No one was hurt or charged in the dustup at a meeting of the Sterling Ranch Master Association board in Brandon. A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy, who was called about the fracas, described it in his report as a “disturbance” and wrote that no further action was necessary.

The incident started when Sterling Ranch residents Randy Mitchell and Paula Walz tried to gain entry to an homeowners association board meeting at a nearby assisted living home. Walz, 62, has been battling the board for a year and a half over a requirement that homeowners mow common areas between their rear property lines and retention ponds.

The board, which was meeting with the association’s attorney Thursday, closed the meeting to other residents because potential lawsuits were being discussed.

Walz said she objected to closing the meeting and noted the presence of the subdivision’s property manager, John Calcagni. She cited a state law governing homeowner associations that prohibits anyone other than board members or the board’s attorney from attending such closed meetings.  Read more: