PLANTATION, Fla., November 7th 2011 — The 4th District Court of Appeal reversed a $1.46 million judgment against Plantation-based Realauction.com, finding the facts of the case did not support the tortious interference claim against the company or its chief executive officer, Lloyd McClendon.

Grant Street Group, a Pittsburgh-based provider of online auction services, obtained the jury award in a Broward Circuit Court trial in 2009. The company claimed that email statements made by Mr. McClendon to Broward County officials caused it to lose out on a contract to provide online auction services for tax certificates.

The 4th District Court of Appeal re-examined court testimony and determined the evidence directly contradicted Grant Street’s claim. County financial officers testified Mr. McClendon’s statements had nothing to do with a decision to terminate negotiations.

“It is uncontroverted that Grant Street presented no documents or witness testimony other than the speculative testimony of its own president, Myles Harrington,” Palm Beach Circuit Judge Krista Marx, wrote in the unanimous opinion. “Speculative testimony is not competent substantial evidence.”

“We are pleased with the decision, but not surprised.” said Realauction CEO Lloyd McClendon.  “We believed all along this case was without merit.”

Evidence presented at trial indicated there was little likelihood the county ever would have awarded Grant Street a contract.  The appellate court noted Grant Street was able to bid again in 2005 for the contract six months after the earlier talks were terminated. It was not awarded the contract, but the company was still blaming Realauction.

Grant Street never had more than “speculative hope” of obtaining the contract, and “speculative hope is not sufficient to sustain the tort of interference with a business relationship,” Judge Marx wrote.  Appellate Court Judges Dorian Damoorgian and Jonathan Gerber concurred.

“This is complete vindication for our clients,” said RealAuction.com attorney Katherine Giddings of Akerman Senterfitt in Tallahassee. “The 4th DCA reached the correct result under the law.”

ABOUT REALAUCTION

Serving nearly 70 Counties in 6 States, Realauction is a market leading provider of online technology solutions for government agencies involved in the delinquent property and tax process.  Realauction helps government agencies reduce costs by providing design and implementation of online auctions of tax lien sales, tax-defaulted and mortgage foreclosure property sales. For more information contact Craig McIntyre at 954-734-7400 x203

October 25, 2011
PR11-08
Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office
Begins Online Tax Deed Sales

Kissimmee, FL – The Honorable Malcom Thompson, Osceola County Clerk of Courts, is pleased to announce that beginning in November of 2011, tax deed sales will be taking place online.

“Over the past couple of years, we have seen a significant reduction in our budget, which is set by the State,” says Thompson.  “By conducting tax deed sales online, in accordance with section 197.542, Florida Statutes, the Clerk’s Office can increase the efficiency of our tax deed sales while reducing administrative costs associated with the live tax deed sale process.”  By going online, more bidders will able to be a part of the process because they can participate from the comfort of their own homes, office, public computer, or library, instead of having to attend the sales in person at the courthouse.  This will also allow bidders from around the world the opportunity to place bids.

Beginning November 1, 2011, interested parties can register, place bids, and take an online training course in how to participate in the online tax deed sale process by visiting the new tax deed sale website at www.osceola.realtaxdeed.com.  Realauction, the selected online tax deed vendor, will conduct training and orientation sessions for bidders, both online and at the Osceola County Courthouse, with complete instructions on how to participate in the online tax deed sales.

“We are excited to use technology to move forward in the tax deed sale process,” stated Thompson.  “As we move toward a paperless system, both in maintaining the court records and the Official Records of Osceola County, Florida, the Clerk’s Office will continue to pursue its goal of providing the taxpayer with significant savings.  It is our goal to save our customers time in line, by going online.”

Osceola County’s first online tax deeds sales are set to begin November 29th, with online training for bidders available by Webinar and in person training available at the Osceola County Courthouse on November 15th and 16th.

For more information regarding tax deed sales, please see Chapter 197, Florida Statutes.  You may also visit the Clerk’s website at www.osceolaclerk.org.

For more information about Mr. Thompson and/or about the services provided by the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office, please visit the web site at www.osceolaclerk.com or call at 407-742-3500.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-02-03/business/os-foreclosure-auction-hazard-20110202_1_foreclosure-auctions-foreclosure-case-foreclosure-judgment

Add missing PDF

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-04-05/business/fl-foreclosure-auction-20110405_1_foreclosure-auctions-foreclosure-sale-wells-fargo

http://www.historiccity.com/2011/staugustine/news/florida/hollingsworth-hits-tax-collection-record-15557

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-01-18/business/os-online-foreclosure-auction-20110118_1_online-foreclosure-auctions-auction-calendar-maximum-bid