The owners of the Ginnie Springs campground also own the Seven Springs Water Company which sells water to the nearby water bottling plant.
OSFR has unsuccessfully tried to stop this operation because it further damages an already damaged springs and river and produces untold quantities of single-use plastic bottles which pollute the environment.
Read the original article here in the Gainesville Sun.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
Lawsuit filed on behalf of estate of Jacksonville man killed at Ginnie Springs
Cleveland Tinker
“This action arises out of Defendant’s negligent security practices at a campground located at 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd., High Springs, Gilchrist County, Florida,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit also states the owners of Ginnie Springs “had actual or constructive knowledge of a history of criminal and dangerous activity on and in the vicinity of the” campground, as well as controlling and guarding against criminal activity occurring at or in the immediate vicinity of the campground.
“This was supposed to be an incredible weekend for them,” Pecko said.
Nestle Waters:Nestle Waters sells bottling operations while judge rules on lawsuit venue
But “it was more like a rave than a campground” is how it was described by Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Pecko said.
The lack of security at the park put patrons in danger, Pecko said.
“It was no holds barred once you got pass the gate,” he said.
Attempts by The Sun to reach officials at Ginnie Springs were unsuccessful Thursday. An employee who answered the main phone number listed on the park’s website said she was “not at liberty to answer questions.”
The park website, www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com, states that it will be enhancing safety and security at the park for the July 4th weekend that will include “implementing a new policy to limit the number of guests – both day and overnight admissions,” strengthening collaboration with law enforcement, increased staffing, retention of a third-party security expert, increased visibility and enhanced understanding of park rules and policies and increased resources and training for employees on park policies and procedures.
“The purpose of our lawsuit is to get Ginnie Springs to provide a safe environment at what should be a gem in North Central Florida and to hold Ginnie Springs accountable for their failures and to gain justice for the Stewart family,” Pecko said.
The lawsuit asks for the “loss of prospective net accumulations of the estate; all medical and funeral expenses charged to the estate, and all such other damages as are allowable under the law.”
