Community Magazine June 2026 | Page 3

in this issue

Cover:

When“ Later” Becomes a Liability

Articles

16

26

30

Small Details; Big Problems By: Stephen Rauch, EIT
The Strategic Value of Timely Communication in Community Associations By: Rick Michaud, CMCA ®
How Tropic Isle’ s Co-Op’ s Five-Year Strategy Helped Us Weather Two Back-to- Back Hurricanes By: By Jose Torres and Bobbie McEvoy

36

40
The Rising Cost of Inaction: How Industry Trends are Elevating Capital Planning By: Matt Kuisle
The Value of a Public Adjuster By: Matt Rhead, PA, CLCS

26

Departments
5
Editor’ s Note- Tonya Tremitiere
7
President’ s letter- Cindi Bass-Bell
8
legal Matters
14
legislative lens
21
A Big Thanks to Our Volunteers
22
A Tribute to Doug Wilson
29
We Have Resources
33
New Members
35
Cornhole Tournament
42
New CAI Chapter Website
48
CA Day Pictures
52
Diamond Investors
53 Chapter Investors
58
Ad Index

36
community is published quarterly by the West Florida Chapter of Community Associations Institute © 2026 Views and conclusions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of community, the community committee, the West Florida Chapter or Community Associations Institute. T he publisher and editors of this magazine do not accept responsibility for the content of any advertisement, including any statements made by advertisers herein or for any opinions expressed by authors of bylined articles herein. The purpose of this magazine is to provide general information only. The magazine is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. legal, financial, construction or other expert advice and assistance should always be sought from applicable professionals.
Copy editor: Kris Kesling-Hays • Publisher: Scott gilbert • Advertising: Contact Kris Kesling-Hays at 941 / 927-1910 or info @ caiwestflorida. org. Submission deadline: Please review the community media kit available at www. caiwestflorida. org for dates. Magazine design: Betsy Mertz Crawford • Cover design: Tom Mertz
I started skating and I kind of liked it because I could run circles around the guys that wouldn ' t pick me to play baseball.
— Scott Hamilton
WWW. CAIWESTFlORIDA. ORg community • June 2026