News from May 2016
Advocates disappointed in decision to forego federal money for foreclosure aid
TALLAHASSEE – Florida would have been eligible for as much as $250 million in the expansion of the federal Hardest Hit Fund, but chose not to apply for any money, a decision that has disappointed and baffled consumer advocates.
Monroe County resident accuses casino operator of unpaid overtime wages
MIAMI – An assistant manager is suing his former employee alleging that he was not paid overtime wages while working in the security department.
Woman alleges Over Easy Cafe is still not ADA compliant
FORT MYERS – An individual with disability claims a Sanibel restaurant has barriers that restricted her ability to enjoy all the goods and services offered there.
Life Insurance Co. of America accused of unlawful termination of benefits
MIAMI – A disabled employee is suing a claims administrator alleging her disability benefits were wrongfully terminated.
Teacher alleges she was terminated because she was pregnant
FORT PIERCE – A St. Lucie County teacher alleges she was wrongfully terminated due to her pregnancy.
Disabled man alleges Stay Inn Hotel did not permit service animal
PALM BEACH – A disabled man alleges he was denied a hotel room because of his service dog.
Former 7-ELEVEN cashier alleges she was not paid overtime wages
ORLANDO – A cashier at a St. Cloud convenience store alleges that she is owed unpaid wages.
Woman alleges Ally Financial made harassing phone calls
TAMPA – A Pinellas County consumer alleges a financial institution continued to call regarding an auto loan even when payments were current.
Fate of Florida Tax Credit Scholarship suit in the hands of appeals court
TALLAHASSEE – The First District Court of Appeal is considering whether the Florida Education Association and numerous other groups have the right to legally challenge a 15-year-old scholarship program that helps send low-income students to private schools.
Man alleges Art Sign Co. did not pay overtime wages
MIAMI – A sign fabricator is his former employer alleging non-payment of overtime premiums.
Pinnacle Insurance and Financial Services LLC alleges breach of contract
JACKSONVILLE – A Jacksonville corporation is suing two Illinois residents and a business alleging breach of contract.
Lantana Texaco accused of restricting access to the disabled
MIAMI – A disabled person alleges that a Lantana business discriminated against him by denying access to and full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services and/or accommodations offered at the property.
Sarasota man files suit alleging battery, assault by US Marshals
TAMPA – A man is suing United States of America over allegations that U.S. Marshals assaulted him in a raid.
Wells Fargo alleged to have made harassing phone calls
TAMPA – A consumer is accusing a creditor of telephone harassment.
Former USPS employee files discrimination suit
TAMPA – A retired U.S. Postal Service employee alleges he was subject to a hostile work environment because he is a man.
Man alleges CSX Transportation Inc. terminated him for taking leave
ORLANDO – A Jacksonville man alleges he was terminated because of taking medical leave.
State Senate District 34 candidates raise nearly $1 million
Three candidates vying for one seat in the state Senate from
Florida’s ocean-side District 34 have tipped the scales in terms of campaign
fundraising to date, and political pundits are scurrying to connect the dots.
Legislative inaction, indemnification ruling impact Miami-Orlando rail service future
POMPANO BEACH – Following inaction by the Florida
legislature on an amendment that would have addressed the state’s legal
liability and a subsequent Florida Supreme Court ruling dealing with the
Department of Transportation’s railroad crossing indemnity clause, a
collaboration between Tri-Rail and All Aboard Florida that would bring commuter
rail service from Miami to Orlando may soon be full-speed ahead.
Miami real estate developer's helicopter crash lawsuit revived by appeals court
MIAMI – The Third District Court of Appeal revived a lawsuit earlier this year that pits the widow of a man who died in a helicopter crash in the Bahamas against Miami real estate developer Jeffrey Soffer, saying the plaintiff could amend her complaint to address “deficiencies.”
McDaniel challenges incumbent Barber in Polk County judicial election
BARTOW – Nearing the end of her second six-year term, incumbent Judge Susan Barber faces a formidable challenge in Michael McDaniel, who is campaigning to fill her seat in Polk County’s judicial election on Aug. 30.