Jacksonville Magazine March/April 2024

Bartender Hey

ENJOYING A COCKTAIL OR TWO AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S FAVORITE PUBS, BARS AND LOUNGES

Publisher’s Note

“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world, she walks into mine.” It’s among the most memorable lines in one of the best movies ever filmed. Humphrey Bogart plays bar owner Rick Blaine who, after learning the love of his life—now married to another—has arrived in Casablanca, drowns his sorrows as Sam, the nightclub’s piano player and singer, attempts to console him. The gin joint is Rick’s Cafe Americain, arguably the coolest watering hole ever projected onto the silver screen. The Moroccan architecture and decor, lively gaming tables, champagne corks popping left and right, men wearing ties and dinner jackets, women dressed in evening gowns, six-piece band tucked in a corner, cigarette smoke drifting over the dimly lit tables… one can’t help but get swept away in the romantic atmosphere. Just watching the black-and-white scenes makes the viewer want to order a cocktail and take a seat near the piano.

Rick’s does have its short-comings, namely cadres of Nazis as regular patrons. When you add the starched and sneering German officers to the mix of crooked police officers, con artists, pick-pockets, a roulette wheel that doesn’t often lose, desperate refugees who will do almost anything to flee North Africa and the war in Europe and, make no mistake, this establishment is rife with danger. But a little danger can add a certain allure to a bar. Any adult can enjoy a glass of pinot grigio or beer in the comfort of one’s home. However, going out to a watering hole for an adult beverage or two, particularly a nightspot not previously visited, provides a dose of the unexpected, maybe a little mystery. This

rings especially true for those young and unattached—one never knows who you will meet.

While living in St. Augustine many years ago, I experienced the Oldest City’s drinking and dining scene from both sides of the bar, as a guest and an employee. As I learned working in restaurants and dating others who did, the service environment introduces you to a broad spectrum of humanity, to say the least. In a town like St. Augustine, a magnet for artists, dreamers and wanderers of every color, age and persuasion, this goes without saying. The late chef/ TV personality Anthony Bourdain would have felt right at home in the kitchens and bars here. Many a kindred spirit he would have found in the city’s historic quarter, home to an amazing collection of pubs, upscale eateries, dive bars and other establishments where the beer is cold and conversation always at the ready.

If you time your visit right, avoiding the sometimes overwhelming masses of visitors that pour onto St. George Street and her surrounding avenues, St. Augustine can posses some of that Casablanca-like romance. The warm evenings, Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets all add to the setting. Once the tour trollies have stopped rolling for the evening and the crowds have thinned, strolling along the bayfront or wandering Cadiz or Hypolita streets is a completely different experience. This is the time to pop into a small pub for a pint, enjoy a margarita with a basket of chips and salsa, or take in a live band playing Skynyrd tunes. Pour me another, Sam. u

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar

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ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS Want to see your photo in Jacksonville Magazine? Is it a newsworthy image or a shot that tells an interesting Northeast Florida story? Submit your photo and the story behind it to mail@jacksonvillemag.com for a chance to be featured in print and on our social media. photo by Frances Taylor

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April 6 & 7

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jax files

I took this photo in south Jax Beach, near 25th Street, on January 26 during my morning walk. It was a beautiful day with a little sea fog at sunrise. I was paying more attention to the sunrise than the sky to the west when I noticed another morning walker taking a photo in that direction. When I turned to look, I was met by this beautiful view of a rainbow.

— Photo by Meghan Sternat

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Do you have an image of Northeast Florida you’d like to share with our readers? Submit your photo and the story behind it to mail@jacksonvillemag.com for the opportunity to be featured on this page.

SMALL TALK

Newsworthy Nuggets from Across Northeast Florida to Chew on This Month

F Watch your step, especially in Pinellas County. A group of Florida personal injury attorneys analyzed data from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles between 2019 and 2021 to determine which county was the worst for walkers. Across the state, 2,284 pedestrians were involved in fatal collisions, with Pinellas being the location of 374 motor vehicle fatalities during 2019-2021, 133 being pedestrians (35% of all road fatalities). Duval ranked tenth, recording two percent of auto accidents involving pedestrians, 25.1% of all road fatalities in the county.

F The 904 area code, which covers all or most of seven Northeast Florida counties and has been in use since 1965, will run out of unused phone numbers this year. That numerical squeeze is why the new 324 code was introduced in late February for all new cellphones, landlines (yes, some people still have

Batter Up!

Thisisn’t your neighborhood sandlot ballpark. Nope, not even close. The new Bragan Baseball Complex at Fort Family Regional Park Baymeadows is a city-owned park featuring three fields—one each for softball, youth baseball and high school play. Officially opened in February, all three fields are covered with artificial turf, meaning no grass to mow or water. In addition, the facility is complete with permanent grand stands, fenced-in bullpens, concession stand and covered picnic areas. The hometown Walk Off Charities has partnered with the City to host its headquarters here and promote its mission of introducing baseball to kids who might not otherwise get a chance to play ball. u

them) and other devices in the region previously under the 904 umbrella. So, ten-digit dialing for First Coast numbers, even for local calls, is here to stay.

F Florida has long attracted new residents thanks to our beaches and absence of state income tax. Turns out 2022 was a banner year for new arrivals, with the state attracting approximately 240,000 more residents than it lost, according to recently released research. Perhaps surprising is that while Florida’s allure is traditionally attributed to retirees, young people are moving here in greater numbers. Among the roughly 2,000 people who moved to the Sunshine State every day, 27% were millennials. The typical mover to Florida makes $63,000 a year and has an average age of 39. Thirty-four percent of new residents have earned at least a bachelor’s degree.

F According to iSeeCars, the best-selling used cars (between one and five years old) in Jacksonville last year were the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Toyota Camry, Ram 1500 and Toyota Corolla. In fact, the F-150 remained the best-selling used vehicle in America in 2023 and was the best seller in 34 states and 29 out of the 50 largest metro areas. The Tesla Model 3 ranked as the top seller for used EVs.

F Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways recently announced that it will be adding nonstop service this spring to San Diego from Jacksonville, connecting two of the nation’s largest Navy towns. Flights will begin in May, taking to the skies Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-way “Nice” fares start around $130. The “Nicest” ticket bundle, including two checked bags, priority boarding, in-flight snacks and beverages, is more.

READY TO ROAR

Following a two-week public contest, Mina was the winning name for the Jacksonville Zoo’s Malayan tiger cub. Drawing on the cat’s South Asian origins, Mina (MEE-nah) means one who is unrelenting and determined.

IT’S NOW LEGAL TO CONSUME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALONG THE DOWNTOWN RIVERWALK. IN JANUARY, CITY COUNCIL GAVE APPROVAL FOR THE OPEN CONTAINER LAW CHANGE WITH RESTRICTIONS. DRINKERS ARE LIMITED TO TWO 32-OUNCE SPECIALTY CUPS (SOLD BY AREA VENDORS) DURING THE HOURS OF 11 AM TO 10 PM, SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, AND 11 AM TO MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. CHEERS!

