Florida man sued for not paying up after betting on Trump
President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on December 3, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A friendly $100 wager over the 2020 Presidential election has landed in a Florida small claims court.
Before the election, Sean Hynes, a Trump supporter from St. Petersburg, reached out to Jeffrey Costa, an acquaintance who is a Biden supporter from Atlanta. The deal was sealed on Facebook Messenger: If Trump won, Costa would pay $100. If Biden won, Hynes would pay up.
But once the votes were counted, Hynes refused to acknowledge the Democrat’s victory, even after recounts, the Supreme Court’s rejection of court challenges and the Electoral College’s confirmation, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
RELATED: 'American Rescue Plan': Here's what's in Biden's COVID-19 relief plan
Costa, 50, decided to sue. He’s seeking the $100, plus $250 in court costs and $300 in interest on the unpaid bet. He’s representing himself in the action, filed Dec. 28 in Pinellas County small claims court.
"You should have the integrity in your principles to follow through with what you have proposed," Costa told the newspaper.
Costa first messaged Hynes on Nov. 7, the day after the election was called in Biden’s favor, to ask for the money.
"Bro, the elections are determined by the courts, not the networks," Hynes responded. The two continued arguing back and forth.
"It’s not settled by law, Sean," Costa said. "Trump is mathematically eliminated.
RELATED: Report: Trump planning to fly to Mar-a-Lago on Inauguration Day
When Costa told Hynes in December that he planned to sue for the money, Hynes unfriended him on Facebook, the newspaper reported.
Hynes didn’t answer the newspaper’s Facebook message.
For Costa, the lawsuit is about more than the money.
If Hynes had been willing to pay the bet, he’d be willing to drop the lawsuit. Hynes didn’t.
"I also felt that if you’re going to live in a post-fact world, there are consequences to that," he said.
Terrifying home encounter in New Smyrna Beach serves as warning: ‘Something out of a horror movie’
A New Smyrna Beach family experienced a "horror movie" ordeal when a man aggressively tried to force his way into their home late at night.
New Smyrna Beach man accused of threatening family
A New Smyrna Beach family experienced a "horror movie" ordeal when a man aggressively tried to force his way into their home late at night.
Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall in Louisiana, enroute to Texas
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday as it spins toward another landfall in Texas later this week.
Universal Orlando permit fuels speculation about new Islands of Adventure attraction
Universal Orlando Resort has filed a permit for a new attraction at Islands of Adventure.
Window contractor gives up Brevard license amid fraud investigation
A window installation contractor accused by customers of taking payments without completing work has agreed to surrender his Brevard County contracting license for five years as a fraud investigation continues.
Universal Orlando permit fuels speculation about new attraction
Universal Orlando Resort has filed a permit for a new attraction at Islands of Adventure, prompting speculation from theme park analysts and enthusiasts about what could be coming to the park as the company continues expanding beyond its recently opened Epic Universe.
30% of Americans admit to shoplifting, annual survey finds
More Americans say they're turning to shoplifting as inflation and financial strain continue to squeeze budgets. A new survey reveals who's stealing and what they're taking.
Camping World Stadium unveils $400 million renovation
Camping World Stadium is undergoing a $400 million renovation that will transform both the venue's appearance and fan experience ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars' temporary move to Orlando in 2027.
Cape Canaveral seeks criminal investigation into $4 million budget shortfall
Cape Canaveral officials have asked the Brevard County Sheriff's Office to investigate whether criminal conduct, employee misconduct or financial mismanagement contributed to a roughly $4 million budget shortfall that city leaders say reflects years of structural financial problems.
Florida HOA vice president chased door-to-door sales reps, rammed their vehicle: Affidavit
The vice president of a Florida homeowners association was arrested after he allegedly chased a door-to-door salesperson through his neighborhood and then drove his truck into the middle of the street, blocking their vehicle, according to the arrest report.