Vote information 2023
– Click the link below for detailed results of the Election of the 2024 Board of Directors and Budget Approval held 12/14/23. Only 301 ballots were cast, with 385 registered to vote not voting, which could have dramatically changed the outcome. The budget passed, and the unopposed officers were all elected as expected, along with 7 Directors (none of which were from the “order” group). Congratulations to the following who take office 1/1/24:
Adam Yunker, President & Director
Jerod Lawson, Vice President & Director
Brandi Tropf, Secretary & Director
Marina Lewis, Treasurer & Director
Shelly Crawford, Director through 12/31/25
Justin Heaton, Director through 12/31/25
Kayla Parsons, Director through 12/31/25
Jenna Sanchez, Director through 12/31/25
Cody Hastings, Director through 12/31/24
Marv Moreno, Director through 12/31/24
Marie Ramirez De Arellano, Director through 12/31/25
The Proposed Budget PASSED.
https://wedgefieldhomeowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FinalElectionResults.pdf
– Click the link below for Vote Results for the vote held on 11/9/23 for amendments to Bylaws and Declarations (none passed, approximately 200 eligible members did not vote): wedgefieldhomeowners.com/amendments
Wedgefield Homeowners Association Annual Election Information
As of 11/7/23, the HOA Board passed a Resolution to have all 11 HOA Board positions go up for election by a democratic process vote by the members on 12/14/23, in exchange for not subjecting the community to the cost of multiple “recall” votes and litigations. More candidates are needed, representing both sides of the recent arguments (“freedom” from HOA rules vs. “order” to have HOA rules), as very few of the current “order” Board members are planning to run again. These are the positions up for vote:
- President & Director (one-year term ending 12/31/24) – Shall preside over all meetings of the Association, and be the official spokesperson for the Association. Current additional duties have been editing the Webpage as needed, posting on the official Facebook page and other community Facebook pages, creating the Newsletter each month, and assisting residents with 311 needs (email/calls/suggestion box).
- Vice President & Director (two-year term ending 12/31/25) – assumes the duties of the President in his/her absence. Currently in charge of the weekly mail pickup in Christmas, putting up General meeting signs each month, running the Events committee, and assisting with Newsletter ads and membership.
- Secretary & Director (two-year term ending 12/31/25) – records minutes of meetings and such other functions as requested by the President or the Board. Creates minutes for Board, Special, and General meetings. May also be asked to head or assist on a committee.
- Treasurer & Director (one-year term ending 12/31/24)– maintains and safeguards the assets of the corporation. Needs Quickbooks and Excel skills. Current additional duties have been Estoppel Letter Processing, Membership Database Entries, ACC Reviewing, and Document Reviewing.
- 7 Directors (4 with highest number of votes serve two-year terms ending 12/31/25, 3 with lowest number of votes serve one-year terms ending 12/31/24) – “shall exercise corporate powers”. The Directors customarily head functions or participate in committees such as Code Enforcement, Events, Architectural Review, Estoppel Processing, Website Maintenance/Design, and Newsletter Design and Printing, and Membership.
- All Board positions require attending 2-3 meetings a month (1st and 3rd TH 7PM, and usually 1 other). Zoom or phone participation is allowed.
- Members can self-nominate anytime up to the time of the vote to be a candidate. In order to stand for an Office or Director, an individual must be a member in good standing. Directors and Director/Officers shall serve as volunteers without compensation.
- Members can submit a personal statement to be posted here and linked to the Facebook HOA informational page.
- To nominate, send your name, position desired, and personal statement (optional) to candidates@wedgefieldhomeowners.com.
SELF-NOMINATED CANDIDATES for the HOA BOARD as of 12/13/23 and their submitted bio statements (if any):
Officer + Director Candidates
(1 President, 1 Vice President, 1 Secretary, 1 Treasurer):
Yunker, Adam – President & Director: “I am excited to announce my candidacy for HOA President and the opportunity to serve our community. With a robust background in operations, sales, building/scaling businesses and technology integration, I bring a unique skill set to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the WHOA and this community.
Given the limited budget that the WHOA uses to operate, we need someone with experience in navigating our community through responsible fiscal decisions, particularly considering our optional membership structure. It is also important we don’t look to cover operating costs at the expense of the homeowners through unnecessary fees and fines. I envision WHOA actively engaging in community events, bolstering our neighborhood watch, and serving as a proactive liaison to the county to ensure our collective voice is heard. A paramount focus of my tenure will be aligning our outdated bylaws and deed restrictions with the evolving needs of our community, particularly regarding freedom to own animals and the historic practice of storing boats/campers at your home. It is imperative that these regulations reflect the current culture of our neighborhood while maintaining the essence of what makes Wedgefield special.
