The Lake Is Eroding and So Is our Trust: The Truth About the Lakes and the Misinformation Putting Our Community at Risk
As South Florida’s drought deepens, the visible damage along the lakes of Whispering Woods tells a story far more serious than receding water. Behind the cracked ground and collapsing edges is an even greater concern: misinformation, liability exposure, and a pattern of misrepresentation from our HOA leadership.
Erosion, Hazards, and Denial
In an April 23, 2025, email, the HOA President John Benckenstein acknowledged alarming erosion around the lakes:
- Land collapses as large as 8 by 25 feet
- Warnings to keep children and pets away from lake edges
- Admission that conditions are dangerous
Despite this, the same message boldly claimed: “Any homeowner with lakefront property owns the land all the way into the lake, so the HOA has no responsibility to maintain the shoreline.”
This is not just incorrect—it’s dangerous.
Public Records Tell the Truth: The HOA Owns the Land
Click here – https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/Record-Search?Folio=484111041970
Click here – https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/Record-Search?Folio=484111041980
According to the Broward County Property Appraiser’s website, the land surrounding our lakes—including the very edges now collapsing—is not privately owned. It is owned by: Whispering Woods Coral Springs Homeowners Association
Every parcel outlined in red on the official maps belongs to the HOA. These parcels are classified as common area and have been on record since 1989.
Example:
Parcel ID 484111041980
Owner: Whispering Woods Coral Springs Homeowners Association
Land Value: $10
Classification: Common Area
Owner: Whispering Woods Coral Springs Homeowners Association
Land Value: $10
Classification: Common Area
Owner: Whispering Woods Coral Springs Homeowners Association
Land Value: $10
Classification: Common Area
This is not speculation. It’s public record—available to any homeowner who looks. (Click on the link)
Homeowners Have Been Misled for Years
For years, residents—especially those on the lakes—have been told they are responsible for the shoreline behind their homes. Some were even told this came from “past lawsuits” or “legal opinions.” Yet:
- No such lawsuits have ever been produced
- No legal opinion has ever been shared
- No board vote or legal documentation supports the claim
In fact, the board president later admitted that the April 23 statement was based not on legal advice, but on “general understanding from a previous board.” and in December 2024 an inquiry sent to the current property manager and included the old board members was totally ignored..
This Is Bigger Than Lakefront Property — It’s About Safety, Liability, and Leadership
Lakefront homeowners who’ve tried to raise these concerns have been met with shame, blame, and backlash—often from non-lakefront residents afraid of special assessments.
But this isn’t about assessments.
This is about legal liability and public safety.
When the board president says in writing that the lakes are dangerous, that land is collapsing, and that pets and children should stay away—then the issue isn’t up for debate. The hazard is known, and the land is HOA-owned.
If someone gets hurt—or worse—we aren’t just talking about maintenance anymore.
We’re talking about lawsuits, insurance claims, and skyrocketing dues.
We’re talking about a board that knew better and failed to act.
Who’s Accountable?
Let’s be honest: someone must be held accountable for these falsehoods. Who is responsible for pushing a false narrative?
- The property manager, who drafts and distributes communications?
- The legal advisor, who either remained silent or whose advice is being hidden?
- The board president, who sent the false statement?
Someone knew. And someone allowed this misinformation to continue.
What Needs to Happen Now
To protect every homeowner, the board must act immediately:
- Publicly Correct the Record
Acknowledge that the lakefront land is owned by the HOA. Admit the previous statement was false. - Release All Legal Documents
If there are any legal opinions or lawsuits that support the prior claim, produce them. Otherwise, stop using them to deflect responsibility. - Conduct a Professional Inspection
Hire an independent engineer or environmental consultant to assess erosion and propose repairs. - Verify Insurance Coverage
Show proof that HOA insurance covers these areas—or take steps to obtain the coverage we need. - Respond to Homeowners’ Formal Requests
Provide answers to records requests submitted since December 2024. No more silence.
It’s Time to Lead With Integrity
This is not about finger-pointing. It’s about truth, accountability, and protecting our homes.
Let’s fix the erosion—of our lakes, and of our trust—before someone gets hurt or this community suffers the financial consequences of inaction.
We, the residents, deserve facts, not fear tactics.
We deserve leadership, not loopholes.
And we deserve an HOA that protects its members—not misleads them.
