Nessa Diab Accuses Jay-Z And Roc Nation Of Using ‘Smear Tactics’ Against Colin Kaepernick And Nicki Minaj
Nessa Diab is supporting Nicki Minaj in accusing Roc Nation of "smear campaign tactics" against the rapper and Colin Kaepernick.
Colin Kaepernick’s longtime partner, Nessa Diab, is calling out Jay-Z and Roc Nation, accusing them of blackballing Kaepernick and now Nicki Minaj, through their power in the entertainment industry.
On July 16, Diab pressed send on a lengthy tweet accusing Jay-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez of using the same “smear campaign tactics” against Nicki Minaj that were allegedly used to silence Kaepernick after he was pushed out of the NFL for kneeling during the National Anthem in protest against police brutality and racial injustice.
Referencing Jay-Z’s $25 million multiyear deal with the NFL, finalized in 2019 while Kaepernick remained unsigned after opting out of his 49ers contract in 2017, Diab accused the mogul of deliberately co-opting Kaepernick’s protest to help the league repair its image after blackballing him.
“I called them all out YEARS ago, and so many people were scared to say it publicly, but would tell me how they agreed with me privately. Smh,” she wrote.
‼️‼️‼️📣📣📣@NICKIMINAJ exposing the smear campaign tactics that Jay-Z, Roc Nation, Desiree Perez did to her behind the scenes, is VERY similar to what I was told they did to @Kaepernick7 when Jay purposely co-opted Colin’s protest by siding with the NFL to help “their image”… pic.twitter.com/dvWVqRWosF
Diab continued, “Roc Nation apparently took $5 million a year over 5 years to bury the growing protest, AND specifically help them ‘move beyond the controversy around teams’ unwillingness to sign Kaepernick.”
Turning her focus to Perez, Diab pointed to a past quote from the Roc Nation CEO, referencing the backlash the company faced for partnering with the NFL. At the same time, many felt Kaepernick had been silenced, and the core message behind his protest was being dismissed.
“Desiree even said, ‘We love that everybody wants to be on the stage, that we’ve completely changed the conversation to fighting for it versus boycotting. We’ve come a long way,'” Diab wrote. “She got her pardon by Trump — no coincidence the NFL owners are his buddies and also donated millions to his campaign.”
Jay-Z came under fire in 2019 after partnering with the NFL and stating, “I think we’ve moved past kneeling,” about Kaepernick’s protest. He emphasized it was time for “actionable items,” adding that the deal “isn’t about Kaepernick having a job.”
While Nicki Minaj takes to Twitter with cryptic shots at Perez and unnamed targets, Diab is being more direct, defending Kaepernick and calling out what she sees as shady behind-the-scenes moves by Roc Nation.
“I still don’t watch that league or whoever is performing at whatever game they have playing. #stillwithkap #FOREVER,” she wrote.
Emmett Till National Monument Opens Welcome Center And Unveils ‘Let The World See’ Installation
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley welcome center will open its welcome center on what would have been Till's 84th birthday.
The Visitor Center for the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will hold its grand opening on July 25.
The grand opening coincides with what would have been Emmett Till’s 84th birthday. Additionally, the day marks the second anniversary of the site’s national designation. The celebration will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 158 North Court Street in Sumner, Mississippi.
A completed installation of the exhibit Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See will be unveiled. Exhibit pieces include historic photos, interactive features, and an immersive sound and light show. According to the press release, two versions of the multimedia show are available: a three-screen immersive format and a single-screen theater-style presentation for larger audiences. Narration by the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin, accompanies the visuals. Rev. Parker Jr. is the last surviving eyewitness to the 14-year-old’s abduction.
Courtesy of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
In a press release, organizers say the event marks a historic milestone in commemorating the legacy of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old Black boy whose 1955 lynching in Mississippi became a turning point in the American civil rights movement.
Emmett Till Interpretive Center’s Community Engagement Coordinator Venita Halbert, who led organizing efforts, said the evening will begin with an overview of the exhibit’s origins and purpose. “The intent is to send a message that the space is open to all in the community,” she said.
Special Projects Coordinator Jessie Jaynes-Diming recalled her early visits to Sumner in 1996. “In 2007, I stood in the same space with the late Jerome G. Little, imagining it as an Emmett Till Welcome Center. At the time, it was bare and gutted out,” Halbert said. “Now in 2025, we are a state-of-the-art National Park destination.”
