A serious injury at a summer camp has led to a lawsuit against the City of Saint Petersburg. On June 15, 2024, Miranda Hopkins filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on behalf of her daughter Hailey Hopkins, alleging negligence by the City of Saint Petersburg.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on June 6, 2023, when Hailey Hopkins was attending a summer camp at Fossil Park Recreation Center in St. Petersburg. According to the complaint, Hailey and other children were allowed to play on a handicap swing without proper supervision. The overcrowded swing caused Hailey to lose her balance and fall, resulting in severe injuries when her foot got caught under the equipment. The plaintiff argues that the city failed to maintain safe conditions and adequately supervise the children.
The complaint details multiple accusations against the City of Saint Petersburg. It alleges that the city breached its duty of care by allowing too many children on the swing simultaneously and failing to warn about or correct this hazardous condition. Additionally, it claims that inadequate supervision by camp counselors contributed to Hailey's injuries. The lawsuit asserts that these actions constitute negligence under Florida law and seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Furthermore, the plaintiff accuses the city of negligent hiring practices for employing unqualified staff who lacked proper training for supervising children at summer camps. The lawsuit contends that if competent staff had been hired and adequately supervised, Hailey's injuries could have been prevented.
Miranda Hopkins is represented by attorney Christopher Kubacki from Kubacki Law PLLC. The case is being heard by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 24-002679-CI.