Florida Homeowners Win $70,000 Settlement in 5-Year Cross Display Dispute
A protracted legal battle over a small religious display in a Florida garden has concluded with a $70,000 settlement, setting a potential precedent for homeowners in Sumter County.The dispute, lasting more than five and a half years, centered on a 30-centimeter cross placed in the yard of Wayne and Bonnie Anderson’s residence in The Villages, Florida.
The controversy began on April 1, 2019, when the couple received a notice alleging a violation of community rules regarding the display of the cross. According to reports, the complaint originated from an anonymous neighbor. “I thought it was a joke,” Anderson reportedly said, adding, “We consider it a religious icon, they call it garden art.”
Initially, Village Community Growth District 8 authorities demanded the removal of the cross. When the Andersons refused, they were subjected to a daily fine of $25, which quickly escalated to $44,000 over time. Unable to reach a resolution, the district ultimately filed a lawsuit against the homeowners.
Anderson staunchly defended the presence of the cross, arguing, “It doesn’t hurt anyone, there is no harm. Legally, there has to be harm, what is it? What is behind all this? Something sinister, I suppose.” He further asserted that the enforcement of the rule was “a selective request of the law” and “simply ridiculous from the point of view of common sense.”
After years of legal wrangling, a judge ordered the parties to attempt an out-of-court resolution. This led to an agreement that included a $70,000 payment to the Andersons. Wayne Anderson indicated the funds would be used to cover legal fees.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that many residents in the area openly display similar symbols on their properties. “we can display it as it is indeed our constitutional and God-given right. This should never have happened and should never happen again,” Anderson concluded. Notably, reports indicate Anderson has since joined the development district board, potentially influencing future decisions regarding similar displays.
Why did this happen? The dispute began after an anonymous neighbor complained about a 30-centimeter cross displayed in Wayne and Bonnie Anderson’s yard in The Villages, Florida, on April 1, 2019. The Village Community Development District 8 claimed the cross violated community rules. Who was involved? Wayne and Bonnie Anderson were the homeowners who fought the restrictions. The Village Community Development District 8 pursued legal action against them. An anonymous neighbor initiated the complaint. What was the outcome? After more than five years of legal battles, the Andersons won a $70,000 settlement, which will cover their legal fees. How did it end? A judge ordered mediation, leading to the settlement agreement. Wayne Anderson has since joined the development district board.
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