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the killing of the 14-year-old. His mother’s selfless act of displaying his battered corpse gave a harrowing visual of the atrocities of American racism during the Jim Crow era. Till’s story lives on in memory, history, and the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
The event is free and open to all supporters from in or out of state. Light refreshments will be served. A virtual poetry reading hosted by Monument Lab will also be featured during the event.
Fox Sports 1 Cancels 3 Programs: ‘Speak,’ ‘The Facility,’ And ‘The Breakfast Ball’
The shows reportedly struggled to find a substantial following, leading to the decision to cut ties with them
Fox Sports 1 went on a cutting spree when it canceled three shows: Speak, The Facility, and The Breakfast Ball.
According to The Athletic, the three cancelled programs reportedly struggled to find a big following, leading to the decision to cut ties with them. Speak was hosted by former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson, former NBA player Paul Pierce, and sports analyst Joy Taylor. The Facility was staffed with former NFL players Emmanuel Acho, Chase Daniel, James Jones, and LeSean McCoy as co-hosts, while The Breakfast Ball was led by sports commentators Craig Carton, Mark Schlereth, and Danny Parkins.
All three programs were created under the tutelage of Charlie Dixon, who was named in a sexual assault lawsuit several months ago, leading to speculation of Fox Sports ridding itself of his work after severing ties with the executive earlier this year. Sadly, Taylor was also named in the lawsuit brought by former Fox Sports hairstylist Noushin Faraji against Dixon. In the suit, Faraji accused Dixon and former FS1 host Skip Bayless of sexual assault.
The hairstylist also brought accusations against Taylor, claiming the analyst slept with Dixon and Acho to advance her career at the network. She also alleged that Taylor told her that when Dixon was “no longer useful to her,” she would accuse him of forcing himself on Taylor.
But, Taylor, who also hosts her podcast, Two Personal, may already have another gig lined up!
Awful Announcing reported that former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, who hosts his podcast, Gil’s Arena, revealed that he has been pursuing Taylor for a year to join his team.
“Joy’s a great host,” Arenas said. “I know we’re looking at her for the football side. We’ve been behind the scenes talking to her for the last year.”
However, Taylor isn’t the only former FS1 host he wouldn’t mind coming on board. Arenas also mentioned that he may want to have Paul Pierce, LeSean “Shady” McCoy, and/or Keyshawn Johnson as co-hosts.
9 Black Tattoo Artists Who Bring Art To Brown Skin
These artists demonstrate art on Black skin
The tattoo industry has historically failed to address the specific needs of melanin-rich skin for many years, leaving many Black clients with subpar outcomes due to unsuitable ink choices combined with inadequate shading methods. Inexperience and misinformation around pigmented skinwere the culprits. This is no longer the case. These nine Black tattoo artists are masterful in the concept of skin as canvas, demonstrating that brown skin and deeper complexions are not limitations, but rather opportunities. These artists prove that tattoos on Black skin are skillful artwork.
Miya Bailey
Miya Bailey stands as a distinguished Atlanta artist who has maintained a tattooing career for over three decades. Through co-founding City of Ink and Peters Street Station, he merges tattooing with fine art, curates exhibitions, teaches apprentices, and invests in his community. Bailey established groundbreaking work, applying color tattoos to dark skin tones. Bailey builds Black creative networks while empowering emerging artists and documented Black tattoo history in his 2012 film Color Outside the Lines.
Philadelphia tattoo artist Doreen Garner merges her tattoo work with sculptural elements and performance art. Her offerings include private appointments, pop-up events, and the integration of fine art. Garner’s fusion of hyperrealism and cultural motifs makes her a go-to tattoo artist for Black clientele.
Kevin Laroy, a distinguished artist from Los Angeles, offers private studio sessions for hyper-realistic tattoos and custom fine-line designs. The detailed portraits he creates garnered acclaim for capturing the essence of melanin-rich skin. The application of Laroy’s contrast-rich shading combined with his lifelike textures achieves remarkable results on darker complexions.
Richmond, Virginia, native Sherod Davis is the proud owner of Misfit Tattoo Society, the city’s sole Black-owned tattoo establishment. Davis focuses his artistic talents on producing striking black and gray artworks infused with deep cultural meanings. Davis promotes Black cultural elements and representation within a significant tattoo center.
