Port St. Lucie, Florida.

A $14.4 million verdict has been reached in the class action lawsuit filed against Port St. Lucie, Florida on behalf of 33,205 homeowners. The suit was filed to recover storm-water fees paid by the plaintiffs between 1993 and 1998. The suit alleged that the city had not properly notified landowners each time drainage fees were rising. The plaintiffs will receive rebate checks within six weeks, the amount depending on the inventory of lots owned between 1993 and 1998. (Aug-21-03) [PALM BEACH POST]