Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Lina Lindberg v. Lakeview of Largo South Condominium Association, Inc. et al; HUD Case No. 04-21-7231-8; PC Case No. 21-041 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Lina Lindberg through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On June 23, 2021, Complainant Lina Lindberg filed a charge of housing discrimination with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of handicap and failure to make reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et seq.). Specifically, Respondent’s denial of Complainant’s request to waive Respondent’s pet restriction to allow her to keep her emotional support animal in her unit. Following the investigation, on September 30, 2021, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Complainant was a victim of housing discrimination based on failure to make 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 September 30, 2021.
Final Investigative Report dated September 30, 2021.