On August 28, 2025, an incident occurred in Brooksville, Florida that deserves public attention. My wife, Jeanette (Jeanie) McCandless, is a disabled woman who has lived with her condition her entire life. There are many everyday experiences most of us take for granted—walking on the beach, riding a bike, going for a stroll—that Jeanie cannot enjoy. I never imagined that simply getting French fries from McDonald’s would be added to that list.
Everyone experiences events through their own lens, which is why I’m sharing this account with the parties involved. I invite each of you to respond with your perspective before I escalate this further.
At approximately 2:00 PM on August 28, Jeanie asked for French fries from McDonald’s. When we arrived, all designated handicapped parking spaces were occupied, so we parked across the island. As we walked in, I noticed a work van parked in one of the handicapped spaces. I took a photo and called the number on the side of the van. I was transferred to someone named Kendall.
I said:
“Just so you know, one of your workers is parked in a handicapped space at McDonald’s. When you see them, can you ask them not to park there in the future?”
Kendall responded that the worker could park there because they were working at McDonald’s. I explained that working at a location does not entitle someone to use a handicapped space. He then claimed to have a city-issued permit allowing the vehicle to park there. I told him I was unaware of any permit that overrides federal law protecting those spaces for people with disabilities. He insisted his workers could park there and told me to “mind my own business.” I replied that I would contact the police to clarify the law.
When Deputy Evans arrived, he repeatedly asked why I was “bothering him” with this issue. He said the workers were “just doing their job” and asked why I couldn’t park elsewhere. He accused me of “making a big deal” and said he would investigate whether I had misused 911. I clarified that I had called the non-emergency number and told dispatch there was no rush—I would wait.
Before leaving, Deputy Evans said that if I had a problem with someone parking in a handicapped space, I should speak to the business manager, as police do not enforce parking laws on private property.
Back home, I revisited Florida Statute 316.1959, which states:
“Handicapped parking enforcement.—The provisions of handicapped parking shall be enforced by state, county, and municipal authorities in their respective jurisdictions whether on public or private property in the same manner as is used to enforce other parking laws and ordinances by said agencies.”
This statute clearly contradicts the deputy’s claim that enforcement does not apply on private property.
I returned to McDonald’s and asked to speak with the manager. When she came out, I asked if we could speak privately. She explained that the worker was repairing the air conditioner and that they hadn’t had AC for two years. When I asked why that justified illegal parking, she said the repair was “more important” than Jeanie having access to a handicapped space.
I replied:
“You might not want to say that having your air conditioner fixed is more important than Jeanie’s rights.”
Shortly after, Samantha Burnette informed me that I was banned from McDonald’s—for advocating on behalf of the disabled.
I later learned that earlier in the day, part of the parking lot had been blocked off for a crane. This is the justification all parties are now using. But when we arrived, the lot was open and the handicapped space was occupied by a work van. Using earlier conditions as justification is like saying I can run a red light because it was green earlier.
I respectfully ask each party to respond in writing to the following:
What is the permit number that allegedly allows your workers to park in handicapped spaces?
If such a permit exists, I would like to advocate for its revocation, as it undermines federal protections for disabled individuals.
What statute supports the claim that police do not enforce handicapped parking laws on private property?
What legal basis allows a vehicle to occupy a handicapped space simply because it is performing unrelated work at the location?
Why are vendor convenience and operational needs prioritized over the legal rights of disabled customers?
What policy justifies banning a customer for raising concerns about ADA compliance?
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this matter. I believe that protecting the rights of disabled individuals is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. I appreciate your willingness to provide your perspective so that all sides of this incident can be understood. I look forward to your written response and hope this leads to greater awareness, accountability, and respect for those who rely on these protections every day.
Sincerely,
Scott McCandless
608 F
St
Brooksville, Florida 34601
(407)
668-3001
Scott@MyWebMates.com
Advocate for Disability
Rights and Equal Access
cc: Deputy Evans @ Hernando County Sheriff
cc: Corpral
Calderon @ Hernando County Sheriff
cc: Captain Valdezs @
Hernando County Sheriff
cc: Samantha Burnette @ Brooksville, FL
McDonalds
cc: McDonalds Corporate, Chicago IL
cc: Kendall @
CrossPoint Refrigeration
On Spetember 30, 2025 I called Crosspoint Refrigeration to see if I could speak to the owners as I had not received a response. When a gentleman answered I asked if the owners were available. I was told they would be in later. I asked if I could get an appointment to come see them and was told no, I asked if I could leave a message and was told they were already aware of the E-Mail I sent several weeks ago and they did not want to speak to me. When I asked for the name of who I was talking to so I could add it to my paperwork I discovered I was speaking to Kendall, the same one who told me Crosspoint does not care about the disabled and to mind my own business.
That same day I got this response from
Crosspoint Refrigeration…
Subject: |
Request to Scott McCandless |
|---|---|
Date: |
Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:40:25 +0000 |
From: |
Customer Care Team at Crosspoint <customercare@crosspointac.com> |
To: |
Scott@mywebmates.com <Scott@mywebmates.com> |
Mr. Scott McCandless,
The Crosspoint staff is feeling unsafe by your contact and that needs to cease.
If any further communication is desired with the company this must be through legal counsel.
Please note that email and phone numbers will be blocked and if behavior continues and you show up in person to any location related to Crosspoint Refrigeration LLC or its staff members, you will be trespassed.
Sincerely,
Crosspoint Refrigeration, LLC
I am hoping Kendall is speaking for himself and does no represent the company. I am mailing letters to Anthony Cates and Sarah Cates in hopes to be able to speak to someone about this.
I have also purchased the BoycottCrosspoint.com and am arranging a week long protest to be held at 1135 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601. As soon as the signs get delivered I will post details to join our protest on our website.
I have also filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau, ADA, and the Civil Rights Department of The Department of Justice in Washington DC.