley at Mirada helping neighbors navigate issues with the developer, the HOA, the CDD, and county and state agencies — work she says has included pulling county-filed plans to verify what should or shouldn't be built nearby.
Editorial note: Medley Dispatch does not endorse candidates. This profile is drawn entirely from Karen Ford's submitted candidate statement and is part of a series covering all seven candidates for the September 16, 2026 election.
Club Plan §5.7 states that if the Association exercises its purchase option, it "shall be deemed to have assumed and agreed to pay" all continuing service contracts tied to the Club — including the three-year True Club management agreement LEN-Medley at Mirada Club LLC signed in September 2025. That assumption is automatic under the option mechanics, and it comes with Lennar's operating standards, staffing levels, and the obligation to maintain full-service operations while Lagoon Villas are still being sold.
ChampionsGate residents filed a federal class action in March 2025 alleging an illegal club fee scheme. Lennar moved to compel individual arbitration. The court agreed. The case was terminated December 15, 2025. The legal theory under Avatar v. Gundel survives — but the litigation path for individual residents is effectively closed.
Florida law requires an independent fining committee — separate from the board — before any HOA fine actually becomes enforceable. Mirada doesn't have one. That's about to change.
The Turnover Committee's second update to homeowners (July 29) reports continued progress on financial records, vendor contracts, and infrastructure review — while the clock starts on filing for the three open board seats.
Angeline's CAM will cover Mirada part-time during the handoff — right as the Turnover Committee is asking outgoing management for financial records and vendor contracts.
ICON is rolling out a new gate-access app. If you already installed it, delete it — you'll be sent a link when it's your turn.
A new round of protruding wearboards on the Rider Creek entry and exit bridges has been identified and scheduled for repair the week of August 3, 2026 — separate from the May 2026 wearboard repair on the same bridges. An eblast with bridge closure timing will follow once a date and time are confirmed.
A new bulletin board has been installed at the Clubhouse Mailbox Kiosk area for posting HOA notices and information; a second will be installed at the Lagoon Villa Mailboxes. Currently posted: the First Notice of the Turnover Meeting, originally distributed via GetQuorum on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The Architectural Review Committee meeting dates for August and September have been changed to Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM and Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Effective May 18, 2026, the Lagoon at Mirada is managed directly through Metro Lagoon, with a new resident portal and contact email. The mailing address remains the same. Printed contact sheets are available at the front desk. Note: the Lagoon is operated separately from the Medley HOA and Club under a different legal structure; Lagoon access fees are paid separately.
The bridge company inspected the Rider Creek Bridge and marked broken boards for repair as of May 15, 2026. ICON Management stated the damage is normal wear and tear and the bridge is completely safe. A separate communication will go out once the repair date is scheduled.
As of May 15, 2026, the Kenton Rd./Cannon Rush Drive gate is out of service. Until further notice, the Main Entrance at Rider Creek is the only point of entry to the community between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
The gate company inspected the Gable Dig Loop vehicular and pedestrian gates as of May 1, 2026 following resident reports of issues. ICON Management stated repairs will be addressed accordingly.
ICON Management published expected work order resolution timelines: lawn work 7 business days; irrigation up to 1 month (water pressure available Tuesdays until noon and Fridays until 2 PM only); horticulture treatments including turf weeds, pests, fungus, and diseased plants up to 3 months. Open work orders outside these windows: contact Janaya Walden at 813-642-1125.
The pool was closed for the full day of April 29, 2026 for coping repair. The Club General Manager noted the repairs were necessary to improve safety and quality of the facility.
Effective April 7, 2026, pool gates are locked for entry. The front entrance is the only point of entry. All residents and guests must check in at the front desk. Guests receive daily wristbands and must remain with their resident host at all times. Each household is limited to four guests. Residents must carry their wristbands on clubhouse grounds at all times.
Lennar's site supervisor cites supplier delay. The HOA board reports no penalty clause was negotiated for late amenity delivery. Residents are paying full Club Membership Fees during the delay.
Three resident-led clubs have absorbed the programming gap. The position is funded from the Club operating budget, not the HOA, so the vacancy does not reduce HOA dues — but it delays programming residents are paying Club Membership Fees to receive.
Lennar successfully compelled individual arbitration in December 2025, effectively ending the ChampionsGate class action. The Club Plan's class action waiver held. Each resident must pursue individual claims — worth approximately $1,440 each — alone in arbitration against Lennar's legal team.
The Medley Club at Southshore Bay — purchased by its HOA for $8,550,000 in November 2025 — continues to operate at a loss. Members are paying approximately $108 per month in special assessments to service the acquisition loan.
By April 2025 — six months after Southshore Bay's resident board was seated — documents confirmed the purchase option was already active. The board had publicly stated they expected until April 2027. Mirada's Club Plan contains identical timeline language.