I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment where every resident’s perspective is valued. Many of us moved to this community for the Freedom to do as we please with our own properties. The community has displayed a consistent voice over the past few months and I intend to represent that voice to the best of my ability.”
Lawson, Jerod – Vice President & Director: “I’m a self employed contractor with (4) employees. Almost 4 years ago I drove through Wedgefield with my realtor and instantly fell in love. I knew right away that this was where I wanted to raise my children. Seeing the homes here vs where I came from, I imagined how proud my family would be to see us establishing our base in this community. Rather than remain silent, I’ve decided to run for the Vice President of our community. I would like to have a voice and protect our community. Within the last 6 years I was elected the president of the board at my previous community. I made a promise to the community I would fix what was going on. I served 2 years as the president only because that’s how long it took to turn the community back around from all the damage the previous board had done. I completed my task and peacefully walked away afterwards. I’ve never failed at anything I’ve applied myself to do. I will apply myself to put our community needs first.”
Tropf, Brandi – Secretary & Director: “My name is Brandi Tropf. I’m a busy mom of 7, a Florida native, a Wedgefield resident of 13 years, in Orlando for 20 years. I grew up in a small beach town just south of Orlando and spent my summers in an even smaller town one-horse town at the base of the Grand Tetons. Living in these special places taught me so many of the things I enjoy today…boating, fishing, hiking, and trying to live a simple life. Wedgefield offers these experiences for my children too, all while still having the greater opportunities that Orlando has to offer. The schools know them by name and offer that small-town atmosphere, which is invaluable to me due to raising them by myself. We feel protected and loved here.
In my previous career of 17 years, I owned a vehicle inspection company throughout the state of FL and some of GA. I inspected vehicles and put them online onto several national auctions. Although it wasn’t easy, it gave me the opportunity to have a flexible schedule in order to raise my children and still be involved with their schools, homeschooling, and activities. I have enjoyed volunteering at many organizations throughout my life, some included are MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Cub Scouts, churches, and at my children’s schools. Here in the neighborhood, I’ve held storytime, community events, and fundraisers. Eventually, my years of running a business, doing my own real estate investments, and volunteering led me to my current career, which has been my lifelong passion. I utilize this as a way to serve and give back to others. It’s the perfect mix for me!
Community is so important to me. Maintaining the character of Wedgefield is just as important. If elected, I’d like to continue serving Wedgefield by making sure the neighborhood’s voices are heard and counted. I believe the HOA should serve its community through neighborhood events and have an overall positive impact on the residents who live here. I know firsthand that people move here to get away from restrictive HOAs, but this doesn’t mean they don’t take care of their properties! They are looking for that simple life that a lot of us grew up in. They want their children to feel like they can explore the beautiful nature that we are lucky enough to have in our backyards! They want to feel like their neighbors are there to help, not there to turn them in for leaving a trash can out a day late.
I strive to keep Wedgefield that community that gives you a small-town atmosphere with a big heart for its neighbors. A community that serves and cares for its residents. A place that people are proud of and can’t wait to come home to. That is what makes Wedgefield so beautiful and unique!”
Lewis, Marina – Treasurer & Director: “My name is Marina Lewis and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Treasurer position on the Wedgefield Homeowners Board of Directors.
I believe that I am a strong candidate for the Treasurer position because of my background in business management and administration and board experience on both non-profit organizations and Florida HOAs. I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics and am currently the business manager for an online media company. Currently, I am also the treasurer on the board of directors of a condominium association in Osceola County. My past board experience extends to various organizations including a non-profit community arts center, a cooperative preschool, a homeowners association, and a condominium association.
I hold Florida board certifications in 720 and 718 statutes and regularly attend workshops to keep current on the legislative changes affecting HOAs. Although Wedgefield operates under the 617 statute, my experience in the legal nuances of Florida corporate statutes is highly relevant.
My husband and I moved to Wedgefield in March of 2022. We chose
Wedgefield because we loved the open space and, more specifically, because it did not have an active HOA. During our home search, our principal criteria was that there was no or, at most, an insignificant HOA. This made our home search especially difficult as very few neighborhoods met this criteria. We were delighted to find Wedgefield and move here.
