In a gripping legal battle unfolding in Pinellas County, Florida, a resident has taken on the local government over a personal injury claim. On November 7, 2025, Willis Kelsey filed a complaint against the City of Clearwater in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The case centers around an incident where Kelsey alleges negligence on the part of the city led to his severe injuries.
According to the complaint, Kelsey was walking near 1200 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater, on February 25, 2024, when he tripped over an uneven and raised manhole cover on a public sidewalk. This fall resulted in serious and permanent injuries for which he holds the City of Clearwater responsible. Kelsey’s attorney, Lauren M. Pcholinski from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., argues that the city failed in its duty to maintain safe sidewalks and neglected to address or warn about this hazardous condition despite being aware or should have been aware of it.
The plaintiff’s accusations are grounded in allegations of negligence under Florida Statute 768.28(5). The lawsuit claims that Clearwater did not exercise reasonable care in inspecting and maintaining public walkways. Specific failures include inadequate maintenance and inspection of the sidewalk, failure to warn pedestrians like Kelsey about potential dangers, and not correcting known hazards promptly. As per court documents, these omissions created an unreasonably dangerous environment for pedestrians.
Kelsey’s injuries have led to significant physical and emotional distress including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of life enjoyment, medical expenses, lost earnings potential, and aggravated pre-existing conditions. He seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest as compensation for these ongoing impacts on his life.
Represented by attorney Lauren M. Pcholinski from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., Kelsey is demanding justice through a jury trial for all issues deemed triable by jury law. The legal proceedings will be presided over by judges within the jurisdiction of Pinellas County’s Circuit Court under Case Number: 25-006288-CI.
Source: 25006288CI_Willis_Kelsey_v_City_of_Clearwatert_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
