Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Morgan Davis v. Wayne C Rickert d/b/a Palm Grove Village MHP, et al; HUD Case No. 04-25-7946-8; PC Case No. 25-016 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Morgan Davis through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Priorities:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On January 29, 2025, Complainant Morgan Davis filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination (terms/conditions/privileges relating to rental and failure to make reasonable accommodation), based on her disability under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Specifically, Respondent’s requirement for the Complainant to obtain an insurance policy for her support animal. Following that investigation, on May 14, 2025, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Morgan Davis was a victim of housing discrimination based on Respondent’s failure of reasonable accommodation, in violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the Fair Housing Act, as amended. Attempts to conciliate the matter were unsuccessful.
In accordance with Sections 70-146 and 70-147 of the Pinellas County Code, the County Attorney’s Office is required to file a civil action on behalf of an aggrieved party seeking appropriate relief, and if a timely election is not made, to have the charge decided in a civil action.
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Background Information:
The Determination issued by the PCOHR setting forth the facts and applicable law that led to the reasonable cause determination is attached, as well as the Final Investigative Report.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Keiah L. Townsend, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Determination dated May 9, 2025
Final Investigative Report dated May 14, 2025