A former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, alleging a hostile work environment and retaliation following her complaints of sexual harassment. Kelly T. Nguyen filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 25, 2025, targeting Pier Associates, Inc.
The lawsuit stems from a series of alleged inappropriate actions by a manager named Angelo at Pier Associates’ bait and tackle shop located at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. According to Nguyen’s account, shortly after being hired as a cashier in June 2025, she was subjected to unwanted advances and personal inquiries by Angelo. He allegedly made suggestive comments about wanting her as his wife and expressed intentions to kiss her against her will. Despite Nguyen’s repeated rejections and attempts to maintain professional boundaries, Angelo persisted with his behavior.
Nguyen claims that after reporting these incidents to another manager and requesting contact with the owner, Chris Cadenhead, there was no effective intervention. Instead of addressing the issue, Angelo was promoted within the company. This promotion occurred despite prior complaints from other female employees about similar misconduct by Angelo.
The situation escalated when Angelo allegedly retaliated against Nguyen for her complaints by altering her work schedule unfavorably and issuing unjustified write-ups. These actions culminated in Nguyen’s termination on October 14, 2025, which she believes was directly linked to her objections to the harassment and subsequent reporting.
In her legal filing, Nguyen accuses Pier Associates of violating Florida’s Private Sector Whistleblower’s Act by retaliating against her for objecting to illegal conduct under Title VII and Chapter 760.10 of Florida law. Additionally, she alleges negligent hiring, retention, and supervision on the part of Pier Associates for failing to address Angelo’s behavior adequately despite having knowledge of his actions.
Nguyen is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $100,000 for lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination and emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment. She also requests that the court award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs associated with pursuing this action.
Representing Kelly T. Nguyen is attorney Ronald W. Fraley from The Fraley Firm, P.A., based in Tampa, Florida. The case is presided over under Case Number: 25-006680-CI in Pinellas County Circuit Court.
Source: 25006680CI_Kelly_Nguyen_v_Pier_Associates_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
