JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The woman who was once the voice of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department has filed a lawsuit against the city, charging that she was the victim of sex discrimination.

Bennie Seth used to be the spokeswoman for JFRD. Now, she's suing the city because of what she called vicious rumors and pay discrimination because of her gender.

In August 2006, Seth resigned her post, telling Channel 4 she was forced by the mayor's office to resign but said she did not know exactly why.

A copy of the lawsuit, obtained by Channel 4 on Monday, revealed what Seth claims happened between her and the department.

The lawsuit states, "During the time Seth was working for the city... Mayor Peyton stated something to the effect of don't pay her much; her husband makes a lot of money."

The suit also states despite receiving stellar performance evaluations, every time Fire Chief Richard Barrett requested a pay raise for Seth, vicious and unfounded rumors about a relationship between Seth and Barrett began to circulate and she would not get the requested raise.

On Monday, Seth told Channel 4 she could not comment about the pending lawsuit, but said she was surprised the news made it out because the suit was recently moved to federal court.

Other allegations in the lawsuit include: that Seth was paid less than male employees who had fewer responsibilities and no supervisory duties over any employees, that the city's failure to pay Seth all wages due was willful and intentional and that the city cannot justify the difference in pay to Seth.

As the spokeswoman for JFRD, Seth was paid $55,000. Her replacement at the time was being paid about $49,000 and is currently making $51,000.