ACTION! THE JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL ILLUMINATES SILVER SCREENS INSIDE WJCT, THE JESSIE AND THE MAIN LIBRARY APRIL 12-14. THE SCHEDULE FEATURES DOZENS OF INDIE MOVIES, DOCUMENTARIES AND A SLATE OF LOCALLY PRODUCED FLICKS.

Recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the discovery of a cold-water coral reef  habitat, beginning near Miami and stretching north to about Charleston. Covering 6.4 million acres, an area larger than Vermont, the reef system lies less than 75 miles from Jax beaches. It is the largest deep-sea coral habitat discovered to date.

Joining the more than 90 stores and restaurants that make up St. Johns Town Center is the new AC Hotel by Marriott . Accepting bookings in March, the four-story hotel features 118 rooms, a lounge, outdoor pool, meeting space and fitness center.

Check Mate

The new season of the FOX TV reality series Farmer Wants a Wife debuted on February 1. Among this year’s crop of single women in search of love in the country is Jacksonville’s own Joy Mayfield, 25, a radiologic technologist. According to FOX, Farmer Wants a Wife is the biggest dating show in the world. It has aired in 32 countries and resulted in 201 marriages and 514 children…and counting. Good luck, Joy. And “Yeehaw!” u

Georgia on My Mind

BY FABRIZIO GOWDY

From college football to filmmaking to corporate headquarters, Atlanta feels like the capital of the South. If New York is the big apple, Atlanta ought to be known as the Big Peach. As spring breakers flock south in search of sand and sunshine, it’s a fine time to head north and experience all Atlanta has to offer.

If you only do one hike while in Atlanta, make it Stone Mountain. The largest exposed mass of granite in the world, its treeless peak offers unobstructed vistas of Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, and the sprawling metro area. A steep mile-long trail leads to the top, although visitors can also opt for a gondola ride 700 feet to the top; $20 per vehicle.

Across town, the East Palisades Trail is another excellent hike for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Trails traverse rocky terrain and feature viewpoints 150 feet above Devils Race Course Shoals and the softly churning Chattahoochee River. If you prefer something resembling Jacksonville’s elevation profile, sprawling and spacious Piedmont Park is a beautiful place for a stroll among skyscrapers.

Is it fine dining? Not quite. Is it health food? Nope. Is it one of Atlanta’s iconic culinary institutions? Absolutely. Since 1928, The Varsity

has dished out burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes in a nostalgic retro atmosphere. Originally opened to cater to students at nearby Georgia Tech, the Varsity claims the title of world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Generations of Atlantans have stepped up to the counter and been asked The Varsity’s signature question: “what’ll ya have?” If you have a hard time answering, we recommend a frosted orange, a fitting treat for us Floridians.

If you value variety, Krog Street Market and the massive Ponce City Market are two former industrial buildings that have been repurposed into indoor marketplaces with dozens of food and beverage vendors representing seemingly every customer in close proximity. It’s a neat concept that could be a good fit in our Downtown.

The Fox Theater is one of the South’s great architectural gems. Originally designed to serve as the Atlanta Shriners’ headquarters, the Fox is teeming with ornate features like soaring domes, minarets and archways, and gold leaf details. The Fox has hosted countless legendary performances, from Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin, and continues to host Broadway shows, musical performers, and comedians. If you’re not the type to sit through a performance, history and architecture tours of the building can be purchased online.

Atlanta has also become a hotspot for shooting TV shows and movies, ranking second only to Los Angeles in number of soundstages. It’s not uncommon to see production crews, especially in Centennial Olympic Park, Castleberry Hill, and the Walton-Forsyth area of Downtown. If you research casting calls and get a little lucky, you might even be fortunate enough to be selected as an extra.

Atlanta played a prominent role in the Civil War, was an epicenter of the Civil Rights movement, and hosted an Olympic Games. From the gold-domed State Capitol to the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr., the city’s rich history is told in many places, but none beats the Atlanta History Center. The museum is home to the Atlanta Cyclorama, a 49-foot by 370-foot 360-degree painting and life-size diorama depicting the Battle of Atlanta. When it was first unveiled in 1886 in Minneapolis, it was the IMAX of its time. The Cyclorama comes to life when a 12-minute film is projected onto the painting every hour from 10 AM to 3 PM.

The 33-acre History Center grounds also feature tranquil gardens, the elegant Swan Coach House Restaurant, and the Swan House mansion, which Hunger Games fans will recognize as President Snow’s house in the movie adaptations; open Tuesday through Sunday, $10-24. u

COME SAIL AWAY

This summer, Carnival Cruise Line welcomes guests to Celebration Key, the line’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama. The island getaway offers countless opportunities for relaxation and recreation across five distinct areas it calls “portals,” as well the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. The family portal features a pair of waterslides, sports courts and floating cabanas. Guests at the adults-friendly portal will float to a swim-up bar and can enjoy beachside cabanas and a full-service restaurant. And one can go child-free at the property’s private club space, with an infinity-edge pool overlooking the beach and ocean and elevated dining. Celebration Key is a stop on 18 Carnival ships sailing from nine U.S. ports including Jax. u

Epic Announcement

Universal Orlando Resort recently unveiled plans for Universal Epic Universe , an addition it’s calling its most ambitious theme park yet. Set to open next year, the new park will feature more than 50 attractions, rides, dining and shopping options. The heart of the project is the seven-acre Celestial Park, the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other “worlds” and peppered with various interactive fountains. The highlight here will be Starfall Racers, a dual launch racing coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 miles per hour over 5,000 feet of track. Other new park features include the Ministry of Magic, an addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk. u

Number$ Game

e Comparison shopping is always a good idea. Turns out in Florida, homebuyers find a vast difference in prices skipping from county to county. A January survey of single-family homes listed for sale on Zillow tallied every property in every Florida county and determined that Monroe topped the list for most expensive median home price, at $954,012. The southernmost Sunshine State county is made up of the Florida Keys and parts of Everglades National Park. St. Johns County came in third, with a median price of $573,924. Nassau County had a strong showing, ranking 13th with a $449,647 median. Coming in at 29 was Duval, where the median sales price for the month was $351,879. According to the rankings, the basement position was held by Glades County near Lake Okeechobee in south-central Florida, coming in at $113,951. Of course, where an individual home lies within a county greatly determines what a prospective buyer will agree to pay. u

Urban Renewal

BY TIM GILMORE

Aplayer piano tinkles and percusses old pop and jazz standards in the lobby. Nearby, Creative Exchange showcases the artworks of Jax-based painters and writers. Rising 617 feet above is the tallest building in the city, the Bank of America Tower. At the tower’s northwest corner, however, the intersection of Forsyth and Hogan streets reaches historic depths far greater than the tower’s height.

In 1816, the land still belonged to Spain, and the house that stood here at the northwest corner preceded the city itself. When Jacksonville first arrived six years later, however, nobody could call that scattering of log houses in the marshes a city.

