Controversial Lawsuit: Parker Collier Accuses Ex-Adviser of Defamation

A high-profile legal battle has erupted as Parker Collier, the matriarch of a prominent real estate family, seeks justice against her former adviser, Sonja Eddings Brown. This lawsuit has drawn attention following allegations that Collier orchestrated a fraudulent sale of a contaminated conservation land to the Florida government for $30 million.

Background of the Case

In 2022, Sonja Eddings Brown, who previously worked as a public relations consultant for Collier, filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Collier intentionally deceived Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration into purchasing thousands of acres of contaminated land. This accusation has now resurfaced as Collier files a new lawsuit in Utah, aiming to recover $75,000 in damages for defamation, along with attorney fees.

Key Points of the Case:

• Dismissal of Previous Lawsuit: The earlier suit brought by Brown was dismissed last August under an offer of judgment—a formal settlement made by the defendant.
• Grounds for Collier’s Lawsuit: Collier’s new complaint accuses Brown of orchestrating a smear campaign filled with false and sensational claims. The core accusation alleges that Collier facilitated the sale of creosote-contaminated land near Everglades City to the state of Florida.

The Allegations Against Collier

Creosote is a chemical compound historically used in wood preservation that is now heavily restricted due to its dangerous health effects. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious illnesses including liver damage and various cancers.

• Collier Enterprises’ Recent Sale: In 2023, Collier Enterprises sold over 11,000 acres of land in Jerome, adjacent to the Everglades, to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for conservation purposes. This purchase is part of the Green Heart of the Everglades project.

Environmental Concerns

A significant portion of the purchased land had previously housed a logging company that ceased operations approximately 70 years ago. Florida mandated that the Colliers clean the land before selling it. However, Brown claims that Collier failed to adequately address these environmental concerns, leading to the contamination allegations.

The Fallout from Allegations

Brown’s initial lawsuit sought compensation for loss of income, emotional distress, and reputational harm, asserting that her relationship with Collier soured after she questioned the land’s environmental status. She has also alleged that her own tests confirmed the presence of creosote in the soil and water.

Collier, through a spokesperson, dismissed Brown’s claims as "completely baseless," insisting that the family would vigorously defend their reputation. Additionally, an SFWMD spokesperson previously stated that a comprehensive environmental assessment of the land was performed prior to the purchase.

A Smear Campaign?

Collier alleges that Brown instigated a calculated smear campaign to extort money from her. According to the lawsuit, Brown initially filed redacted allegations, presumably trying to pressure Collier into a settlement. When this approach failed, Brown is accused of collaborating with media consultants to leak unredacted claims to notable media outlets, resulting in widespread negative coverage.

Response from the Media and Public

In response to the allegations, lobbyists for the environmental nonprofit involved in the land purchase have dismissed Brown’s claims as misleading. Ernie Cox, a lobbyist connected to the project, emphasized that the land in question was not contaminated, calling Brown’s narrative "just wrong."

Next Steps

As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties are poised for a jury trial. The outcome could have significant ramifications for not only Parker Collier and her reputation but also for future environmental transactions in Florida.

For more detailed insights on environmental conservation efforts in Florida, check out Florida’s Environmental Initiatives.

Stay tuned for further developments in this intriguing case that pits reputation against accountability in the competitive world of real estate and environmental stewardship.