Court hearing canceled, GOP club suit goes to magistrate

VENICE — The civil suit brought against a local conservative caucus continues despite the cancellation of a circuit court hearing.

Instead, several factual issues will be assessed by a general magistrate ahead of a possible trial date in December.

The Republican Club of South Sarasota County is still pursuing a lawsuit against America First SWFL Caucus over allegations of improper asset seizures.

The civil complaint charges that the Caucus’ officers — former board members for the Republican Club — took furniture, records, and office supplies from club property while removing $10,000 from club-affiliated bank records.

The respondents have claimed that the Republican Club was previously disbanded during their tenure, due to disagreements with the Republican Party of Florida.

They have also filed motions to dismiss the case and seek legal sanctions against the plaintiffs, arguing that there is no longer an official entity known as “the Republican Club of South Sarasota County.”

To resolve these motions and other related matters, Circuit Judge Danielle Brewer has referred the case to General Magistrate Bradley Ellis.

As a general magistrate, Ellis has the power to gather evidence and conduct hearings for the purpose of gathering information on the case.

Ellis is then expected to file a “report and recommendation” about the various motions in the case to Brewer, revolving around the findings of fact and conclusions of law.

The referral was recorded in Sarasota County Court systems on June 27, just days before a motions hearing was scheduled to take place on Monday.

The parties have until July 7 to file an objection to the magistrate referral.

A future hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9, regarding a motion to prevent the plaintiffs’ attorneys from taking deposition testimony from employees of Fifth Third Bank.