A Blank Rome team secured a significant victory for Shepler’s Inc. and Mackinac Island Ferry Company (the “Ferry Companies”) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan when Judge Robert T. Jonker granted a preliminary injunction effectively blocking the City of Mackinac Island (the “City”) from enforcing a newly adopted ordinance that sought to impose extensive new regulatory controls on ferry operations and threatened service disruptions to millions of visitors on the eve of the Independence Day holiday. (Opinion and Order, June 30, 2025.)
The ruling prevents the City from enforcing Ordinance No. 629, which was set to take effect July 1, 2025, or unilaterally setting fares, ancillary fees, and parking rates. The ordinance sought to give the City broad authority over ferry fares and services, including the regulation of parking and luggage fees, despite an existing franchise agreement governing ferry operations.
Judge Jonker’s opinion found a strong likelihood that the Ferry Companies would succeed on the merits of their claims and held that neither party has the unilateral authority to determine when competition has ceased under the agreement or otherwise violate the parties’ contracts. He further noted that upholding the status quo was in the best interest of both the public and the parties—particularly during the Island’s busy summer season.
The injunction ensures that the Ferry Companies can continue to provide safe, reliable, and economical transport to Island residents, workers, and tourists. The Ferry Companies are owned by the Hoffman Family of Companies, a Midwest-based family-owned company and multi-generational business that partners with community-based businesses.
The case remains pending.
The Blank Rome team was led by William J. Dorsey and Jeremy A. Rist, with support from Eric S. Tower. Michigan counsel includes Mark J. Magyar, Richard J. Aaron, and Steven C. Liedel from Dykema.