Spain had granted Maria Raphaela Suarez Taylor 200 acres in 1814, almost half the larger land grant Robert Pritchard received here in 1791. Taylor’s first husband, Parnel was 24 or 25 years old when he died fighting for the Spanish at Fernandina, ambushed by the so-called “Patriot Army.” The Patriot War was an attempt to ignite a rebellion against Spain in East Florida and annex the province to the United States.

When Lewis Zachariah Hogans married Parnel Taylor’s widow, they built their log cabin right here, at a cultivable outcrop in the swamp.

Small Spanish houses had stood here before, but the Florida “Patriots” had destroyed them in 1812. By Christmas 1816, Zachariah and Maria moved into their new house.

Across from the Bank of America Tower, what now stands in place of the Hogans house is a rarity—a parking garage considered architecturally significant, designed by Herb Coons for Atlantic National Bank in 1962. It looks like a concrete lily pad, a discus. Its ramp corkscrews up each level to the top and is laced with copper brise soleil.

Two centuries ago, other settlers gave the Hogans’s address as “over on the hill beyond the swamp.” Hogan Street takes its name, without the final “s”, from L.Z. and Maria and Forsyth from General John, U.S. Minister to Spain, who negotiated the purchase of the state in 1821.

Somewhere down the river, L.Z. Hogans died in one of the Seminole Wars. He and Maria had four children together. Their cabin lasted four decades. The well, however, outlasted them all.

After the Civil War, when Jacksonville boomed as a tourist mecca self-dubbed “the Winter City in Summer Land,” the Bostonians and Knickerbockers who came down and stayed

at new hotels in the 1870s and ’80s, wearing suits and hats as they rocked on their chairs on hotel porches, all heard of the Hogans Well. It had become a tourist attraction.

Before the Civil War, a woodframe house had replaced the Hogans cabin, the U.S. and Confederate States of America took turns burning down the town, and then in 1875, a smaller hotel called the Nichols House was built here. It changed its name to the Duval Hotel, then burnt to the ground in 1892. Through every fire, the Old Well persisted, like some metaphor from ancient myth.

A new Duval Hotel rose in 1893 and the Great Fire of 1901, improbably, missed the hotel on the old Hogans homesite by a city block.

Like most every other hotel in this snowbird resort town, the New Duval stood like a pile of kindling, a multistory matchbox. Two stories swept verandas trimmed in gingerbread filigree across the street fronts on both Hogan and Forsyth. The magnificent stone Post Office Tower stood across Hogan.

Diagonally across the street, where BOA rises today, photographers set up their equipment before the oldest house in Jacksonville in 1906. It’s a fluke that the house remained. The fire that destroyed the city spared just these blocks. The wind shifted. People call it fortune, luck, the mercy of God. Postcards showing the oldest house still show up on ebay.

Upstairs, boarders lived over the Cafe Belvidere. The house was a modest two stories with second floor porches. Cigars and newspapers and liquor sold inside. Out back, the brick wall advertised Coca-Cola and lager, both “delicious and refreshing.”

Just three years later, that postcard house and the rest of its block were demolished to build the new Seminole Hotel. At some point, an urban legend began that said the exterior terracotta Indian heads were self-portraits of the architect, Henry John Klutho, the Florida master of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. But these Indian heads are no more Klutho’s visage than they are Seminole.

Originally they were meant to be Mohawk. But in the spring of 1909, the Utica Investment Company, which commissioned Klutho to build a grand Jacksonville building, was bought out by a Tennessee hotel conglomerate. Klutho quickly converted his banking building to a hotel. The noble heads of Mohawks of the Iroquois Nation of Utica, New York became the visages of Seminoles, the Southeastern amalgamation of tribes that included the Creeks and the Everglades-based Miccosukee.

Klutho was haled as one of the greatest architects in the South, the Seminole Hotel one of his masterpieces. Then the City of Jacksonville demolished it in 1974 and replaced it with a parking lot.

In 1997, Jacksonville’s Barnett Bank reclaimed the status of having the tallest building in town. Their older bank tower, now condos, had been the tallest from 1926 to 1954, when the Prudential Insurance Building, now the Aetna, was built. The old Barnett has 18 floors, the Prudential 22, and Barnett’s 1997 building, designed by German architect Helmut Jahn, has 42. Just seven years later, Bank of America bought out Barnett, which had been Florida’s oldest bank.

You can walk the spiral up through the Atlantic National Bank parking garage across the crossroads. In 1962, Herb Coons had assembled a team of young architects to work on the project, including Ted Pappas, Herschel Shepard, Bob Wolverton and Peter Rumpel. Old postcards of the garage also pop up for sale on ebay. Up here at the apex, you can look out at the intersection and the big blue pencil across the street and think about how many Jacksonvilles have followed one another at this very spot. Maybe the old Hogans Well is still down there. u

Author, Author

For a few months now, artist Brenda Council has been hard at work on creating what is believed to be the only life-size likeness of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the nineteenth century author of the 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Titled “Harriet Beecher Stowe in Mandarin,” Council’s bronze sculpture will represent Stowe as she was while living in Mandarin during the winters of 1867 through 1884 and will be installed in Walter Jones Historical Park. During Stowe’s 17 years in Mandarin, she was a vocal advocate for Florida’s uplift following the Civil War. She published Palmetto Leaves in 1873, a collection of essays regarding her life in Mandarin that also promoted Florida’s potential for tourism, industry and education. A campaign spearheaded by the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society to raise the $150,000 needed for completion of the project is currently underway. u

TO BE DETERMINED

During the months of January and February, public input was solicited by the Florida Department of State for a proposed Florida Museum of Black History. A nine-member task force to study the idea was established in the spring of 2023. The goal of the group is to develop plans for the location, design, construction, operation and marketing of the future institution. In addition, the task force is tasked with determining how the museum will become financially self-sufficient and recommend priorities for acquisitions, exhibits, research and educational materials for use in Florida schools. A report produced by the nine-member panel and to be presented to the legislature is due before July 1 of this year. Reportedly, St. Augustine is under consideration for the museum’s permanent location. u

James Weldon Johnson

Store Front

What’s new and noteworthy in local shopping and dining

The San Marco Theatre will live again as Electric Dough Pizza Co., a new concept restaurant and shop from chef Tom Gray, proprietor of Prati Italia at St. Johns Town Center and Town Hall, located a few doors away from the new pizza joint in San Marco Square. Reportedly, the menu stars will be rectangular pizzas featuring Detroit-style, cheesy edges. Plus, there will be a full bar, gelatos and sorbets, patio seating and a retail area selling take-and-bake pizzas, as well as fresh pastas, sauces, pimento cheese and other products. Opening day is expected in late 2024.

Congrats to Jax Beach favorite Lynch’s Irish Pub, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Only a block from the sand and surf, the pub is loved for its fish and chips, live music and Premier League soccer matches on TV, even early mornings on Saturday and Sunday. Pint of Guinness, mate?

