FLORIDA - Bikers refused fair entry reach settlement with authority

OFF THE WIRE
The organization that operates the Florida State Fair will pay thousands to a trio of motorcycle club members who were refused entry into the fair in 2010.
Three bikers filed a lawsuit against the Florida State Fair Authority, which refused the men entry for not removing their motorcycle club logos and colors.

Fair officials said the logos were banned, saying the concern was the logos encouraged gang activity.

Two of the men were members of the Spirit Riders Motorcycle Ministry. The other was affiliated with the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club. Their logos included American flags and crucifixes.
According to partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, the men filed a federal lawsuit against the Fair Authority, operations manager Bill Bullock, executive director Charles Pesano, Hillsborough sheriff's Maj. Al Greco and Sheriff David Gee, whose off-duty deputies provided security under Bullock's supervision.


The Fair Authority is paying the men $72,500 collectively as part of a settlement.