Bern's Steak House Sued City Over Flood Project

The restaurant and five other local businesses filed a lawsuit challenging the city of Tampa's $100 million plan.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bern's Steak House Sued City Over Flood Project

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Bern's Steak House and five other business owners filed a lawsuit against the city of Tampa on October 8, 2026. The legal challenge targets a $100 million flood relief project, alleging improper procurement and fund redirection.

Why it matters

The plaintiffs claim the project lacks proper oversight and fails to follow standard public hearing procedures. They are seeking a court order to halt construction, citing concerns that the benefits do not justify the project's massive cost increase.

The lawsuit alleges that $13.4 million in stormwater fees were redirected without a hearing and challenges a $92.7 million construction contract awarded to Kimmins Contracting Corp. The full filing spans 242 pages and involves six distinct business owners.

The players

Bern's Steak House

This landmark dining establishment has operated in Tampa for 70 years.

Kimmins Contracting Corp.

The construction firm was awarded a $92.7 million contract for the city flood relief project.

City of Tampa

The local municipal government is the defendant in the lawsuit regarding the controversial flood mitigation plan.

The details

The lawsuit contends that the city failed to adhere to required selection guidelines when awarding the multi-million dollar contract. If the project proceeds as planned, it will impact the area around S. Howard Avenue for three to four years.

In September 2026, city officials approved the flood relief project plan.
The lawsuit was filed in Hillsborough County on October 8, 2026.
Construction on the project is slated to begin in spring 2027.

Market Landscape

This litigation highlights a growing friction between local business interests and municipal infrastructure development in rapidly growing urban centers. It forces a public re-examination of standard procurement procedures and the transparency of city-led capital projects.

Local residents and visitors should anticipate potential disruptions near S. Howard Avenue if construction commences as scheduled in the spring. Business owners in the area may also see changing municipal fee structures if the legality of the current stormwater fund allocation is successfully challenged in court.

The takeaway

Property owners facing large-scale municipal projects should proactively monitor public meeting minutes to track changes in budget estimates early. Engaging with legal counsel early in the planning phase can be an effective way to address concerns regarding procurement and city oversight.