Local Group Initiates Legal Action Regarding Ended Property Contract
A nonprofit organization named Handy has filed a lawsuit in Broward County Circuit Court against the Broward School District, alleging breach of contract and reputational harm related to a $2.6 million, five-year office lease. The lawsuit, filed last week, states the district has paid only $232,333 of the total lease amount and seeks compensation for remaining payments, damages, and legal costs.
Handy’s headquarters are located in Wilton Manors, and the district had approved the lease on June 17 to relocate facilities department staff there. However, the board terminated the agreement during a special meeting on November 4, citing community concerns raised after media coverage highlighted the lease’s high cost amid budget reductions.
Delays prevented the district’s employees from occupying the space, and board members noted errors in an executive summary that incorrectly stated termination options. During the November meeting, the board voted to remove funding previously allocated for the lease.
District officials declined to comment, citing pending litigation, while Handy’s legal representatives and chief executive could not be reached for statements. The school board held a closed session Monday to discuss potential settlement strategies regarding the dispute.