Quinten Harper, who operates Bloodline Dynasty in Detroit, demonstrates mastery in expansive black and gray tattoos while incorporating color accents. Harper’s extensive 16-year tattoo experience enables him to enhance melanin-rich skin through contrast techniques and precise, thick-line work.
Nychelle Elise Grant manages her artistic space in Lewisville, Texas, where she integrates realism with floral motifs and sacred geometry. Grant represents a small number of Black women-owned studios in North Dallas. Her tattoos demonstrate complexity and depth, embodying her unique artistic approach.
Portland, Oregon, self-taught tattoo artist Quan focuses on traditional blackwork techniques that showcase bold contrasts and exceptional draftsmanship. At Anatomy Tattoo, Quan crafts tattoo designs that blend with darker skin tones through bold lines.
With over 20 years of professional experience, tattoo artist Lesly StClou is based in Tampa, Florida, but travels to tattoo across multiple cities, including Atlanta, Miami, Houston, and New Orleans. Lesly specializes in both cover-ups and masking scars. The talented tattoo artist transforms old tattoos into new, rich designs. StClou also works with clients to either hide scars or integrate them into their tattoo artwork. His goal is to empower clients through art by crafting transformative experiences that build positive energy.
Byron Keith Lofton performs tattoos in Houston, where he founded 290Ink. His artistic reputation is rooted in exceptional skills in high-contrast custom blackwork, complemented by portrait and memorial pieces. His meticulous design, paired with bold shading, ensures his tattoos remain both clear and culturally meaningful throughout their display.
New Survey Shows Travelers Are Embracing Thriftiness
Americans are approaching summer travel in more budget friendly ways according to new survey which indicates travel budgets are slimming.
As summer arrives, an increasing number of Americans are opting for shorter, more budget-friendly vacations. An Ipsos survey for Generali Global Assistance, published on May 27, found that planned vacation spending has decreased by approximately 25%.
Many potential vacationers are delaying travel bookings altogether, driven by economic anxiety and rising costs. The amount Americans spend has plunged from an average of $4,199 in 2024 to $3,132 in 2025. Additionally, 56%of Americans say they expect to travel less this summer.
Data shows a decrease in domestic flights and hotel stays. June marked the lowest number of vacationers since mid‑2020, while U.S. hotel occupancy fell 1.7 % year‑over‑year. Analysts say consumers are substituting long getaways with day trips, road journeys, or staycations. More than half of the respondents cite financial concerns as their primary reason.
In many cases, Americans are being more cautious about spending. The weaker U.S. dollar and concerns about new tariffs, which could potentially raise the cost of groceries and other consumer goods, have contributed to rising unease.
Although airline ticket prices and hotel rates have declined modestly, households appear to be reluctant to spend.
Sam Head, a small business owner and Milwaukee resident, told TheWashington Post about his toned-down summer plans. The head’s family is no stranger to summertime fun. Yet, to compensate for his recruiting business’s slow year, he will not be undertaking any extended travel.
“Do I worry about where things are going? Of course. I already see it in my numbers,” the 35-year-old said. “We’re cutting back on any nondiscretionary spending so we can keep more money in our pockets.”
Similarly, Galveston teacher Chelsea Padilla said she opted for a budget‑friendly Florida trip using credit card points. Padilla also says she is saving money by foregoing fancy restaurants. The educator is opting for cheaper meals while traveling.
Industry figures are responding with promotions tailored to local travelers. The Arizona Biltmore Resort, for instance, is offering 40% off day-pass packages and free parking for guests from nearby states.
Flight search platforms report that summer bookings are 10% lower than last year, despite fare discounts.
Luxury travel, however, remains strong. Wealthier consumers continue to book international trips and premium accommodations.
Economists fret that travel budgets are often the first to be cut during financial uncertainty. These trends may be an indicator of broader economic weakness. But with booking windows shortening and deals emerging, some households may still plan modest trips before the season ends.
2025 Emmy Awards Has The Least Nominations Of BIPOC Actors In 5 Years
Actors of color received their lowest number of main category Emmy nominations since 2019.
The 2025 Emmy nominations have been announced, and they include some historic diversity milestones. Yet, the overall number of nominations for actors of color is the lowest it’s been in the past five years.
