A legal complaint has been filed alleging that a city-owned roadway was left in dangerous condition, resulting in significant injuries to a member of the public. The case raises questions about municipal responsibility for public safety and maintenance of infrastructure.
Svetlana Shtrom filed the complaint on February 13, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, naming the City of St. Petersburg as defendant.
According to court documents, Shtrom claims that on March 17, 2025, she was lawfully present as an invitee on a section of 62nd Avenue South in St. Petersburg when she tripped and fell due to what is described as an “improperly maintained and dilapidated roadway with a pothole.” The complaint states that this condition existed for a sufficient period so that city officials or their agents “knew or should have known” about it but failed to repair or warn the public.
The filing outlines that Shtrom suffered injuries including harm to her upper lip, nose, right knee, and two broken teeth as a result of the incident. It further alleges ongoing pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses (both past and future), nursing care costs, lost earnings and earning ability, as well as aggravation of any pre-existing conditions. Photographs were reportedly taken documenting her injuries.
The plaintiff’s attorney asserts that all notice requirements under Florida Statute Section 768.28 were met prior to bringing suit. Multiple letters dated May 5, 2025 were sent by attorney Patrick D. Brannon of Winters & Yonker P.A., providing formal notice to various government agencies including the City of St. Petersburg’s Risk Management Division, Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Department of Financial Services in Tallahassee, and Pinellas County Risk Management. These notices describe Shtrom’s claim for “personal injuries, past and future medical expenses, past and future earnings/earning ability, pain and suffering, loss of ability to enjoy life [and] inconvenience,” among other losses.
The complaint specifically accuses the city of failing to remove or repair what is called a “known dangerous condition” or provide any warning about it. The document states: “At no time material hereto did the Defendant… remove, repair or remediate the known dangerous condition.” It also alleges: “At no time material hereto did the Defendant… warn or notify the Plaintiff…”
Shtrom’s legal team argues that under Florida law municipalities have a duty to keep public premises reasonably safe for all members of the public. The lawsuit contends that this duty was breached through lack of reasonable care which directly caused Shtrom’s fall and subsequent injuries.
As relief from the court, Shtrom seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and fees. She requests compensation for bodily injury and related consequences including medical bills already incurred as well as those anticipated in future treatment.
The filings note there are no outstanding penalties or judgments owed by Shtrom to any state agency over $200 at this time.
Attorney Patrick D. Brannon from Winters & Yonker P.A., based in Tampa with additional offices across Florida cities such as Gainesville/Ocala and Fort Myers/Naples among others according to letterhead details provided notice on behalf of his client Svetlana Shtrom. The case is identified by number 26-000983-CI.
Source: 26000983CI_Stetlana_Shtrom_v_City_of_St_Petersburg_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
