Ocean Club bars reporter from Key Biscayne candidate forum

The Ocean Club Community Association blocked a reporter from covering a Village Council candidate forum it hosted Thursday in Key Biscayne, calling the gathering a private residents event after the Village had listed it publicly. Nataly Garcia, the association's director of administration, said by email that reporters were not being admitted. The forum drew a small crowd, according to Council Member Fernando Vazquez.

The forum featured Vazquez alongside candidates Luis de la Cruz and Silvia Tarafa. Council Member Oscar Sardiñas and candidate Claire London did not appear, Vazquez and de la Cruz said. Village Clerk Jocelyn Koch said the Village later learned that only one sitting council member would attend. No recording of the session has been confirmed.

The Village of Key Biscayne posted the gathering on its website Sunshine meetings page after being told about it. Sunshine Law generally requires meetings where elected officials discuss government matters to be open to the public, including sessions held on private property. Garcia described the event as strictly for residents, not the public.

Editor-in-Chief Tony Winton of the Key Biscaine Independent asked the Ocean Club to reconsider, writing that the forum may be the last chance before the election to hear Council candidates discuss pending issues. The association declined the request. De la Cruz and Vazquez both supported having media present, and other condominiums in past election years have allowed media and even live-streamed debates.

The forum follows the resignation of Village Manager Steve Williamson late last week, leaving a new council to fill the leadership role in coming months. Redevelopment plans for the Rickenbacker Causeway are also moving forward, including a contested ballot measure on the Rickenbacker marina and a Seaquarium renovation proposal.