A Tarpon Springs resident has filed a lawsuit against a local government entity, alleging negligence in maintaining public infrastructure. On February 28, 2025, Calvin Ashbaugh filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, Florida, against Pinellas County. The suit accuses the county of failing to properly maintain a storm grate that caused him injury.
According to the complaint, Ashbaugh claims that on March 20, 2024, he was walking across an open grassy area near 1019 S. Florida Avenue in Tarpon Springs when his left foot became trapped in a rusted storm grate owned and maintained by Pinellas County. The incident allegedly resulted in serious and permanent injuries. Ashbaugh asserts that Pinellas County had a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining this storm grate but failed to do so. He accuses the county of not adequately warning about the dangerous condition of the grate and failing to inspect or repair it appropriately.
The plaintiff's legal representation from Tanney, Griffith & Bresler, P.A., argues that Pinellas County breached its duties by neglecting proper maintenance procedures and not posting warning signs or cones around the hazardous area. They contend that these oversights led directly to Ashbaugh's injuries. The complaint highlights several specific allegations against the county: failure to warn of danger, inadequate maintenance and inspection practices, and lack of appropriate safety measures.
Ashbaugh is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for his injuries. He claims these injuries have caused him substantial mental and physical pain and suffering both past and future. Additionally, he alleges that his ability to lead a normal life has been compromised due to his injuries' permanent nature. As part of his demands for relief from the court, Ashbaugh seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses related to treating his injuries as well as loss of earnings capacity.
Representing Calvin Ashbaugh are attorneys Tony Griffith (Fla. Bar No. 0629073), Ryan Bresler (Fla Bar No. 31790), and Justin Peterson (Fla Bar #0015608) from Tanney, Griffith & Bresler P.A., based in Clearwater, Florida. The case is being presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 25-000984-CI.