Comments on Forums or Social Media
Lake County web sites, including any social media pages, may contain threaded discussions, chat rooms, listservs and other communication forums. These limited public forums are provided to allow members of the public to share ideas and information pertaining to certain issues affecting Lake County. While Lake County encourages users to interact with Lake County through these limited public forums on the specific issues presented, Lake County expects members to affirm that they will interact in an appropriate manner as set forth below. Lake County does not agree with or endorse every comment that users may post on any of its websites. Users agree to use Lake County’s web sites at their own risk. Lake County cannot and does not guarantee that violations of the above will not occur, and Lake County cannot verify or confirm the accuracy of any comments posted by any user. Lake County is not responsible for violations of the above or for any inaccurate information posted by any user. Use of certain communication forums may be for a particular timeframe. Once the particular discussion is deemed closed by Lake County, the forum may be closed and archived by Lake County. Users who are subject to the Sunshine Law, Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, must abide by the restrictions and obligations of such law. By participating in any of these forums, users agree to send and receive messages that are both proper and related to the forum topic. The following types of comments are unacceptable, and users posting such comments may have their comments deleted and may be blocked from use of the web site or social media page:
• Content that is not directly related to Lake County;
• Obscene or profane language or content;
• Defamatory content;
• Content that is confidential, such as personal health, mental health, or substance abuse information;
• Content that is discriminatory under applicable law;
• Sexually explicit content or links to sexually explicit content;
• Solicitations of commerce;
• Conduct, threats, or encouragement of illegal activity;
• Content that may compromise the safety or security of the public;
• Content that violates a legal ownership interest, such as a copyright or trademark, of any person or entity;
• Content that introduces viruses, corrupted files or any other similar software or programs that may damage, alter or destroy Lake County’s web sites or the operation of another’s computer system, network, software, program, documentation or data; or
• Content posted for the purpose of devising or executing any scheme or artifice to defraud; obtaining money property or services by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises; or committing theft, including but not limited to theft of proprietary information. If a user is blocked, Lake County will send a notification to the user’s account that was used to post the applicable comments. The notification will inform the user of the below appeal procedure. Appeal Procedure:
• No later than ten days from the receipt of a notice, a person may file an appeal of the blocking of the user. The appeal must include the person’s name, address, and phone number. No fee will be charged for filing the appeal.
• The appeal must be filed with the County Attorney’s Office. The appeal may be filed in person at 315 West Main Street, Suite 335, Tavares, Florida 32778, or by mail at P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, Florida, 32778.
• Appeals will be considered by the County Manager or designee.
• No later than sixty days after receipt of an appeal, the County Manager or designee shall issue a written decision on the appeal which shall be mailed to the appellant at the address provided.
• Upon the receipt of the written decision of the County Manager or designee, the appellant will be deemed to have exhausted all administrative remedies.
• The blocking will remain in effect during the appeal and review process, including any judicial review. Violation of Terms of Use
If you violate any of the terms contained in this PPTOU, Lake County may suspend or terminate, either temporarily or permanently, any or all services provided. Users who violate terms contained in this PPTOU may additionally incur criminal and civil liability. Lake County may refer violators to civil or criminal authorities for prosecution.