Therefore, the news of a revived 11 member board along with the events that transpired over this past year inspired me like many others to get and stay engaged. I would prefer that Wedgefield not have a homeowners association but, since we do, I desire to serve on the board to ensure that our association does not hinder individual residents. We can continue to live here with little to no involvement of an HOA.
If elected, I pledge to be transparent and available to the community. I pledge to vote to limit the power and scope of the POA in favor of the rights of individual homeowners. I pledge to support the dissolution of the Wedgefield POA when we can legally do so. In short, I pledge to always vote to enable residents to live free on their own property as they see fit”
Director Candidates (choose 7):
Brown, Art – Director: “I am an “order” candidate, meaning that I support continuing to have an HOA that enforces the deed restrictions, and changing outdated restrictions through membership votes on amendments.”
Brown, Carmen – Director: “My name is Carmen Brown. My husband Art Brown and I are Wedgefield residents since 2004. I am an “order” candidate, meaning that I support continuing to have an HOA that enforces the deed restrictions, and changing outdated restrictions through membership votes on amendments.”
Cesarano, Michael – Director: “I have been a property owner here in Wedgefield since 2002. Over the last 21 years I have seen the people of this community come together when faced with difficult circumstances that ranged from impending storms to the threat of a burdensome tax. Each time, this community has united around the belief that we are equal to the challenge as well as the knowledge that there is a better way. I am running to fill a Director position because I believe it is my turn to make a personal contribution to this community that is my home and where my wife and I have raised our 5 children.
Considering the recent challenges concerning the HOA, I believe this community can, once again, find a better way and I am committed to that pursuit. As a student of history in my personal life and avid reader, I know there is wisdom from our history that can prove invaluable to restoring harmony and advancing the needs and desires of all who call Wedgefield home. Therefore, I humbly request your vote and look forward to serving the community of Wedgefield.”
Crawford, Shelly – Director: “I am a life-long Florida native, and my wife and I have been Central Florida residents since 1996, with the last eleven being here in Wedgefield, and have been employed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority for the past twenty-two years, as an Oracle Applications Developer and Database Administrator. Grew up in a construction background doing site work, drainage and underground utilities, and have also had experience in electronics, audio engineering, and other areas.
My outlook is that we at very least should be able to reconstruct the organization in a manner that would allow us all to live in peace, without fear of reprisal from some authoritarian structure as long as we abide by the county guidelines and treat each other with respect. In short, if we wanted to live in Celebration, we’d have moved to Celebration. Wedgefield offered us the chance to live in a quiet, rurally oriented environment still within easy reach of work and such. Our family is centered out here, with both our son, daughter and their families now living in Wedgefield. I want them to have the same kind of opportunity for life out here that we have enjoyed, and would like to keep the unique community and lifestyle we’ve lived in for years, not try to turn it into EveryOtherSuburbTown, USA, Inc.”
Ginther, Donna – Director: “Professionally, I have been a CFO for 35 years with an MBA and work in construction services. I currently serve as Secretary for the Wedgefield Firewise Association and serve Orange County legislatively on the Abatement Board. I have fostered dogs, cats, and teach competitive baton twirling. I have lived in Florida for 23 years and have lived in both an HOA community and a non-HOA community. Both have their pros and cons.
I do believe that the community should have a voice for all. Before I purchased in this community, I made sure to read the Deeds and Covenants that pertained to this location and made sure that I was willing to accept the conditions under which I decided to purchase. There may be some current rules that may be either outdated or just do not pertain to how Wedgefield has grown, however, I feel that if selected as a director, that together we can adjust some of those restrictions to accommodate the changes that we have seen, while still maintaining the value that we all want, and have a quality neighborhood that we are all proud to live in.”
Hastings, Cody – Director
Heaton, Justin – Director: “My name is Justin Heaton, and I’m running for a seat on the board of directors. I’m a freedom-loving mechanical engineer and technical consultant in the defense industry, so I’m used to dealing with committees and contentious meetings. I fell in love with Wedgefield several years ago when my wife and I searched for a family-oriented community we could build in.
I’m running on the premise that we need a HOA (or POA, to be technically accurate) that represents the vision and interests of the majority of the property owners in this community. It’s going to take many incremental steps to get to where we all want to go, and I want to offer my talents and experience to help come up with simple and effective solutions that ensure this community will continue to be central Florida’s own slice of paradise.”
Johnson, Michael T. – Director: “I am an “order” candidate, meaning that I support continuing to have an HOA that enforces the deed restrictions, and changing outdated restrictions through membership votes on amendments.”
