In a gripping legal battle that underscores the responsibilities of businesses towards their patrons, a resident of Hillsborough County has taken legal action against several cinema entities following an unfortunate incident. On April 30, 2025, Jonice Angel Canal Gonzalez filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, targeting Cinemex Holdings USA, Inc., CMX Cinemas, LLC, CB Theater Experience LLC (doing business as Cobb Countryside 12 Cinema), and CMX Countryside 12.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on August 5, 2023, when Gonzalez visited the Cobb Countryside 12 Cinema located at CMX Cinema in Clearwater, Florida. During her visit as a customer, she tripped and fell due to what she claims was inadequate lighting in Theater 12. The plaintiff asserts that this dangerous condition was not apparent to her and alleges negligence on the part of the defendants for failing to maintain safe premises. According to the complaint, "Defendant owed Plaintiff...the duty to use reasonable care," which they allegedly breached by not maintaining adequate lighting and failing to conduct proper inspections or warn patrons about potential hazards.
Gonzalez accuses each defendant of negligence for their failure to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the floor and ensuring it was free from hazardous conditions. She further alleges that these entities did not adequately train their staff in maintenance procedures or ensure proper lighting in critical areas like Theater 12. The complaint details various ways the defendants allegedly failed in their duties: "Failing to adequately conduct inspections... Failing to remove all foreign and/or dangerous substances from the floor; Failing to have adequate lighting in the area of the fall."
As a result of these alleged failures, Gonzalez suffered injuries affecting her body and extremities, incurred medical expenses for treatment, experienced physical handicaps, and faced impairments affecting her ability to work. The injuries are described as either permanent or continuing in nature with future implications for her health and employment capabilities.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of attorney's fees and costs from each defendant. Additionally, she demands any other relief deemed just by the court along with taxable costs associated with pursuing this legal action.
Representing Jonice Angel Canal Gonzalez is Loren Shalom Esq., alongside Jason Turchin Esq., both affiliated with the Law Offices of Jason Turchin based in Weston, Florida. The case is presided over by judges within Pinellas County under Case Number: 25-002290-ClI.