I am contacting you about the lawsuits filed against both the volunteer board of directors of the Lakeland Senior Dance Club and the City of Lakeland in the Federal and Polk County Circuit Courts. For 20 years the City of Lakeland has provided, free of charge, to the Lakeland Senior Dance Club, the use of its famous Magnolia Building for its weekly Thursday morning 10-noon Dance. Currently enjoying average attendance of 90 dancers each week. All members of the public are welcome, and the entry fees have not exceeded $3 during any relevant time. The Club has regular elections, and all attendees are concerned voting members. One dancer spent a number of years ingraciating himself to the Club and eventually ran for the position of Club president. He got incredibly butthurt over losing the election, and sued the City of Lakeland and four of the Club officers who are all retired and unpaid volunteers. He alleges deprivation of civil rights, intentional infliction of emotional distress and over 250 other bogus charges. His Federal Court suit was dismissed whereupon the filed essentially the same suit in the County Circuit Courts. That suit is still working its way through the county court. So far the retired volunteer Club officers have incurred, and paid, out of their own pockets, $26,000.00 in legal fees defending themselves. It is obvious that this guy is vindictive, has money, and is more interested in hurting the Club, its officers, and the City of Lakeland than he is in recovering any actual damages. For more information I am Rob Raleigh, Club member and enthusiastic dancer. 470-396-9828 Rob.Raleigh@gmail.com.
Rob Raleigh
470-396-9828
