Shoppers beware: a trip to the local store could end in disaster. A recent court filing by Shartell Tillman highlights the potential dangers lurking in seemingly safe environments. On November 25, 2025, Tillman filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Barry Blaxberg doing business as IQ Food Mart, Dhaka 1209 LLC, and an unknown property manager.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on October 12, 2024, when Tillman visited IQ Food Mart at 3100 5th Avenue South in St. Petersburg as a business invitee. While perusing merchandise, ceiling tiles unexpectedly fell on her, causing significant injuries. The plaintiff alleges that Blaxberg and his associates failed to maintain a safe environment for customers by neglecting to inspect or repair unstable ceiling tiles. According to the complaint, “Defendant breached its non-delegable duty owed to Plaintiff by committing one or more of the following omissions or commissions,” including failing to warn customers about potential hazards and inadequately training staff.
Tillman’s injuries are extensive and life-altering. She claims to have suffered bodily harm resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Furthermore, she has incurred medical expenses and faces ongoing treatment costs due to her injuries. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for these losses.
In addition to monetary compensation for her injuries and suffering, Tillman demands accountability from those responsible for maintaining safety standards at IQ Food Mart. Her legal team argues that all defendants—Blaxberg d/b/a IQ Food Mart; Dhaka 1209 LLC; and the unknown property manager—failed their duty of care by not addressing known risks associated with unstable ceiling tiles promptly.
Represented by Kimberly Potter Richardson of Morgan & Morgan P.A., Tillman seeks justice through this civil action against multiple parties involved with operating or managing IQ Food Mart during her visit last year when disaster struck unexpectedly overhead.
Case Number: 25-006716-CI.
