Public Property Injuries in Sarasota

Your Guide to Sidewalks, Parks, and Government Liability

Injuries on public property in Sarasota can happen in places such as Bayfront Park, Payne Park, or along downtown sidewalks. Common causes include uneven pavement, poor maintenance, or other hazardous conditions that put residents and visitors at risk.

This guide is designed to help Sarasota residents understand safety concerns on public property and learn about local resources that may provide support. For specific medical or legal guidance, individuals should directly consult licensed healthcare providers or attorneys. By recognizing potential risks and being aware of local regulations, residents can take steps to stay safe while enjoying Sarasota’s parks, walkways, and community spaces. This page also highlights Sarasota-based resources to assist in preventing and addressing public property injuries.

Case: Rear-End Bus Crash (Sarasota Mother and Child) Parties: Unnamed mother and her 11-year-old child vs. Bus company/driver (likely involving Sarasota County Area Transit – SCAT, a public entity, as it was a commercial passenger bus on public roads). Description: On a public roadway in Sarasota, the 50,000+ lb bus driver was distracted (interacting with passengers, eyes off road), failed to notice slowing traffic, and rear-ended the plaintiffs’ vehicle at high speed. Injuries: Child suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) with long-term cognitive issues; mother had severe neck injuries requiring ongoing treatment, pain, and reduced quality of life for both. Outcome: $9.75 million pre-suit settlement (full resolution, no trial needed). Source: Dannheisser Injury Law firm case results; law firm announcements.

Case: Kristin Stewart Injury by County Truck Parties: Kristin Stewart (Sarasota County school teacher) vs. Sarasota County. Description: On May 13, 2020, Stewart was jogging and crossing Witmarsum Boulevard at Bahia Vista Street (public road/intersection) when a county utility worker in a Ford F550 truck made a U-turn and struck her from behind, dragging her 65 feet along a concrete sidewalk. The driver failed to observe her. Injuries: Broken bones, liver torn in half, lacerated right kidney, bruised colon, flesh ripped from arms, hips, and abdomen; constant pain, inability to run or work; long-term disability. Outcome: $5.95 million total settlement approved by County Commission (May 2022); $200,000 paid directly; $5.75 million waived via claims bill approved by Florida Legislature (2023) and signed by Gov. DeSantis. Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (May 2022, May 2023); trafficaccidents.com.

Case: Mande Penney-Lemmon Rear-End by County Truck (New 2024-2025 Case) Parties: Mande Penney-Lemmon vs. Sarasota County (and employee Jill Marie Parnell). Description: On October 1, 2018, on East Venice Avenue (public road), Penney-Lemmon’s vehicle was rear-ended at ~25 mph by a county parks-and-recreation truck while stopped in traffic; the impact pushed her into two vehicles ahead. The driver was using a headset for navigation and negligent. Injuries: Traumatic brain injury (chemical/electrical changes, migraines, focus/memory issues); post-concussive syndrome, TMJ disorder, cervical radiculopathy/spinal enthesopathy; life-altering pain radiating to left side; unable to work; no pre-existing conditions. Outcome: $2,491,365 jury verdict (2024) including $71,365 past medical, $500,000 future medical, $120,000 past lost wages, $300,000 future lost wages, $400,000 past pain/suffering, $1,100,000 future pain/suffering; $200,000 paid under cap; $2,291,365 claims bill (SB 24/HB 6503) approved 2025, directing payment despite county opposition on causation (alleged pre-existing MS). Source: Florida Senate Bill 24 (2025) analyses; WUSF (July 2025); TopVerdict.com (2024 Florida verdicts).

Case: Bicycle Accident on Sidewalk Parties: Ms. R. vs. Paving company/employee (incident at public intersection under city/county oversight). Description: Ms. R. was cycling on a public sidewalk at Constitution Boulevard and Swift Road (Sarasota public roads) when a company truck stopped at a light, failed to check north, turned right, ran her over, and dragged her ~6 feet. Injuries: Fractured pelvis, right knee, right femur; months of rehab; missed 22 weeks of work (held two jobs). Outcome: $705,000 settlement. Source: Heintz Law firm verdicts.

Case: Wrongful Death from Police Pursuit (Juan Villamil, 2015) Parties: Estate of Juan Villamil (and family) vs. City of Sarasota (police department). Description: Villamil, an innocent bystander, was killed in a crash during a high-speed police pursuit initiated by Sarasota officers on public roads; family alleged negligent pursuit policies and actions. Injuries: Death; family suffered emotional distress, loss of companionship/support. Outcome: $493,500 partial settlement (2023); judge allowed further individual claims against officers (potential for more, but no updates). Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Jan 2023); Yahoo Autos.

Case: Wrongful Death (John Kaafi Case) Parties: Joanne Soucy (mother, estate representative) and Kaafi’s two children vs. City of Sarasota, Sarasota Police Department, officers Juan Jaimes and Adam Arena. Description: On May 6, 2015, Kaafi (33, passenger in stopped vehicle) acted erratic during arrest on public road (suspected taillight issue), was handcuffed, found with drugs, complained of breathing issues (asthma attack); officers canceled ambulance, he escaped police car, was recaptured, beaten, tased, and died in custody from cocaine overdose complications. Injuries: Death; family distress/loss. Outcome: Lawsuit filed May 2017; ongoing as of 2024 (no trial/settlement); in discovery phase (2022); appellate ruling (2024) affirmed trial court on procedural issues (e.g., immunity/discovery); city authorized litigation expenditures (2024); potential high value due to wrongful death. Source: FindLaw caselaw (Aug 2024); Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Aug 2022, May 2017); City of Sarasota minutes (Feb 2024).