Jones, Lynette – Director: “I am an “order” candidate, meaning that I support continuing to have an HOA that enforces the deed restrictions, and changing outdated restrictions through membership votes on amendments.”
Moreno, Marv – Director: “>15 years global strategic consulting sales and business development expertise with Fortune 500 companies and startups. Fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Bachelor degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, MBA and MGC in Finance.
* Erradicate personal interests from the WHOA Board”
Parsons, Kayla – Director: “Hello! I would like to run for the position of director for the Wedgefield HOA (aka POA). I’ve personally lived here almost 6 years and my husband for over 10 years. Earlier this year I started noticing some crazy overreach by the soon to be ex board. I would share these things on the main Wedge fb page so others were made aware and started looking into ways to “Defund the WHOA.”
Jenna reached out to me about starting a fb page for like minded individuals and to start brainstorming ways to fight back against this board that thought it was a great idea to drastically and negatively shake things up in our neighborhood. Our MWFA team has come leaps and bounds in progress and obtaining more information.
At this point, I would like to help make our goals seen through to the end. This would include:
- Getting MWFA people to fill the board seats
- Hold meetings to hear and address the changes Wedgefield wants to see in the Code and Covenants declaration. (Mostly wanting to match County regulations, especially when it comes to the animals)
- Hold a vote on these changes (following all legal steps and being fully transparent).
- Once we’re happy with the changes, dissolve the POA through the steps of Florida Statute 617.1402″
Ramirez De Arellano, Marie – Director: “My name is Marie Ramírez de Arellano, and I have lived in Wedgefield for over 2 years. I moved here to be away from neighborhood drama surrounding HOAs and to have privacy without an HOA interfering. In my opinion, there is already enough of that with the state and county codes and burdensome bureaucratic processes.
I am a Florida licensed attorney and county mediator. I have worked in the federal government close to 15 years. I plan to bring my legal experience, mediator skills, and common-sense approach to help our community. I became a member of the WHOA after noticing that the current WHOA’s board was threatening our community and harmonious way of life. I am running for the WHOA’s board, because I want to fix the damage done by the current board and return our community to its peace, freedom, and liberty.
I am against any intrusion from an HOA or POA. For example, I am against the current WHOA push for the Architectural Review Committee (ACC); their letters conveniently selecting structures that “violated” the deed restrictions and threatening residents with up to $1,000 fines; the unreasonable and expensive newsletter; the WHOA’s intrusion as to what animals and the amount of time they can be outside within your property; and the outrageous amount of money from our membership dues that is being spent in litigation or to defend the agenda that a selected few –the current board– wanted to impose on the rest of us.
Since I started attending the WHOA meetings, I advocated against the current WHOA injustices and intrusions. I inquired about their practices and enforcement power. I was left with little to no answers on the questions I had for the board.
I understand that many are confused and have read misinformation especially in the November 2023 newsletter, which in part misstated that without the WHOA we will have 1) group homes; 2) mobile homes; and 3) other Orange County permitted uses under the A-2 zoning such as a helipad. These were red herrings and last-minute scare tactics by a desperate WHOA board. Notably, the board has been unable to define or explain their enforcement power, if any, to date.
Considering the above, I decided there is no other way to fix the current situation except for getting involved and running for the board. I want to be honest and share that I do not believe there is a need for an HOA/POA in our community. I believe that the mere existence of the HOA/POA will always be a threat and potential power trip for whoever is elected. My intention is to bring our community back to its harmony without burdensome intrusion from the WHOA, reassess less expensive alternative to notify residents than the current newsletter, eliminate the ACC threats issued by the current board, and focus on things that really matter such as safety in the community.
Lastly, I will advocate to initiate the process to dissolve the current HOA/POA, if the majority of the community supports it. In contrast, I will not oppose if the majority of the Wedgefield community believes we should indeed have an HOA/POA. My primary goal is stop what has been happening in the last year and bring our community back. I plan to lead with respect and resolve the issues that really impact our community in collaboration with others despite our differences. With your vote, I hope to make the difference and make it happen.”
Rodriguez, Elvis – Director: “I am honored to nominate myself as an order candidate within the WHOA board. I am driven by a passion for community and a commitment to upholding order while adapting to the evolving needs of our neighborhood.
As a dedicated military member with over 21 years of service, I have cultivated a deep sense of responsibility, integrity, and leadership. My experience has instilled in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a dedication to service that I believe will greatly benefit our community.
