In a dramatic legal battle, a Pinellas County resident has filed a lawsuit against a local bar, alleging negligence that led to a violent attack. The complaint was lodged by Jose M. Santiago on March 3, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, targeting Pandy, LLC doing business as Harbor Bar.
The case stems from an incident on March 5, 2023, when Santiago claims he was attacked and beaten without provocation while visiting Harbor Bar. According to the complaint, Santiago sustained serious injuries due to the alleged negligence of the bar's management and staff. Santiago asserts that Harbor Bar failed in its duty of care by not maintaining a safe environment and not properly training its personnel. The plaintiff argues that the defendant was negligent in hiring and supervising security personnel who were supposed to ensure the safety of patrons like him.
Santiago further accuses Harbor Bar of violating Florida's Dram Shop Law by overserving alcohol to individuals known to be habitually intoxicated. He alleges that these individuals later attacked him in the bar's parking lot, resulting in permanent injuries. "The Defendant knew or should have known of the danger," Santiago claims in his filing, emphasizing that proper hiring and training could have prevented such an outcome.
The lawsuit outlines several breaches by Harbor Bar: failing to provide adequately trained security personnel; negligently hiring and supervising staff; and serving alcohol irresponsibly. These actions are described as reckless and indicative of conscious disregard for patron safety. As a result of these alleged failures, Santiago is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for bodily injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost earnings, and other related losses.
Representing Santiago are attorneys Jarret S. McNeill and Jose E. Aguirre from lowercase PLLC based in Miami. The case is being presided over under Case Number 25-001007-CI at the Pinellas County Circuit Court.