Judge Dismisses Florida Billionaire’s Libel Suit

A judge has dismissed a libel suit filed by Florida billionaire and failed U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene against the Tampa Bay Times and The Miami Herald.

Circuit Judge Valerie Manno-Schurr ruled Monday that Greene was a public figure because of his 2010 candidacy and failed to show that three articles were written recklessly. The articles concerned Greene’s role in a Mojave Desert condominium complex and allegations of partying aboard his 145-foot yacht.

The Times reported that Greene claimed the stories cost him the 2010 Democratic primary and defamed his reputation. But the judge found that Greene’s mere dislike of the stories did not form the basis of a successful libel lawsuit.

Greene lost to Kendrick Meek in the 2010 Democratic primary. Meek was defeated by Republican Marco Rubio.