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.
