News from April 2017
Florida PTC texts under investigation
TALLAHASSEE — In light of an investigation into the Florida Public Transportation Commission, seven cellphones have been confiscated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement because of missing text messages.
Florida bill proposes reclassifying texting and driving laws
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate is currently working on a bill that may help alleviate accidents that occur because of texting and driving.
Bentley III of Florida's middle district one of Trump's U.S. Attorney casualties
TAMPA — At the beginning of March, President Donald Trump asked for the resignation of 46 U.S. attorneys, most of whom were appointed by former president Barack Obama. One of those attorneys who turned in their resignations to the president and attorney general Jeff Sessions was A. Lee Bentley III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
Florida Supreme Court denies motion for rehearing in case concerning foreclosure actions
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court on March 16 denied a motion for a rehearing in Bartram v. U.S. Bank, a case that deals with foreclosure actions.
Disabled man claims Big Daddy's of Margate lacks adequate bathroom accommodations
MIAMI — A man is suing Big Daddy's Pizza & Subs, a Margate restaurant, citing alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Cleaning crew worker claims Federal Cleaning failed to pay overtime wages
ORLANDO — A man is suing Federal Cleaning Contractors Inc., citing alleged unpaid wages, violation of applicable minimum wage law and violation of workers compensation acts.
Florida Supreme Court clarifies limits to litigation privilege in case stemming from Debrincat v. Fischer
The Florida Supreme Court has used the case of Debrincat v. Fischer to clarify the limits of litigation privilege, a decision that could influence how plaintiffs file lawsuits in the future.
Appeals court cites free speech in ruling for creamery in milk labeling case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit struck down a judgment that prevented a Florida creamery from labeling its all-natural product as skim milk because it lacked enough replenished vitamin A.
Woman claims Aetna wrongfully terminated long-term disability benefits
MIAMI — A woman is suing Aetna Life Insurance Company, citing alleged breach of contract for denying her long-term disability claims.
Newspaper claims former licensee continued using trademark after deal expired
ORLANDO — An advertisement newspaper is suing 4D Distribution LLC and Scott Dixon, a former licensee, citing alleged trademark infringement and false advertising.
HVAC technicians claim Direct Heating and Cooling failed to pay adequate wages
FORT MYERS — Two heating and cooling service technicians have filed a class-action lawsuit against Direct Heating & Cooling Inc. and Mitzie Fox-Lerner citing alleged FLSA violations.
Car salesman alleges religious discrimination against Jenkins Nissan
TAMPA — A car salesman is suing Jenkins Nissan Inc., a Lakeland dealership, citing alleged religious discrimination.
Former leasing agent alleges gender discrimination by Cardinal Group and Realco
TAMPA — A woman is suing Cardinal Group Management & Advisory LLC d/b/a Cardinal Group Management Midwest LLC and Realco Capital Partners II LLC, citing alleged gender discrimination.
Free-roof insurance scam plagues Florida homeowners
TALLAHASSEE — A trend has emerged in the storm-battered Sunshine State in which a relatively small number of roofers and attorneys are suing insurance companies for more than the actual cost of repair or, in some cases, for non-existent damage.