The city of Haines City, Fla. is set to pay one Black woman big time after her lawsuit uncovered nasty discrimination claims against a former mayor. Now, questions are circling ex-Mayor Anne Huffman as she is in the middle of the complaint.
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Erica Anderson worked as a deputy clerk in Haines City starting in 2017. She was later promoted to city clerk in 2020, and during her time under the then-Mayor Huffman, she allegedly faced unthinkable discrimination and harassment, according to the federal complaint obtained by the Lakeland Ledger.
Anderson claimed Huffman continuously attacked her, often using derogatory comments, including an instance where she told Anderson to stop wearing “Aunt Jemima Braids.” To make matters even worse, Huffman referred to the former employee as “unbecoming” because of her appearance… and that was just the beginning.
In 2021, Anderson reported a claim of sexual harassment from a male vendor. But when the matter reached Huffman’s desk, she allegedly asked Anderson, “Are you sure this is what you want to do to another Black man?”
The next year, Anderson claimed she became the target of Huffman’s rage after being falsely accused of misusing city credit cards, according to the filing. She was eventually cleared, but that didn’t stop the harassment from Huffman.
That’s when Anderson had enough and filed her complaint on May 31, 2022. Two days later, however, the alleged harassment took a turn. Anderson’s then-fiancé, Barry Gaston, questioned how Huffman was still able to hold office despite being a convicted felon. Apparently, the former mayor “was arrested and prosecuted for felony grand theft and entered into a pre-trial diversion program,” a January court filing read.
After the outburst from Gaston, which happened during a commission meeting, he was removed. Huffman then told the others in the room, “Just for those of you who are not aware, that’s our City Clerk Erica Anderson’s other boyfriend.”
She allegedly continued to insinuate “that Anderson was promiscuous.” This led to Anderson to take a leave of absence due to a serious health condition she developed from the hostile work environment, her suit claimed. The city demoted Anderson in her absence, and when she returned, she was suspended. By October 2023, Anderson was fired in retaliation to her lawsuit, discrimination complaints and extended leave, she claimed.
By April 2025, Huffman was officially removed as a defendant in the case. She responded on Facebook saying, “Finally the TRUTH about the lawsuit that Erica Anderson, City Clerk, was dismissed against me for her accusations of discrimination, bullying, harassment, hostile work environment and many other lies!” She continued, “I’m NOT going anywhere or leave Seat #5 until 2029!!!!!! Thank you for your patience and support while these vile lies about me are being spread.”
The case was finally settled in June, and Anderson was awarded $550,000 in damages. Anderson’s attorney, Kelly Chanfrau, told FOX 13, “This never should’ve happened. She was an incredible city clerk and she stood up for others so they don’t have to endure this.”
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