LEE COUNTY, Fla (WINK)—A Lee County judge has dismissed a years-long lawsuit filed by Oakes Farms and owner Francis “Alfie” Oakes against the Lee County School District after neither Oakes nor his attorney appeared in court for a scheduled hearing.
The dismissal came after a court-ordered hearing at which Alfie Oakes and counsel for Oakes Farms were required to explain why the case should not be dismissed. Oakes and his legal counsel failed to appear in court on Monday.
The judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, meaning Oakes could refile the claims but would have to restart the legal process.
The lawsuit dates back to the school district’s 2020 decision to terminate a contract with Oakes Farms to supply fresh produce to Lee County schools.
Oakes Farms and owner Alfie Oakes alleged the district breached its contract and violated Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law when it ended the agreement.
The complaint claimed the termination was improper and sought damages and other relief from the school district.
WINK News reached out to Alfie Oakes for comment on the dismissal, but has not received a response.
The School District of Lee County said it views the dismissal as the end of a lengthy legal fight.
In a statement to WINK News, the district said:
“The School District of Lee County welcomes the dismissal in the Oakes Farms, et al. v. Adkins, et. al. matter. This ends a long legal journey in both federal and state courts, where the district’s position has been vindicated.
This closure reflects the tireless efforts of attorneys James D. Fox of Roetzel & Andress LPA, Christopher Donovan of Donovan Appellate Law, and our in-house Office of Legal Services. The School District extends its sincere gratitude for their dedication, expertise, and steadfast advocacy throughout this case.”
The school district told WINK News it is working to determine how much defending the lawsuit costs taxpayers. A final total for legal expenses has not yet been released.