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More Thomason Documents Released

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By KENNETH KNIGHT

kknight@tampatrib.com

Published: October 15, 2008

CORY LAKE ISLES - Lawyers for developer Gene Thomason turned over 600 new pages of documents to residents last week to comply with a judge's order.

It is the second batch of financial reports Cory Lake Isles homeowners have received from Thomason since mid-September, said Mark Basurto, an attorney representing seven Cory Lake homeowners who filed a lawsuit against their property owners association.

The homeowners sued in an attempt to view Thomason's records as owner of Cory Lake Limited, the company hired by the community to take care of operations and maintenance.

Thomason's company provided landscaping, security and management for the 1,000-home gated community. As the community developer, Thomason also controlled appointments to the property owners association board.
Circuit Judge Martha Cook on Sept. 4 agreed residents are entitled to all official documents related to the operation and maintenance of the community that are in the possession of Cory Lakes Limited. She gave the company 20 days to hand over the records.

Thomason and his attorneys submitted more than 6,000 pages one week after the court hearing.

The developer presented the additional documents Oct. 6 as required, but his lawyers waited a day to release them, Basurto said, adding he was told Thomason's lawyer was out of town Oct. 6 and wanted to review the documents before handing them over.

Basurto said he and his clients will review the documents.

"I will be taking a look to see if they sent things we are looking for," he said.

The judge's decision in September was the second time the homeowners had sought access to the financial records.

Cory Lake Isles residents first sued in October 2007, seeking permission to see how Thomason had spent homeowner assessments. Some homeowners have accused Thomason of diverting funds for his personal use, which he denies.

In March, Thomason's lawyers turned over six boxes containing 15,000 documents for his company dating to 2002.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 865-4842.

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