UNF grad Miles

Dittmer is celebrating his Beaten Path brand “Smile Hard” corduroy hats sharing shelf space with outdoor gear giants like Parks Project in REI stores, including one in Jax and the company’s flagship store in Denver. “The message embedded in these hats encourage people of all ages and passions to spread positivity and get outdoors,” Dittmer says. “I try to remain

humble as possible about my brand sitting on the shelf next to others like Patagonia and North Face, but sometimes I feel the need to climb to the top of a mountain and scream, ‘I made it into REI!” Scream away, Miles. And smile, too.

There are a number of new restaurants opening this year, among them an Angie’s Subs inside Concourse A at Jax International that debuted in late January. Just in case you have a hankerin’ for a Peruvian on your next flight out of Jax.

 Construction continues on The Lomax in Riverside. The old Wells Fargo bank building at Lomax and Oak streets is being renovated and enlarged to include a second floor. The group bringing the project to Five Points is the same that operates the popular The Local restaurants in Neptune Beach and Miramar.  The sign is up and the beer ready to flow at Voodoo Brewing Co., a Pennsylvania-based craft brewery/restaurant combo setting up shop in San Marco Square. Serving pub fare including burgers, sandwiches, wings and more, the restaurant will occupy both floors of the space previously home to Cafe on the Square and Indochine.

There’s always things to buy and eat at the weekly Riverside Arts Market, held every Saturday, 10 AM-3 PM, under the Fuller Warren Bridge. However, days become particularly tasty on First Brew Saturdays (April 6, May 4, June 1, etc.), when ales, lagers and stouts from a craft brewer are poured for $5, with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit marketplace. The rest of the day’s browsing through arts and crafts, produce, baked goods and more is free. Bring the dog, too.

Some of the fashions seen walking the runways during Paris Fashion Week in January have made it to the River City. For example, Louis Vuitton’s latest Fall/Winter men’s collection marks music producer and fashion influencer Pharrell’s third presentation for the designer and is characterized by country and western motifs. Honing in on the American Western theme, the collection includes collaborations with artists from the Dakota and Lakota nations, as well as highlighting iconography of western dress and features cowboy shirts with beading and ornamentation. Y’all can mosey on over to the Town Center for the local Louis Vuitton store. u

Electric Dough Pizza Co.'s new location

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Louis Vuitton

Beaten Path

PONTE VEDRA PLASTIC SURGERY

MATTHEW MITCHELL, MD | ELLEN HANCOCK, MD | EREZ STERNBERG, MD | CAYCE RUMSEY III, MD

ROBERT BURK III, MD | HOLLIE HICKMAN, DO | CHRISTOPHER BATES, MD

At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, we strive for excellence in the care that we provide and in the results that we achieve. Our primary mission is to empower our patients on their journey to becoming their most confident self. Offering numerous cosmetic surgeries, along with non-surgical procedures, our talented surgeons and team are able to provide patients with superior results.

Established in 1993, Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery has been providing our community with life-changing aesthetic procedures for nearly three decades. In that time, we have grown, progressed, and evolved into six locations, seven Plastic Surgeons, eight Advanced Aesthetic Practitioners in addition to nine Skin Health Specialists. This presence enables us to provide optimal patient care while crafting the most beautiful “you.”

We are a leading provider for surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Northeast Florida. Offering a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot, multiple operating room, Ambulatory Surgical Center with Anesthesiologists and Registered Nurses on staff to allow our surgeons the ability to provide patients with first-class care in a safe environment.

If you are new to the idea of cosmetic surgery then you may be more comfortable with our non-surgical abilities. From Botox, Fillers, Skincare and Laser Resurfacing treatments to Hair Restoration and Feminine Tightening. Convenient and able to achieve remarkable results, our non-surgical procedures at PVPS can be truly transformative and life-changing, without the extensive nature of a surgery.

Not all plastic surgeons are created equal, you want to be sure you are selecting the best surgeon for you and your personal needs. Our ultimate goal at PVPS is to provide Northeast Florida with first-class surgery in a safe and welcoming environment while enhancing your natural beauty. We invite you to learn more about us, visit our website: www.pvps.com.

Heart to Heart

Lifestyle links to heart health go beyond food and exercise.

Countries around the world observe “Heart Month” in February. It’s a time when physicians, medical practices and hospitals pay particular attention to issues related to heart health. Of course, our hearts don’t stop beating when March arrives. Discussions about taking care of one’s cardiovascular health should continue every day, and by people ages 18 to 80. So, are there daily steps one can take beyond a heathy diet and exercise to improve heart health? According to Gosia Wamil, MD, PhD, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare, the answer is definitely, “yes.”  Here, Dr. Wamil answers heart health questions often posed to doctors, ranging from symptoms to look out for which foods have benefits beyond simply tasting good.

Does loneliness affect heart health? Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to heart disease, Dr. Wamil says. “Studies suggest that people who experience chronic loneliness may be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Social connections and supportive relationships contribute to overall well-being, and the lack of these connections can lead to increased stress, inflammation

and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, all of which can impact heart health adversely.”

In a nutshell, socializing is generally good for heart health. “Positive social interactions can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve overall emotional well-being,” says Dr. Wamil. “Engaging in social activities, spending time with loved ones and building a solid social support network can protect the heart.”

How does alcohol affect the heart? “While moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias,” she says. “It’s crucial to adhere to recommended guidelines for alcohol intake and consult with a healthcare professional about individual risk factors.”

How can someone tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack? “Heart attack symptoms often include radiating pain to the left arm, your jaw or back. Other symptoms can be nausea and sweating. Panic attacks may involve a sudden surge of intense fear and discomfort, often with a feeling of impending doom.”

Regardless of the cause, this is not the time for a person to make guesses about what he or she is feeling. ”If unsure, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, as this condition requires prompt evaluation and treatment,” she says.

What signs or symptoms should you watch for in your overall heart health? Signs of potential heart issues include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur, especially if they are severe or persistent.

How can you protect your heart health during festive times, when food is plentiful, and you may not exercise as often? It’s all about mindfulness, Dr. Wamil says. “Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overindulging in high-calorie and high-fat foods. Moderation is vital when it comes to alcohol to prevent potential heart issues. Keep your body active by incorporating physical activities into your festive routines, helping to counteract the effects of increased calorie

intake. Manage stress with techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing, as stress can impact your heart health.”

Avoid highly processed foods that contain added sugars, excessive salt and trans fats, and limit saturated fats in red meat, full-fat dairy and fried foods, she adds. “These simple steps can contribute to a healthier and happier festive season for your heart.”

What are some heart-healthy foods that people can work into their meals? Heart-healthy foods include fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. “Whole grains are also important,” she adds. “Oats, quinoa and brown rice provide fiber and nutrients.” When it comes to protein, focus on lean options, such as fish, beans, legumes and skinless poultry. Also consider working in healthy fats by adding avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil to your diet. u

PAW PATROL

There’s a new member on the staff over at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. He’s pretty easy to pick out from the others, mostly because of his shiny coat, four legs and swinging tail. Jude, the hospital’s first facility dog, works with child life specialist Kara Williams to provide therapeutic interventions for pediatric patients and bring a little joy to their hospital stay. The playful pooch arrived at Wolfson following two years of training from the nonprofit organization Canine Companions, where he underwent rigorous medical and temperamental screening and passed several skills exams. “The volunteer-run Pet Therapy Program is a wonderful comfort to our patients, providing them with more of a normalizing visit filled with love and affection,” says Williams. “Jude works in the hospital with patients Monday through Friday and has been trained specifically to assist in service dog tasks such as providing a deep pressure comfort hold to alleviate anxiety or serving as an alternate focus during painful procedures.” Sounds like a very good boy to us. u

Write On!

