in this issue
36
Floodproofing Considerations for Associations By: Patricia Staebler, RS, SRA
42
Springtime in Central Florida By: Dee Smith
Cover:
CA Day 2026: Play Your Cards Right
Articles
16
22 26
How to Protect Homeowners’ Personal Data from Theft and Fraud By: Heather Karamitsos
Why Join CAI? By: Scott Gilbert
Negotiate to Win By: Diana Sada, Esq.
Departments
5 editor’ s Note- Tonya Tremitiere 7 President’ s letter- Cindi Bass-Bell 14 legislative lens 29 CA Day Special Section 48 A Big Thanks to our Volunteers 49 New Members 52 Diamond Investors 53 Chapter Investors 58 Ad Index 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.
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— Luther Burbank
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
WWW. CAIWeSTFlorIDA. org community • March 2026