Politics & Government

City Seeks $16K from Ford Over Pier Lawsuit, Ford Appeals Pier Decision

On April 5, Jude Jack Day sided with St. Petersburg in Ford's lawsuit. The city is now trying to recover costs from the lawsuit.

The city of St. Petersburg is seeking $16,152 from local attorney and mayoral candidate Kathleen Ford for court costs relating to the VoteOnThePier lawsuit.

The motion, filed by assistant city attorney Joseph Patner, said because Ford brought the suit against the city and lost, "the defendant is entitled to the recovery costs as the prevailing party. Wherefore, the defendant city of St. Petersburg moves for costs against the plaintiff."

Ford filed suit in August 2012 on behalf of VoteOnThePier petition signees after city council voted not to go forward with a public referendum regarding the future of the St. Petersburg Pier. 

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After a failed mediation process, Judge Jack Day sided with the city in the lawsuit in April.

"This lack of connection to the charter is the most serious problem with the form of the petition. It is a fatal defect," Day wrote in the ruling.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Day released his ruling on April 5 in the case of Ford and five St. Pete residents vs. the city of St. Petersburg.

Tuesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times, Ford appealed Day's ruling to the second district court of appeals. 

Stay with Patch for updates. 

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