TAMPA - Facing possible eviction, the owner of the Channelside shopping complex has fired back at the Tampa Port Authority, claiming it implemented unfair new parking rules and other breaches of its lease.

Earlier this year, the port filed a lawsuit in circuit court to terminate the ground lease of Channelside Bay Mall LLC, which operates the waterfront shopping center. Among other things, the port claimed the mall was behind in paying more than $318,000 for use of the Channelside garage.

The port also claimed the mall owner had allowed its appearance to deteriorate.

On Thursday, Channelside Bay Mall LLC countersued the port authority. In its own suit, Channelside claims the port breached its lease agreement by increasing the garage parking rates by an "unreasonable amount."

Also, the mall owner said the port unfairly got rid of Channelside's parking validation system. In the past, customers could ask a store or restaurant to validate their parking and get a discounted rate. The port, however, breached the lease by eliminating the validation system and instituting a new automated token system, the suit says.

Aside from the lawsuits between the port and the mall, Channelside's owner also faces a foreclosure action by Anglo Irish Bank of Dublin.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.