My years of service have taught me the value of effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. I am ready to listen to the concerns and ideas of our residents, working together to find solutions that benefit us all. I aim to foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process.
If elected, I will bring my unwavering dedication, organizational skills, and a collaborative spirit to the HOA board. I am committed to promoting harmony, enhancing property values, and creating a welcoming environment that we can all be proud to call home.Thank you for considering my nomination. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and contribute to its continued success.
Sanchez, Jenna – Director: “I moved to Wedgefield at the beginning of 2017 and my husband, who is currently active duty military serving 16 years, has been here since 2011. We are car enthusiasts so you will often find us in the garage wrenching together, or around the corner racing at OSW. It’s one of the many things that we love about this community – the fact that we’re able to pursue the hobbies that we are passionate about. I also have recently become a leader of the Wedgefield Car Club, in which we are working hard to help revive it.
We became concerned as we heard talks of the HOA (POA) starting to become active again, and then I noticed the radical changes they were trying to make, as well as things that I found morally wrong. I was not yet affected by these changes, but it bothered me to see the good people of this community be harassed and misinformed. I met Kayla in the main group and we decided to do something about it, which was when we had created the Make Wedgefield Free Again group.
This has become a full time job for me, but it has been worth it. I am passionate about helping the community through this and I plan to continue until the entire situation is resolved. I will dedicate my time and bring complete communication and transparency to the table, as I have done my best within the MWFA group. I also have years of experience as a manager in customer service and relations; I plan to listen to the concern of every resident involved, and to follow what the majority of this community wants.
Tarantino, Tanya – Director: “I am an “order” candidate, meaning that I support continuing to have an HOA that enforces the deed restrictions, and changing outdated restrictions through membership votes on amendments.
Hello fellow neighbors, I am interested in being a part of the WHOA board. I reside with my husband, our son, and 2 Boxer fur babies. My Husband (serving 20 years) and I (serving 24 years) are both military working in the Space industry which is what brings us to Wedgefield having Cape Canaveral close by. We also own a shutter manufacturing and wholesale / retail company who distributes and installs windows and doors as well as the shutters. I am also able to assist with Quickbooks / Excel as I use it in my company and also do bookkeeping for a few churches in South Florida.
My past/current board experience –
Silver Lakes Community – Pembroke Pines / Miramar Florida (5,535 Homes)- Served as the Modification Chairman for 12 years (had to step down since I no longer lived in the area but am still very active with the board and community).
Marj Holdings (Commercial Warehouses) – Hialeah Florida (47 Industrial Warehouses) – Currently on the Board as VP for the past 7 years.
Thank you for your consideration.”
Tolbert, Kevin – Director
Willis, Karen – Director: “A Wedgefield resident in the ESTATES since April 1999, I retired recently as the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition serving Orange County low wage families in need of child care and those wanting Florida VPK services for their 4 year olds. I also currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Orange County and on the Advisory Committee for the Peace and Justice Institute (PJI). Some may also know me as the precinct clerk when you vote at the clubhouse.
Serving on the WHOA Board in the early 2000 allowed me to meet neighbors and help develop a community engagement plan. It also taught me that it is a tough job that receives a lot of criticism and little appreciation.
I’m running because I want to maintain and grow our property values. We are not Lake Nona nor are we Bithlo. County codes and even neighborhood-based covenants have a place. Finding the correct balance that acknowledges personal property while supporting community collegiality is a challenge that necessitates listening, acknowledging that words matter, compromise, and a commitment to collective action. Yet, that challenge is not just inside our community but also outside. Examples:
- – The State controls a lot. The general election for who represents us in Florida House 35 is in January 2024 two weeks after the legislative session starts. The election for who represents us in the Florida Senate is in November 2024.
- – Orange County controls more and the vote for who represents us on the County Commission is in 2024.
- – Our School Board rep election is in 2026.
Beyond Pluris, whose water quality impacts the property values of all of Wedgefield, we now have a new voting precinct running from the top tip of Wedgefield down 520 to 528…..this is to get ready for the growth in that corridor. Does anyone have a handle on what else is planned for the front of Wedgefield and the property across?? Where is the 408 extension going?? And what about the train??
These all have the potential to significantly impact our property values and our way of life. If elected, I would advocate to keep our eye both on what we want our community to look and feel like on the inside and how that look and feel may be impacted by what is happening around us.”
Worswick, Nancy – Director: “I am an “order” candidate, meaning that I support continuing to have an HOA that enforces the deed restrictions, and changing outdated restrictions through membership votes on amendments.”