“Golf is similar to life. No matter what obstacles you face, if you believe in yourself and give it your all, you can make anything happen.” Sage words from Elise Lobb Dzingel, a scratch golfer, new mom and now author of her first children’s book. Lisey Loo on the Course ($25) tells the story of a girl who loves golf but must overcome doubters, the pressures of playing and other emotional sand traps. It shares lessons about being a good teammate while also motivating girls to pick up clubs and play. Elise, who has loved golf since a child and played on the college team while attending UNF, knows the sport and golf media well, working for both FOX Sports and the Golf Channel. “Lisey Loo is a book of empowerment and encouragement,” she says. “Golf is a sport for everyone.” Tee time, anyone? u

Team in 2023

Tour Guides

BY AMY WEST

The First Coast has countless family attractions and opportunities for adventure. However, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine and forget how much history, outdoor life, and mystery our region offers. For those looking to discover more, take advantage of a local tour or guided excursion. Need some inspiration? Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite experiences here on the First Coast that will stimulate your senses, fascinate the mind, and tantalize your taste buds.

Discover Jacksonville’s lost and forgotten stories when you join the Secret Jacksonville tour. Led once a month by author and local Jacksonville expert Bill Delaney, the Secret Jacksonville tour gives you access to some

of the Bold City’s most mysterious locations. For $20 per person (free for children under 12), you’ll learn from Bill’s years of experience researching the forgotten, weird, and most fascinating moments in Jacksonville’s history both above ground and below. Tours begin at James Weldon Johnson Park and signed copies of Bill’s book Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure are available for purchase.

A visit to St Augustine isn’t complete without a stop at Flagler College and maybe a spot on the Flagler’s Legacy Tour. Guests are invited to take a trip back in time to the iconic former Hotel Ponce de Leon, now a registered landmark and operating present

day as Flagler College. Students will lead you through the courtyard to the grand lobby, dining room, and opulent Flagler Room. For $17 per person, you’ll gaze upon stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture, original furniture and art, and photos of train tycoon Henry Flagler who was responsible for building the architectural masterpiece. This tour is truly a unique and exclusive experience the likes of which you’ll only find on the First Coast.

Exploring a destination by water is a great way to expand your perspective of the First Coast. Sea Serpent Tours takes guests on a thrilling adventure down the St Johns River exploring creeks, wildlife and history. Tours, $85 per

Sea Serpent Tours

person, are available for both St Augustine and Jacksonville and are high speed adventures that stimulate the imagination and excite your senses. All tours are operated on 15 passenger, high performance airboats captained by experienced guides who will delight you with their expert knowledge and a narrated audio adventure exclusive to Sea Serpent tours.

Amelia Island, also referred to as the Isle of Eight flags, is known for its rich and diverse history. While you’re visiting don’t miss a chance to explore Fernandina. Shop the charming boutiques and experience the blossoming culinary scene with the Booze and Bites tour, $89 per person. Guests are led on a leisurely half-mile stroll through downtown where you’ll visit two local restaurants and two bars. On the two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll meet the owners and chefs, get inspired by the bartenders, and taste what life on Amelia has to offer.

First City Helicopters sweep passengers off their feet—literally—and into the skies for a bird’s-eye view of St Augustine and its surrounding landscape. Fly along the coast of St. Augustine Beach as the waves crash against the shore below. Marvel at the beauty of wetlands, Intracoastal Waterways, the St Augustine Lighthouse, including epic overhead views of the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and all of the Oldest City. Tours, starting at $60 per person, are available for groups up to three people with trips catering to first timers, as well as those looking for romantic sunset flights.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of a tidal marsh when you kayak the Amelia River with Amelia Adventures. Spend a day among the swaying grasses and mirror-like waters of this stunning estuary. You’ll spot fish, birds, maybe even a dolphin or two, as well as a variety of native plants as you paddle your way past the Amelia Lighthouse and other historic landmarks ($75 per person). Their guides will help you spot wildlife, while sharing stories of Amelia Island’s legend and lore. In addition, they’ll be sure to grab pictures of the tour so you can remember it forever. This experience is family friendly, and a relaxing way to enjoy Mother Nature's beauty.

Need more inspiration or in search of other excursions? Check out Trip Advisor’s Viator website, Yelp, Airbnb Experiences, and apps like Get Your Guide and Thatch for more unusual tours. Remember to tip your guides, they are the local experts that make it their business to celebrate what makes the First Coast special. u

Just Do It

“St. Augustine is such a fun town to experience,” says author Amy Angelilli. “One of the true joys of living here is showing my family and friends all of the cool spots I’ve found on my adventures. Now, I get to do that on a bigger scale.” Angelilli does so through the pages of her new book, 100 Things to Do in St. Augustine Before You Die (Reedy Press, $18). The 160-page paperback takes readers through some of the Oldest City’s interesting and obscure activities, attractions, restaurants and other points of interest including the Blue Hen Cafe, Lightner Museum and Maggie’s Herb Farm. “As much as I would love to save all of St. Augustine’s secret spots for myself, that’s not me,” she says. “I want everyone to know how amazing this tiny town is—the people, the places, the history and architecture—everything.”. u

Doggone Fun

Everything from the newest restaurants, the best road trips, the latest festivals, charity events, concerts, tournaments and more!

If it’s happening on the First Coast, you’ll know about it in time to book that table, hold your seat or get that ticket!

GET IN THE KNOW AND BE SEEN! Go to jacksonvillemag.com and scroll down to find our newsletter sign-up tab.

This family friendly event is for the dogs. And people, too. PupA-Pawlooza, a canine celebration benefiting the St. Augustine Humane Society, is Saturday, March 23, 9 AM-5 PM, at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton. The day features a variety of activities— for pups and people, alike—music, food vendors and more. “Not only will this event be tons of fun, but it also supports the Humane Society’s critical work, assisting disadvantaged and low-income pet owners,” says Humane Society executive director Carolyn Sindad Smith. Contests include Dog Who Looks Most Like Owner and Best Treat Catcher. Admission is $10 in

WILD AT HEART

For ten years, the Ark Wildlife Care and Sanctuary in Hilliard has been treating and sheltering orphaned or injured animals, as well as providing a permanent home for those that cannot be returned to their native habitat. The nonprofit facility has saved and cared for everything from otters and deer to bobcats and raccoons, and presently has approximately 150 fourlegged residents. Recently, the grounds became quite a bit more crowded due to the arrival of 42 foxes, rescued by SaveAFox, a Minnesota-based group, from fur farms. “We have built ten new pens covering approximate ly 1.25 acres to house our new inhabitants,” says Ark president Jonathan Howard. “These foxes were kept in above-ground cag es and had never felt the ground or had a chance to run and play until they came to The Ark. We are excited to take in these foxes and help them live a better life.” The foxes, like most of the animals cared for at the sanctuary, cannot be released because they do not possess the skills to survive in the wild. Ark Wildlife is open for tours by appointment.u

Childs Play

Summer camp season will be here before you know it. Are you and your kids ready?

