County Grapples With Social Media

At their annual “retreat,” Saraosta County Commissioners Thursday were asked to set policies on the use of online social media that includes Facebook and Twitter.

“The question is, when does something become a public record?” asked County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh. “A commissioner receives a communication on their private Facebook page about county business. That could very well be a public record.”

The county’s Information Technology Director Glen Zimmerman added a caution. “Make sure instant messaging is disabled on your Facebook page.” 

Florida’s Public Records Law is one of the strongest in the nation, and requires full disclosure any time commissioners discuss pending policies or decisions. Emails, for example, are posted on the county website and are searchable by date, name and topic. 

Commissioner Christine Robinson promoted the use of social media by the body. “This is important for a variety of reasons,” she said. “It is great to be able to pass along information. This is moving forward in other counties. It’s coming, and we need to be ready for this.”

Other commissioners were more hesitant. “I think it’s a risky road,” said Commissioner Joe Barbetta. “Between the county’s website and email system and the county’s Facebook page, I think that is sufficient.”

“I would rather another county take the lead on this,” said Commissioner Jon Thaxton. “After witnessing the personal trauma of my colleagues in the (baseball) Sunshine case, I’m personally not going to go there. It’s risky enough to sit here and do email.”

Commissioner Carolyn Mason was less than eager. “I agree with Jon and Joe. I don’t have a Facebook page or any desire to have one. I wouldn’t want us to be in the lead on this.”

Although no vote was taken, the consensus was for staff to monitor other counties’ activities in social media and keep the commission informed. But for now, individual commissioners were urged to use caution on their personal use. 

In other action, Christine Robinson was elected chair of the county commission starting in January. Carolyn Mason received the first nomination but declined, citing “pressing family business I’m working through. I can’t give it the attention it needs.”

Mason will remain the vice chair of the commission, and Jon Thaxton will remain chair pro tem. 

Robinson is the newest member of the commission, appointed slightly more than a year ago to fill the unexpired term of Shannon Staub, who resigned.

"Thank you for your confidence," said Robinson.