A lawsuit has been filed alleging that a hazardous sidewalk condition led to serious injuries for a pedestrian, raising questions about the responsibilities of local government and contractors in maintaining public walkways. The complaint was submitted by Vodeerick Johnson in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on March 25, 2026. The named defendants are the City of St. Petersburg, the Florida Department of Transportation, and CRH Americas Materials, Inc.
According to court documents, Johnson claims that on May 16, 2025, he was walking along the sidewalk at 34 Queensborough Street South near its intersection with 18th Avenue South in St. Petersburg when he fell due to “the existence of a dangerous and hazardous condition of the premises, to-wit: a hole in the sidewalk.” Johnson alleges that this incident resulted in “serious injuries” including bodily harm, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity, as well as aggravation of any pre-existing conditions.
The complaint outlines separate counts of negligence against each defendant. Johnson asserts that both the City of St. Petersburg and the Florida Department of Transportation owned or maintained the section of sidewalk where he fell. He alleges they breached their duty by failing to properly design, construct, inspect, maintain or repair the area in question. Specifically cited are failures such as not cordoning off dangerous areas to prevent pedestrian access and not warning pedestrians about hazards that were allegedly known or should have been known.
Johnson also names CRH Americas Materials, Inc., described as a foreign profit corporation authorized to do business in Florida and operating within Pinellas County. The lawsuit states that CRH Americas Materials either owned or maintained the same stretch of sidewalk at issue and similarly failed in its duties regarding design and maintenance.
In each count against all three defendants—the city government entity, state transportation department, and private company—Johnson claims their actions or omissions directly resulted in his injuries. The complaint details that “as a direct and proximate result” of these alleged failures by each party named as responsible for maintaining safe public infrastructure.
Prior to filing suit against both governmental entities—the City of St. Petersburg and Florida Department of Transportation—Johnson reports providing statutory notice under Florida law (Florida Statute § 768.28). Notice was given to the city on August 18, 2025; notice was given to the state agency on January 13, 2026. According to Johnson’s legal filings: “Since being notified of the claim,” both governmental defendants “have denied liability.”
The plaintiff is seeking judgment “in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)” from each defendant for general damages along with costs and interest. He also requests “such other and further relief as this Court may deem proper.” Additionally, Johnson has demanded a jury trial on all issues so triable.
The case is identified as Case Number 26-001841-CI. The attorney representing Vodeerick Johnson is Jeremy Clark from Clark Hartpence Law based in St. Petersburg.
Source: 26001841CI_Vodeerick_Johnson_v_City_of_Petersburg_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