ICON Management has scheduled a turnover information meeting for June 2026. The actual board election date has not been announced. Three directors will be elected. If candidates equal seats, all are automatically seated without a vote.
Club Plan §5.2 gives Lennar sole discretion to sell the Club to any buyer, on any terms, if the Association does not exercise its purchase option. Other Florida communities facing similar developer-owned amenity structures have weighed alternative ownership arrangements rather than a straight HOA purchase. Medley Dispatch takes no position on which path is best for residents — but the incoming board should consult qualified Florida HOA legal counsel about the range of options before, not after, any option window closes.
True Club management has confirmed a $35.31 per month operations fee increase tied to new amenities at the Lagoon Villas. It takes effect when construction completes — anticipated sometime in 2026. It cannot be opted out of.
| Total planned homes | 1,038 |
| Homes closed (est.) | ~913 (88%) |
| Club size | 16,755 sq ft |
| Board seats at turnover | 3 directors (Bylaws §4.2) |
| Fee cap expiration | January 1, 2027 |
| 2025 Club net loss | ($665,872) |
| Annual Lennar pass-through | $534,850/yr |
| HOA property manager | ICON Management (Troon) |
| Club manager | True Club (Troon) |
| Total homes | 854 |
| Club purchase price | $8,550,000 |
| Purchase closing | November 20, 2025 |
| Deed instrument | 2025497699 |
| General Release | Instrument 2025497697 — all Club Plan claims permanently released |
| Monthly special assessment | ~$108/month per household |
| HOA property manager | Castle Group (replaced ICON Jan. 2025) |
| Club manager | True Club — retained partial 2026 |
| Club opened | March 22, 2024 |
| Club size | 12,029 sq ft (announced as 15,000 sq ft in Dec. 2022) |
| Master plan | 6,200 acres · ~30,000 anticipated residents |
| Developer | Metro Development Group + Lennar |
| HOA turnover | Earlier stage than Mirada — timeline TBD |
| Club Plan | Pending retrieval from Pasco County Clerk |
| Club name | Medley Club at Prosperity Lakes |
| Status | Active — selling now |
| Club Plan | Pending retrieval from Manatee County |
| HOA turnover | TBD — earlier stage |
| Branding | Confirmed Medley Club branding via Lennar Tampa. Same Club Plan structure expected — pending verification. |
| Club name | Medley Club at New Port Corners |
| Sales launched | August 1, 2025 |
| Club status | Future — not yet open |
| Planned amenities | Pool, clubhouse, café, fitness center, yoga lawn, pickleball, bocce, dog park |
| Club Plan | Pending retrieval from Pasco County Clerk |
| HOA turnover | Earliest stage — years away |
Mandatory developer club fees including profit markup may violate Florida HOA law. Florida Supreme Court declined review. Controlling precedent statewide.
Lennar successfully compelled individual arbitration. The class action waiver in the Club Plan held. The legal theory under Avatar v. Gundel survives — but each resident must pursue claims individually in arbitration. With individual claims of approximately $1,440, almost no one will.
Lennar hired lobbyists to push Florida SB 1118 exempting developer club fees from HOA law. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee chair declined to hold a hearing.
The Medley Club was deliberately structured outside Florida Chapter 720 — the Homeowners' Association Act — from the beginning. When the HOA purchases the Club, it inherits Chapter 720 constraints that Lennar specifically engineered around, including annual elections, member voting requirements, statutory reserves, and open records obligations.
HOA ownership is not the only path available to an incoming board. Other Florida communities facing similar developer-owned amenity structures have explored alternative arrangements that may better serve residents' long-term interests.
The incoming Mirada board should consult qualified Florida HOA legal counsel about what options may be available — before the 90-day option window opens, not after.
Editorial position: Medley Dispatch does not advocate for or against any specific ownership structure. The decision belongs to the incoming board — informed by qualified legal counsel — and ultimately to homeowners.
Before the HOA votes, someone should run the numbers. The option window is 90 days. After that it is gone forever. $534,850 flows to Lennar every year — that is the number the board has not explained.
Fee structure · formula price · what the Southshore Bay decision means for Mirada
All documents are publicly available. Instrument numbers enable independent verification at county clerk offices.
79-page document. Purchase option formula, fee structure, member obligations, Exhibit F purchase agreement form.
Amendments 1–5 retrieved and on file. Amendments 6–10 recorded in 2024 — instrument numbers and full text pending retrieval from Pasco County Clerk in person.
Lennar conveys Club to Southshore HOA November 20, 2025 for $8,550,000.
HOA permanently releases Lennar from all Club Plan claims as a closing condition.
Bank secures $11M loan against Southshore HOA member assessment rights. Filed December 1, 2025.
Class action alleging illegal club fee scheme — same structure as all five Medley communities.