Koch v. All Potential

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA TAMPA DIVISION IN RE: CARL KOCH, as the owner of Great Lakes II, 1979 Bruno Stillman 25’ Cruiser Bearing Hull Identification No.:BSY003580979, its engines, tackle, appurtenances, equipment, etc., Petitioner.

Case No: 8:25-cv-300-WFJ-NHA ___________________________________/ ORDER In this admiralty action, before the Court is Petitioner’s motion for entry of final default judgment (Dkt. 25) and the United States Magistrate Judge’s report recommending granting same and entering final default judgment (Dkt. 27). The time for filing objections has passed. The Court reviews the legal conclusions de novo in the absence of an objection. See LeCroy v. McNeil, 397 F. App’x 554, 556 (11th Cir. 2010) (citation omitted); Cooper-Houston v. S. Ry. Co., 37 F.3d 603, 604 (11th Cir. 1994).

After conducting an independent examination of the file, the Court agrees with Magistrate Judge Adams’ thorough and well-reasoned analysis and rules as follows: 1. The Report and Recommendation (Dkt. 27) is adopted, confirmed, and approved in all respects and made a part of this order.

2. Petitioner’s unopposed motion for entry of final default judgment in his favor, exonerating him from liability as to all non-appearing claimants (Dkt. 25) is granted for the reasons set forth in the Report and Recommendation at docket 27.

3. The Clerk is directed to enter a final default judgment in favor of Petitioner and against all persons and entities who have failed to file claims and/or answers by the claims deadline, and bar them from filing future claims against Petitioner Carl Koch, arising from the October 10, 2024 accident more fully described in Petitioner’s Amended Complaint.

4. Specifically excluded from the default judgment is the appearing claimant Dean Ricci.

DONE AND ORDERED at Tampa, Florida, on September 29, 2025. s/William F. Jung WILLIAM F. JUNG UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Copies to: Counsel of record and unrepresented parties if any