Of the 94 actors nominated in the main acting categories (lead, supporting, and guest), only 24 are people of color, making it the lowest representation since 2019, Variety reported. This year’s numbers reflect a drop from 2024, when 30 actors of color received main nominations, and slightly below the 25 nominated in 2023. It’s a significant decline from the Emmys’ most diverse year, when 42 of 108 nominees were people of color.
However, history is still being made for the diversity present in this year’s nominees. Abbott Elementary creator, executive producer, and star Quinta Brunson continues to make Emmy history with her fourth acting nomination, making her the third most-nominated Black woman in the Lead Comedy Actress category, behind Isabel Sanford (The Jeffersons) and tied with Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish). She shares this year’s Lead Comedy Actress category with Uzo Aduba (The Residence) and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), marking the second year in a row that multiple Black women are nominated in the category.
At 29, Ayo Edebiri is making history as the youngest Black woman to earn three Emmy acting nominations. She’s also nominated for directing the episode “Napkins,” making her the first Black woman to be recognized for both acting and directing in the comedy categories in the same year. The Boston native and NYU alum is only the second Black woman to be nominated for comedy directing, following Millicent Shelton’s 2009 nod for 30 Rock.
Sterling K. Brown’s Lead Drama Actor nomination for Hulu’s Paradise marks the seventh different series for which he’s been recognized. This ties him with Don Cheadle for the most nominations across different shows by a Black male performer. He still trails Alfre Woodard, who holds the overall record with an impressive 17 nominations, each for a different series.
Colman Domingo earned his second career Emmy nomination, this time for Netflix’s The Four Seasons, following his Guest Actor in a Drama win for Euphoria. Domingo becomes the first performer since Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age) to earn the only nomination representing a comedy series.
Severance star Tramell Tillman is the breakout talent of 2025. He earned his first Emmy nomination for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his compelling role as Milchik in the popular Apple TV+ series, alongside co-star Zach Cherry. If either wins, it would be a historic milestone as the first time a Black actor has won in this category, which remains the only acting category without a Black winner in the Emmys’ 77-year history.
Video Surfaces Of Man Charged In Twins‘ Stabbing Getting Beatdown, Claims Self-Defense
Veo Kelly allegedly killed 19-year-old, Samyia Spain, and stabbed her twin sister Sanyia in the arm after a confrontation
On March 17, 2024, an incident led to the alleged murder of 19-year-old Samyia Spain and stabbing of her twin sister, Sanyia, in the arm, but defense attorneys stated a video of the attack shows Veo Kelly, who is charged for the alleged assault, was acting in self-defense as he was the one who was attacked.
According to the New York Daily News, surveillance video from the attack was given to the defense attorneys, and they cite the footage in stating the self-defense claim as the trial approaches for Kelly. He has been in jail for over a year and is charged with murder. His attorney, Javier Solano, requested bail when he appeared in Brooklyn Criminal Court July 10, but the judge denied it and stated Kelly would remain in custody.
Kelly is accused of attacking the twins after he was rejected by one of them at a bodega. He was allegedly drunk, an initial reporting stated that his attack on the women was due to not being given a phone number. Surveillance video reveals that he was attacked outside in the street by five girls.
Solano stated that his client was beat
en by a group of five girls in the skirmish, and after kicking him in the face and stomping his head, they walked away. However, the twins came back to assault him, and that’s when he stabbed Samyia and Sanyia to defend himself.
“The video clearly shows that Veo was being savagely beaten by a group of five girls that were punching him, kicking him in the face, and stomping on his head,” Solano said. “There is no doubt that they were trying to seriously injure or kill him.”
In the footage, Kelly is seen being jumped by the five girls as he is on the ground. After they kicked, punched him, and stomped on his head, they walk away, and he is seen on the ground retrieving his phone and possessions that fell. Seconds later, the twins are seen coming back and attacking Kelly, and that is when the video shows him in defense mode using his weapon to fend the girls off.
WARNING: Violence ensues in video footage.
“Any reasonable person under that situation would have defended themselves in any way they could,” the attorney said. “We’re confident that we’re going to win this trial. It’s just a shame that he has not been given bail and has to wait for his trial in jail.”
Ray DeJon, Former Video Music Box Host, Dead At 63
The former Video Music Box host died a day before his 64th birthday
Video Music Box veteran and comedy club owner/promoter Ray DeJon has died at the age of 63.
