A slip and fall incident at a Florida shopping center has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for property management practices. On November 14, 2025, Melissa Vardas filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Saul Centers, Inc., and Seabreeze Plaza LLC. The case alleges negligence on the part of both defendants regarding unsafe conditions at their business premises.
According to the complaint, on November 16, 2023, Melissa Vardas was visiting Ocean Nails & Spa located within a shopping center owned by Saul Centers, Inc., and Seabreeze Plaza LLC. The lawsuit claims that both entities were responsible for maintaining the safety of the paved walkway directly in front of the spa. However, Vardas asserts that this area was negligently maintained, resulting in a slippery surface that caused her to fall. The complaint details how this negligence allegedly led to injuries affecting her body and extremities, causing pain and incurring medical expenses. Furthermore, it is claimed that these injuries are either permanent or ongoing in nature.
The legal action contends that both Saul Centers, Inc., and Seabreeze Plaza LLC were aware or should have been aware of the hazardous condition due to its prolonged existence. Vardas accuses them of failing to take necessary measures to rectify or warn about the danger posed by the walkway’s condition. This alleged oversight forms the basis for her claims against both companies under Count I and Count II of Fall Down Negligence as per Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Form 1.951.
Vardas is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant as compensation for her injuries and related losses. She has requested a jury trial to resolve these claims. Her attorney argues that this case highlights critical issues regarding property owners’ responsibilities toward ensuring customer safety on their premises.
Representing Melissa Vardas is Andrew Stinnette from Andrew Stinnette P.A., based in Dunedin, Florida. The Case Number is: 25-006469-CI.
Source: 25006469CI_Melissa_Vardas_v_Saul_Centers_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