There are near-endless options for summer camps for kids these days. Arts and crafts, soccer, robotics, tennis, religion, sailing, theatre—if your child has an interest in it, chances are good that there’s a camp for it. The expansive variety and numerous Northeast Florida options can make selecting the right fit for your children a difficult task. Before filling out that online registration form, ask a few questions, review

printed materials and social media, and seek opinions from friends and family.

If you’ve narrowed down some choices based on your child’s areas of interest, make some simple comparisons. For example, what are the camp’s goals and philosophy? What facilities does the camp have and in what condition? What is the counselor-camper ratio? What food is served and who prepares it?

Are medical staff on the property at all times? What kind of insurance coverage is there? Getting solid answers to these and other questions might be the keys to selecting the perfect summertime retreat for your children.

Posted here is a small sample of the many day-camps operating in Northeast Florida. Highly regarded camps tend to fill up fast. Summer will be here before you know it. u

Select Northeast Florida Summer Camps

May – August 9am – 12pm; 9am – 3pm; or 1pm – 4pm www.Bolles.org

Collage Day School May 28 – July 26 9am – 12pm or 9am – 3pm CollageDaySchool. CampBrain Registration.com

Cooking Jax Studio Summer Camp June 3 – August 9

Cummer Museum

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Jacksonville Country Day School

Jacksonville Zoo Camp

Choose from either 9am – 12pm or 1:30pm – 4:30pm jaxcookingstudio.com

4 weeks in June Monday – Friday June 3–7; June 10–14; June 17–21; and June 24–28 9am – 3:30pm

Camp is already SOLD OUT! But visit www. CummerMuseum.org/ learn-and-engage/ to apply for a scholarship.

Pricing varies $272 – $340

$295 for Members; $350 for Future Members N/A

June 3 – June 28; July 15 – August 2 ~9am – 3pm ESJ.org/summer approximately $200 – $600 After Care is available

June 3 – July 26 9am – 3pm Daily JCDSsummercamp. com $250 – $425 7:30am – 9am and 3pm – 6pm $50/week

June 17–21; June 24–28; July 8–12; July 15–19; July 22–26; July 29 –August 2. Some weeks are SOLD OUT! Register now! 9am – 4pm (for ages 5–13); 9am – 12pm (for VPK Half Day Camp for Age 4)

www.JacksonvilleZoo. org/summer-zoocamp Registration is Now Open!

Timber Nook May 28 – July 26 9:30am – 1:30pm TimberNook.com

Tommy Hulihan All Sports Camp June 3 – August 2 8am – 3pm www.TommyHulihan Basketball.com

$265 for Members; $295 for Non-Members 8am - 9am and 4pm – 5pm: $50/day Lunches: $50/5-day camp

$325+ N/A

$160 3pm – 5pm $10/day

TOP TEACHER PROFILES

Lucy Lee

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE

Lucy Lee, Episcopal School of Jacksonville Middle and Upper School Chinese language teacher, consistently puts the students’ needs first through her selfless approach in the classroom. She always finds new ways to engage students while holding them accountable. She demonstrates a standard of excellence that inspires others to be better teachers and better people, while her positivity is contagious and makes the ESJ community stronger. Mrs. Lee has worked at Episcopal for 10 years, and this spring received the Davis Award for excellence in teaching. She teaches beginning levels of Chinese, as well as Honors and AP Chinese.

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE

4455 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32207 (904) 396.5751 | www.esj.org

Liz McNairy

JACKSONVILLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Liz McNairy, MEd, has been the School Counselor at Jacksonville Country Day School for four years. The School Counseling program at Jacksonville Country Day School is an extension of the overall mission of the school - to prepare students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility. At each individual grade level, Ms. McNairy provides classroom counseling for students that includes teaching the Monique Burr Child/Teen Safety Matters Program curriculum. Ms. McNairy plays an integral part in incorporating social emotional learning strategies into the curriculum that include “Conscious Discipline” and “The 7 Mindsets”. Additional lessons to support students' academic, social, and emotional development are provided throughout the academic year. Small group and short term individual counseling are available to students as well. Ms. McNairy encourages her students to never shy away from who they truly are, she says “the world needs who you were meant to be.”

JACKSONVILLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

10063 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 641-6644 | jcds.com

Coach Al Wray Jr. GREENWOOD SCHOOL

Coach Al Wray Jr. joined the Greenwood school team in 2022 after spending 8 years coaching basketball in Yulee and at Mandarin High School, which he attended as a student and won back to back district championships as a coach. The basketball program at Greenwood has seen exponential growth since Coach Wray’s arrival and the core values of teamwork and sportsmanship have been instilled in every player. Coach Wray continues to inspire students each day in class and at practice, as he explains: “Sports teams at Greenwood are special because the students are in it to have fun. Oftentimes the fun is lost in sports because of the unrealistic expectations placed on the kids. I think we all do a great job of remembering that sports are supposed to be enjoyable.” With Coach Wray’s experience and motivational leadership, the future of sports programs at Greenwood School looks bright.

GREENWOOD SCHOOL

9920 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 726-5000 | greenwoodjax.org

Isabelle Milne

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL

Isabelle Milne is a treasured educator at Riverside Presbyterian Day School. For the past 20 years, Isabelle has led her classroom with great passion, zeal, and joy. A master teacher, Isabelle artfully uses her gifts of empathy, patience, intellect, and understanding to educate the hearts and minds of RPDS students. A dynamic teacher, Isabelle has served in many roles during her time at Riverside, and is currently a lead PreK 4 teacher. One can often find Isabelle leading a line of students around campus on one of her famous scavenger hunts which spark curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and of course fun. In 2020, Isabelle was honored with the H.D. “Bo” Cotton Award for her exemplary professionalism and outstanding teaching. RPDS believes in celebrating childhood while building strong foundations for learning, something Isabelle Milne does seamlessly every day.

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL

830 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 353-5511 | www.rpds.com

TOP TEACHER PROFILES

SamanthaArmstrong

SEACOAST CHARTER ACADEMY

Samantha Armstrong is a 1st Grade Lead Teacher at Seacoast Charter Academy. She has taught 19 years in elementary education and all of those years have been in 1st grade. She is very passionate about teaching reading to her students because it lays a foundation that follows them throughout their years in school and in life! Her favorite time of the day is reading a story to her class. She loves this time with her students! In her classroom, Ms. Armstrong encourages her students to “think.” In fact, this word is above the board and is an important reminder to her students. “Every day I encourage my kids to try their best and think! Kids are capable of so much! They just need encouragement and someone to believe in them,” says Ms. Armstrong.