The New York City native died on the eve of what would have been his 64th birthday, July 15. Details on how he died have not been disclosed. He was recently promoting a comedy roast that would have taken place at his Brooklyn comedy club, 275 Park Laffaholics, July 16, where comedian Talent and R&B recording artist Jimmy Cozier were hosting.
The somber news of his death was announced on the social media platform of VJ Ralph McDaniels‘ Video Music Box (a popular music video show that has been on the air for 42 years, showcasing mostly hip-hop and R&B videos), where DeJon had been one of the revolving hosts throughout the years.
“I am sad to announce the passing of our Video Music Box family @raydejon. My condolences to his entire family. Ray Dejon will be missed.”
Less than two years ago, DeJon opened the first Black-owned comedy and live music venue in Brooklyn. After the venue opened its doors, the former video show host spoke to News 12 Brooklyn and touted the fact that he and another Black man, Jamie Roberts (owner of Comedy in Harlem), are the only two Black owners of a comedy venue in New York City.
“We are the first Black-owned comedy and performance venue in Brooklyn, New York, and one out of two in the entire New York.
“People in our community, especially in our communities, we’re oppressed, and people are not having a good time. People are struggling. Comedy is a relief. Comedy is a medicine.”
DeJon had often talked about his past struggles with addiction and going to prison several times (he was incarcerated 26 times) during his life, and expressed that comedy helped him get through it all.
Dejon’s sister, Evelyn Delacruz, acknowledged his birthday via her social media account.
“I’m completely broken help me wish my brother Ray DeJon Jr. Ray DeJon a Happy birthday in heaven💔🙏 passed 1 day before his birthday💔 he’s celebrating with my mom in peace on the other side 💔🙏 our family is completely devastated 💔”
Jess Hilarious Lost Opportunities Due To All That TERF Talk
The Breakfast Club Co-host claims her mouth cost her a bag.
Comedienne Jess Hilarious says she’s paying the price for sharing her opinions about trans women. She appeared on a July 16 episode of the “Reality With The King” podcast, hosted by Carlos King, where she discussed the fallout from her controversial statement made on The Breakfast Club, where she discussed gender identity with political commentator Lynae Vanee.
“Only women can have babies. I just wanted to let you know that“ Jess Hilarious, whose real name is Jessica Moore, said.
Moore faced criticism after social media users accused her of transphobia. She discussed the viral incident with King, which she claims cost her a chance to appear on a TV show.
“I lost a TV show for that,” the talk show host stated.
Moore said she was scheduled to appear on “a few episodes” of Miss Pat Settles It. The comedienne claims that after completing the administrative steps and getting her show dates, the producers unexpectedly rescinded their offer, citing the controversial Breakfast Club episode.
“That was the comment that cost me that opportunity, “ the Breakfast Club co-host said.
King asked Moore about the criticism she faces on social media, where people accuse her of dismissing the trans community, particularly through her “tone” and “facial expressions.”
“I don’t hate trans women, I don’t hate trans men,” the mother of two said.
Many social media users showed their support for Jess, stating that she is receiving unfair treatment.
“So they’re punishing people for telling the truth now?” a commenter wrote under a clip posted by Its On-site on Instagram.
Another commenter questioned the comedienne’s intent when addressing the trans community.
“Ugh there is a plethora of resources you can use to educate yourselves, yet so many people refuse to utilize them. No, we cannot rewrite biology… why do y’all feel it’s necessary to remind trans people who YOU THINK they are? Then get mad when u have to reap the consequences of being unapologetically ignorant?”
After facing backlash for her comments earlier this year, Jess Hilarious responded by doubling down on her opinion. The 33-year-old posted a series of photos on Instagram from her 2024 pregnancy, captioning the gallery.
Grass Grievance: Homeowner Jailed In Weird Battle With HOA
Legal experts emphasize that joining an HOA constitutes a private contract.
A Hillsborough County homeowner endured a week in jail after being arrested for what began as a seemingly minor homeowners’ association (HOA) violation concerning her lawn. Irena Green’s strange and inappropriate incarceration has cast a harsh spotlight on the authority of HOAs and the escalating disputes that can ensnare residents.
Green’s incarceration began dramatically on May 23, when a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy pulled her over after the Florida mom picked up her 15-year-old daughter. She was handcuffed and taken to Orient Road Jail, where she learned there was no bond, forcing her to spend seven days behind bars.
