Upholding Transparency and Fairness in Pelican Bay
Dear Pelican Bay Community,
A misleading email was recently circulated that contained inaccuracies about the PBPOA, its role in the community, and my recent records request. As a non-partisan organization committed to transparency and fairness, we want to clarify the facts and reaffirm our mission to serve all residents equitably.
In November 2024, a records request was submitted for ballots and proxies from the last Pelican Bay election, in accordance with Florida HOA law. The purpose of this request was to examine differences in how commercial and residential voting members are treated, particularly concerning the Design Review Committee (DRC), and to understand the potential influence of the commercial voting bloc. This issue has been a long-standing concern, as single-family home properties have faced stricter scrutiny and uneven approval processes, while commercial projects have proceeded with far less oversight. The demolition of the Nordstrom building and the ongoing Naples Grande project, both undertaken without the same level of DRC and Board review required for residential properties, highlight this disparity.
To be clear, this request was not intended to review how any individual voted, nor would such information ever be used for political purposes. The goal was simply to analyze voting trends between residential and commercial members, a practice that has been conducted in previous years. Unfortunately, this standard request is now being misrepresented in an attempt to politicize the election process.
As our community navigates key decisions—such as the future of the Community Center, the protection of our beach assets, traffic safety and the conversion of commercial units to residential use—while also processing recent controversial ones, including the sale of the fiber network and the leasing of PB Park for pickleball courts, it is crucial that discussions remain fact-based and respectful. The PBPOA is committed to providing residents with accurate, unbiased information to support informed decision-making.
As the oldest organization in Pelican Bay, the PBPOA serves as an important check and balance in our community. Our mission is to advocate for transparency, fairness, and the best interests of all residents—both residential and commercial. We appreciate your trust and engagement as we continue working toward a stronger, more informed community.
Sincerely,
Beth Schultz,
PBPOA President
