Angler’s Yacht Club Accused of Discrimination

Free Case Evaluation

Angler’s Yacht Club Accused of DiscriminationThe Angler’s Yacht Club is being sued for allegedly denying memberships to minorities and women.

The lawsuit, which was filed by New Smyrna Beach real estate broker Rhonda J. Kanan, accuses the club of all white men of discriminating by not admitting people of color, Jewish people or women and for holding Robert E. Lee parties.

“The Anglers has existed as an exclusive and discriminatory fishing and boating boys club through the decades,” the lawsuit states. “Persons of color, women and persons of the Jewish faith have always been excluded.”

The city of New Smyrna Beach, which has maintained a controversial 99-year lease with the Anglers allowing the club to rent 2 acres of prime waterfront land at 2 N. Causeway along the Indian River for just $25 a year, is also named in the lawsuit.

Kanan has never applied to become a member at Angler’s Yacht Club but she was rejected by another group of mariners in town, the Smyrna Yacht Club.

Kanan’s attorney, Patrick C. Crowell, suggested that the Anglers may have infected her application to the Smyrna Yacht Club.

“Some of the Anglers may, in effect, have black balled her from the Smyrna Yacht Club,” Crowell said.

Kanan said that she checked into the Anglers after she was denied admission to the Smyrna Yacht Club. She then learned about all the issues and decided to take action.

Michael Brewer, a retired attorney who is a member of the Anglers Yacht Club, believes Kanan was just lashing out because she was rejected by the Smyrna Yacht Club.

Brewer said that the Angler’s Yacht Club doesn’t discriminate based on race, color or creed or religious preferences. He said that there’s no black members, but there were a couple members of Hispanic descent.

“The fact that we don’t have a black member doesn’t mean that we discriminate against them,” Brewer said.

Brewer did admit, however, that the club doesn’t accept women members and said it has a right to exclude them. He likened it to a club that only accepts women.

“It’s a fraternal organization,” Brewer said. “We have a freedom of association in America. To belong to a men’s club doesn’t make you a nasty, discriminatory person.”

The lawsuit asks for the court to declare the Angler’s Yacht Club’s leases invalid and unconstitutional. It also asks the court to require the city to evict the Angler’s Yacht Club or renegotiate the lease.

 

workers compensation attorneys in dc

Injury Attorneys DC, MD, VA – Get the Compensation You Deserve! Whether you have been injured in a car accident, a malpractice victim, injured on the job, as the result of shoddy craftsmanship, or in a slip and fall, we can help! Our experienced, competent attorneys excel in all areas of personal injury law.

Practice Areas 

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Our team is available and ready to help you with your case. Feel free to contact us via the form below or call us 24/7 at 202-955-4529

Recent Posts

Client Review

"The legal team at Cohen & Cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job."
Jose Rivera
Client Review

"I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side."
Lea Harvey
Client Review

Read more:

Hear from our clients

If you have been injured, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation today. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.