Her crime? Brown grass that her HOA in Riverview’s Creek View subdivision kept issuing violations for.
Green described the humiliation of being fingerprinted and having her mugshot taken, lamenting, “It makes me feel horrible to be taken to jail and to be treated like that for brown grass at my own home. That’s horrible.”
She even recalled a surreal interaction with another inmate who, upon hearing her charge, mistakenly thought she was jailed for marijuana.
The saga commenced with notices from the HOA’s management company, The Trowbridge Company, citing issues that rapidly expanded beyond the lawn.
“The grass has started turning brown. So then they started sending notes. And it went from the grass being brown to there’s a dent in my garage,” The Florida homeowner explained. She was also cited for a mailbox covered in mildew and for parking a commercial cargo van.
Legal experts emphasize that joining an HOA constitutes a private contract.
“This is a private contract that people choose to enter into,” noted land use expert and Stetson Law School Professor Paul Boudreaux, highlighting the HOA’s right to enforce rules on property appearance and use.
After Green failed to respond to a mediation request, the HOA initiated a lawsuit in Hillsborough County Civil Court. Green, representing herself, submitted a handwritten response that was rejected.
During a July hearing, a judge issued an ultimatum, “My grass had to be brung up to par… if it’s not done in 30 days, you’re gonna go to jail,” Green recalled.
Green maintains she complied, selling her van, cleaning her mailbox, and seeding her grass. However, she missed a subsequent court date in August, claiming that she had not been personally served with a notice to appear. “Nothing was sent to my home,” she asserted.
Consequently, the judge signed a contempt of court order and issued an arrest warrant at the request of the HOA’s attorney, Francis Friscia. “I think it’s pretty rare in a civil case for someone to have a contempt order,” Boudreaux commented.
The frustrated homeowner attributed her browning grass to a large tree near her sidewalk and the mandatory watering restrictions imposed last year due to drought. A two-month moratorium on watering the grass, allowing watering only once a week, was enacted in July 2024. Despite her yard being, in her view, far from the worst in Riverview’s Creek View subdivision, Green expressed that she’s the only homeowner known to have been jailed over such infractions.
“I think they have way too much power. I’ve never heard of anything like this in my life,” Green stated, recounting her ordeal.
David Lehr, a Palm Beach attorney specializing in cases against HOAs, acknowledged the judge’s right to issue the order but suggested “more lenient remedies” could exist. “You have an HOA who was quick to go after her and to use the full force that they are entitled to,” Lehr observed.
Green’s sister-in-law, a paralegal, filed an emergency hearing petition. Green appeared in court shackled. A different judge presided, and despite the HOA attorney’s opposition, the judge ordered Green’s immediate release. “He wanted me to continue to sit in jail and not come home to my family,” Green stated [Source: Irena Green, direct quote]. She was released the following day.
The Creek View HOA, through its attorney Francis Friscia, provided a statement asserting Green received violation notices and disregarded them. They stated that legal action was filed after she declined mediation, and her failure to appear at a subsequent court date led to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
“The Court took these steps due to Ms. Green’s failure to comply with the Court’s instructions. This is all public record,” the statement concluded.
Legal experts underscore the lessons from Green’s case.
“Sometimes they act in a petty manner, but if they decide that you need to do something, you need to follow the rules. And when a judge tells you to do something, you have to do it,” Boudreaux advised.
Lehr added, “Take it seriously. Maybe consult an attorney.”
Green herself reflected, “I definitely wish I would have hired a lawyer.”
The incident also highlights broader legislative efforts to curb HOA power. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1203 in June 2024, enacting sweeping changes to HOA authority aimed at protecting homeowners. The new law prohibits HOAs from imposing rules that, among other things, limit what owners do with the interior of their homes, ban vegetable gardens or clotheslines that are not visible from the street, or restrict the parking of personal vehicles in driveways.
It also prohibits compound interest on overdue assessments and fines for garbage cans left at the curb within 24 hours of collection or for holiday decorations left up longer than governing documents allow, unless written notice is provided for over a week. State House Representative Kimberly Daniels, who championed the bill, noted a “stream of people” statewide complaining about HOAs. “We need HOAs, but what we do need is to feel like our homes are our homes,” Daniels asserted.
She specifically added a provision to prohibit compound interest on unpaid fines after working with a homeowner whose debt ballooned from $11,000 to $90,000 in one year due to such fees.