“At Seacoast, our entire staff strives to provide a studentcentered education that focuses on the whole child. We encourage our students each day and want them to develop a love for learning. We are blessed to be a part of this learning process!”

SEACOAST CHARTER ACADEMY 9570 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 562-4780 | seacoastcharteracademy.org

the to-do list

NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURAL AGENDA

Disney’s Frozen

APRIL 24-MAY 4

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

 There are four productions of Frozen playing around the world, including Tokyo, London and Hamburg. Later this spring, the fourth will appear right here in the River City for a two-week run, presented by FSCJ Artist Series. The Tony-nominated musical

completed its Broadway run in March 2020 after breaking records at the St. James Theatre. Since its Los Angeles premiere in 2019, the North American tour has been seen by more than two million. The stage production features the songs you know from the movie, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Kristen and Robert Lopez.

ART

History Through the Lens of Architecture

 The St. Augustine Art Association, one of the oldest such groups in the country, is celebrating its centennial with a juried art show, History Through the Lens of Architecture, where amateurs and professional photographers can submit photos that depict the intrinsic tie between the city’s

history and architecture. Photo submissions are being accepted through May 10. The show is on display July 18-August 25 at 22 Marine St.

THEATRE

Six, The Musical

 The Tony Award-winning musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss is presented by FSCJ Artist Series for six performances April 2-7 at the

PHOTO

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts,

MUSIC

Mac McAnally

 Due to popular demand, a second show date (April 3, 8 PM) was added at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. To reflect the intimacy of his concerts, McAnally arranged most of the material for his new album, Once in a Lifetime , around guitar and percussion. Many fans love him for his time as guitarist in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, $65-$125.

MUSIC

REO Speedwagon

 From 1977 to 1989, the Speedwagon churned out nine consecutive albums all certified platinum or higher, records laced with hits such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Time For Me to Fly,” and “Keep on Lovin’ You.” Another classic rock radio staple, Cheap Trick, joins them April 3, 7 PM, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, $49-$154.

THEATRE

Escape to Margaritaville

 The world said a sad goodbye to Florida music icon Jimmy Buffett last year, but his songs live on in productions like Escape to Margaritaville , a jukebox musical featuring many of his most-loved classics as well as original tunes. Taking the stage April 4-May 12 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, $45-$84.

MUSIC

Owl

City

 Since breaking onto the altpop scene in 2007, Owl City has built a loyal following on the strength of hearton-sleeve songwriting and

endlessly inventive sound. Otherwise known as Adam Young, the singer has made waves with singles such as the double-platinum “Good Time” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen. With special guest Augustana April 5, 7:30 PM, at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, $40-$45.

GALA

A Walk on the Wild Side

 The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville continues its 100th anniversary celebrations with the Centennial Gala, a New York in the 1970s-themed bash inspired by the exhibition, A Walk on the Wild Side Patrons are invited to break out the platform shoes and bell bottoms for an evening of music, dancing, delish eats and artful spectacle April 6, 7-10 PM, Downtown. General admission tickets $200-$250; VIP tickets include early admission and commemorative gift, $500.

FESTIVAL

Jacksonville Brunch Fest

 More than 20 restaurants, food trucks and culinary teams from across the region gather under the Fuller Warren Bridge for this annual foodie fest on Sunday, April 7, noon-9 PM. In addition to the various brunch time eats, patrons can enjoy live music, craft cocktails, an artisan market and other riverside activities. VIP ticket packages are offered, including the “Mimosa Club” and “Sip N Shuck” oyster experience, $15-$250.

EXHIBITION

Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960

 The first exhibition to explore the evolution of women’s sporting attire in Western

Owl City

Mac McAnally

Baseball 1930s, part of Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960

fashion, Sporting Fashion will look at the extraordinary impact of new technologies and evolving social mores on women’s clothing for sport. Inspired by a circa 1946 wool scarf inscribed with the word “Outdoorgirl” and featuring illustrations of women engaged in thirteen different sporting activities, this exhibition will chart the cultural and material developments that allowed women to make their way outdoors. On display through May 19 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

MUSIC

Trace Adkins

 A Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native is known for dynamic baritone and fiery, always-memorable live performances, and has expanded his Country career to include film and TV acting. He broke out in 1996 with the debut album, Dreamin’ Out Loud, cracking the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Every Light In the House Is

50 vendors, six food trucks, and live bands throughout the day April 13, 11 AM-11 PM at Kanine Social.

THEATER

Theresa Caputo Live

 For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo—also known as the “Long Island Medium”— and star of the Lifetime series Raising Spirits, has claimed the ability to communicate with those who have passed on. And she has attracted countless fans, people who believe their deceased loved ones are still with them. “The experience isn’t about believing in mediums,” she says. “It’s about seeing something life-changing.” See for yourself April 13, 7:30 PM, inside the Florida Theatre.

MUSIC

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival



On” and following with the smash, “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing).” April 10, 7:30 PM, at the Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, $49 and up.

MUSIC

Jax River Jams

 Jax River Jams, a four-week, multi-genre concert series returns to Downtown Jax this spring, featuring Thursday night shows at Ford on Bay (288 E. Bay St.). This year’s lineup kicks off with country singer Rodney Atkins on April 4. The free series rolls on with electro-pop musician Bishop Briggs on April 11, hip-hop duo EARTHGANG on April 18, and pop singer/songwriter Andy Grammar on April 25. Gates open at 4:30 PM with music beginning at 5 PM. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets welcome.

PETS

Woofstock

 Returning for its second consecutive year, Woofstock is a day of peace, music and dogs. Beer and food, too. Organizers are expecting some

and bold female dance artists, including new works by Emily Cargill and Dancers, Sami Copland, and Hilly Bodin. Closing the night, members of Women Writing for (a) Change create and perform an original spoken word poem, while dancers respond with an improvised movement collaboration. April 13, 6-9 PM, 904TIX.com.

MUSIC

Jeremy Camp

 Between 2002 and 2023, Camp released a dozen albums, five of them certified gold. His music has earned him numerous awards across the Christian and secular music scenes. He brings his “Theater Tour” to Jax on April 19, 7 PM, Florida Theatre. With special guest Caleb & John, $30-$150.

Dozens of folk, Americana and bluegrass bands perform on four stages at the 28th annual hoe down April 12-14 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. Headlining the festival are AJ Lee & Blue Summit, John Jorgenson Quintet, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Wyatt Ellis and more. The fairgrounds will be awash in RVs, food trucks, arts vendors and kids activities. Campsites for the weekend are offered and pets are welcome.

