In a dramatic legal turn of events, a Florida resident has taken action against three companies for damages caused to his vessel during a post-hurricane recovery operation. Michael Higbee filed the complaint in the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 21, 2025, naming WB Williamson Bros. Inc., American Marine Services, LLC, and AVB Logistics LLC as defendants.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred following Hurricane Helene on September 26-27, 2024. The hurricane caused significant flooding in St. Pete Beach and surrounding areas, leading to Higbee’s 24-foot Century vessel being swept away from its dock and deposited in a neighbor’s backyard. In the aftermath of the storm, Higbee alleges that the defendants collectively acted to remove vessels displaced by the storm using cranes operated from a barge by Williamson. An oral agreement was made between Higbee and the defendants to lift his vessel back into the water for $7,000. However, during this operation, Higbee claims that his vessel fell from its straps while being lifted by a crane and crashed into a seawall below, resulting in substantial damage.
Higbee accuses the defendants of breach of contract, negligence, and bailment. He argues that they failed to uphold their contractual obligations by causing damage to his property during its removal from land. Furthermore, he asserts that their negligent operation of machinery led directly to the damage sustained by his vessel. As per legal definitions of bailment—whereby possession but not ownership is transferred—the defendants allegedly breached their duty of care while handling Higbee’s property.
Seeking justice for these grievances, Higbee demands compensation exceeding $50,000 for each count along with interest and costs incurred due to this legal action. He also seeks any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Michael Higbee is Timothy P. Driscoll from Driscoll Law Firm P.A., located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case is presided over under Case Number: 25-006627-CI.
Source: 25006627CI_Michael_Higbee_v_WB_Williamson_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
