After his departure, Yates filed a lawsuit in May 2024 (over 10 months after separation) claiming termination without cause and that the Council’s decision not to renew violated his contract. The Village’s attorney noted that the contract’s “without cause” termination clause did not cover non‑renewal. Further, Yate’s attorney argued that Councilman Henry Rosenthal should have recused himself, leaving a 2-2 vote when a majority would be required for non-renewal.

W Chase Carpenter from Smith Hawks law firm in Key West represents Mr. Yates.

Originally the Village was represented by Eric Stettin, of Weiss Serota, hired and paid for by the Village insurance company.  The insurance coverage limit of $100,000 was reached in the case, so now the Village is responsible for legal costs and are now represented by both trial attorney Erica Hausdorff of Weiss Serota along with Stettin, with the Village paying the legal fees.

The trial is scheduled as a two-day trial beginning on Wed, Oct 14, at 9:00 at the Plantation Key Courthouse, 88770 Overseas Highway. The attorneys anticipate that the trial will only take one day. The public can attend.