In 2010 a group of motorcyclists, including two from the Spirit Riders Motorcycle Ministry and one with the US Military Vest MC were turned away from the Florida State Fair due to a "no colors" policy that was initiated in an effort to discourage gang activity. The incident was caught on tape and the three filed suit in Federal Court and were represented by Tarpon Springs lawyer Jerry Theophilopoulos.
This past August, the trio were awarded $72,500 in a settlement.
Defense attorney Jay Daigneault of Clearwater said that while the Fair Authority and its insurance company decided to settle the lawsuit, he still believes the no-club-colors policy was constitutional.
"The settlement shouldn't be interpreted as an admission of liability in any way, shape or form," he said.
That year the bikers
Defense attorney Jay Daigneault of Clearwater said that while the Fair Authority and its insurance company decided to settle the lawsuit, he still believes the no-club-colors policy was constitutional.
"The settlement shouldn't be interpreted as an admission of liability in any way, shape or form," he said.
The policy has since been changed to " the fair may turn away or eject people who are disruptive or who display behavior associated with "criminal gang membership."
