Ybor business owners slapped with ADA lawsuits

Ten businesses in Ybor City are under siege for violating the American Disabilities Act.

Vince Pardo, Manager of Ybor City's Development Corporation said businesses usually have 15 to 30 days to comply, but now they're being pushed to do it right away and to pay up in the process.

"Unfortunately they are getting a call two days afterwards and somebody says 'Pay me $15,000 and we'll settle out of court,'" Pardo said.

None of the businesses have any problems complying with the ADA, but it's the way they were told to do it that's causing some controversy.

Elmer's Sports Cafe has been served with a lawsuit and they say the owners have settled the case for an undisclosed amount of money. Metropolitan Cigars has also been served, but hasn't settled yet.

"That's really unfortunate," Pardo said."It's that kind of aggressiveness is being taken with it, and of course, the recourse is if you don't pay it, you'll pay more than that in court costs and fines and paying two attorneys' fees."

Pardo said if more Ybor businesses get slapped with lawsuits it could force them out of business, which could potentially leave the historical city looking more like a ghost town.

The lawsuits have also targeted Mons Venus strip club and Bern's Steak House in Tampa.

When Congress established the ADA it did not assign regulators to enforce the law, so individuals can sue to take action and their attorneys are legally allowed to collect fees