ARTS

Women Arts Exchange

 The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District hosts an evening beginning with an art gallery sip & stroll featuring works by professional female visual artists from across Northeast Florida. The second act is highlighted by some of the most innovative

MUSIC

Amy Grant

 Conventional wisdom has it that Amy Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts, and the first to perform at the Grammy Awards. Since then, Grant has been strumming her way through a thirty-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host, and speaker. April 21, 7:30 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $40-$100

COMEDY

Hannah Berner

 Born in Brooklyn, Berner emerged as a voice in comedy by editing, directing and

Continued on page 40

Jeremy Camp

Emily Cargill and Dancers

Seen

Happy Anniversary

Founded in 1874 and with a membership of more than 250, the St. Augustine Yacht Club hosted a 150th anniversary gala on February 13 at the waterfront River House. The Grand Masquerade Ball was staged to mimic the elegant affairs held at the club in the late 1800s. The black-tie event featured delish eats by Purple Olive and cocktail hour entertainment by classical guitarist Chuck Rogers and his wife Laura accompanying him on flute. Later in the evening, guests danced to the sounds of the band Contact Buzz. u

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

UPCOMING:

On Thursday, February 29, MOCA Jacksonville celebrated its 100th anniversary and the opening of a new exhibition, Project Atrium: Frank Stella - Jacksonville Stacked Stars. Stella is an acclaimed American painter and sculptor who was commissioned specifically as part of the anniversary celebrations. Mayor Donna Deegan kicked off the evening with a proclamation recognizing MOCA’s centennial and its founding in 1924—becoming the first contemporary art museum in the South and only the second in the nation. Others who spoke at the sculpture’s unveiling were museum executive director Caitlin Doherty, exhibition sponsor Preston Haskell, and UNF president Moez Limayen. u

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens turns 110 this year and the institution is marking the occasion with its annual ExZOOberation gala on April 5, 6-10 PM. The soiree is highlighted by local cuisine, live entertainment, auctions and one-of-a-kind animals experiences. Teal, gold and orange attire encouraged.

The Florida Theatre Ball: Vegas Style promises to transport patrons to an evening of delicious food, beverages, live music, dancing, gaming and fun on Saturday, May 18. Best of all, the fundraiser supports the historic venue’s mission of providing world-class entertainment in the heart of Downtown. Tickets start at $175.

acting in videos for social media and writing viral tweets. Today, she has two podcasts, Giggly Squad and Berner Phone, with more than 50 million downloads. Some may recognize her for the three seasons as part of Bravo’s Summer House . See her live Thursday, April 25, 7:30 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $25 and up

MOVIES

Civil War

 Director Alex Garland’s fourth film sees the United States plunged into, well, a civil war, something we haven’t seen around here for some 130 years. The movie is described as a “race to the White House in a near-future America balanced on the razor’s edge,” Kind of fitting for 2024, don’t you think?

Starring Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman and Jesse Plemons, the trailer features a number of provocative images of very familiar locations and landmarks. Opens April 26.

MUSIC RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

 With note-for-note precision, this performance transports Fab Four fans back to the iconic era of Sgt. Pepper, along with all your other favorite Beatles hits. John, Paul, George and Ringo… you know the songs. April 30, 7:30 PM, Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, $29 and up.

SHOPPING

Vintage Market Days

 Annual upscale vintageinspired open-air market featuring original art, clothing, jewelry, home decor, outdoor furnishings, seasonal plantings and more rolls into the Clay County Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs for three days, May 3-5.

MUSIC

Kenny G



Sure, he’s not the coolest recording artist out there but, c’mon admit it, you are a fan. The sound of Kenny G’s saxophone is as iconic as his curly coif. Both are instantly

Vintage Market Days

recognizable, right? G plays May 4, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, tickets start at $40.

FESTIVAL

St. Augustine

Food + Wine Festival

 One of Florida’s top foodie fests returns to World Golf Village May 8-12. The multiday culinary extravaganza features a lengthy roster of special events including winemaker dinners, an evening barbecue showcase, and a Mother’s Day jazz brunch. Plus, the Saturday afternoon Grand Tasting provides guests with three hours of unlimited food and beverage samples, live music and a cooking demonstration from celebrity chef Tiffany Derry. Tickets available at 904TIX.com.

MOVIES

2001: A Space Odyssey

 As MOCA Jacksonville celebrates its 100th anniversary, the museum looks back on a century of artistic expression in film. With a particular focus on movies that imagined the future, a year-long film series explores the hopes, anxieties and dreams of filmmakers from the 1920s to the present. The 1968 classic starring HAL 9000 and “Sorry, Dave” is screened May 15. Free with museum admission, $6-$10 for non-members, registration required and seating is limited.

MUSIC

Megan Moroney

 A Georgia native who got her start singing covers

with her dad and brother, Moroney became one of the biggest breakout stars in recent years, bursting onto the scene with her hit single “Tennessee Orange”—which was probably not super popular in orange and blue Gainesville. She plays May 17, 7:30 PM, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, $30-$55.

MUSIC

Peter Rowan

 Grammy Award-winner and member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning more than five decades. He’s next on this spring’s Live From the Waterworks music series, appearing May 18, 7 PM, at the Waterworks building, St. Augustine, $20.

THEATRE

Boeing Boeing

 Set in the swinging 1960s, this stage comedy tells the story of ladies’ man, Bernard, and the three women who all believe they are engaged to him. As you might expect,

Bernard finds himself in some sticky situations. Watch as he and his bewildered friend, Robert, work to keep the truth a secret from them all, May 23-June 16, at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining, $45-$84.

MUSIC

Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind & Fire

 Few musical artists truly deserve the title of icon. Lionel Richie does. He’s sold more than 125 million albums, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress and awarded a Kennedy Center Honor, and he’s a judge on American Idol Oh, and he made “Hello” a pop hit long before Adele. Joining Richie in Jax is R&B/pop powerhouse Earth, Wind & Fire. People likely will be dancing “all night long” May 25, 7:30 PM, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

THEATRE

Untold Stories

 After two successful seasons, the Florida Theatre’s quarterly story evening unfolds with its own thematic arc. The stage comes alive with personal and transformative tales from a diverse tapestry of voices, all intimately connected to the culture of Northeast Florida. From artists and tech enthusiasts to entrepreneurs, educators, and medical professionals, each storyteller unveils memories interwoven and shaped by our region. The Spring Untold Stories are told May 30, 7:30 PM, $25-$35.

MUSIC

Tay Tay Laser Party

 Calling all Swifties! Immerse yourself in Tay Tay’s music provided by DJ Swiftie while surrounded by synchronized lasers and lights. You’ll sing and dance to all your favorite Taylor Swift songs at this all-ages show May 31, 7 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $30. u

St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival

Megan Moroney

Ship Ahoy!

Historic destroyer continues to Serve Proudly

PHOTOS BY ANDREW VARNES

Floating in the St. Johns River in the heart of Downtown is the USS Orleck (DD-886), a nearly 80-year-old retired Destroyer. Built by Consolidated Steel in Texas, she launched in the spring of 1945, being the last destroyer commissioned at the end of World War II. Measuring approximately 400 feet long and 40 feet wide, the Orleck has countless stories to tell. Today, she is operated as a museum by the Jacksonville Historic Navy Ship Association.

 The ship is named for Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, commanding officer of the USS Nauset, who was killed in action in September 1943 during World War II and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. She was commissioned in September of 1945 and among her first duties were conducting mail runs between stations in Hong Kong, China and Korea.

 Something like a floating small town, the ship contains a variety of spaces including a medical center, sleeping quarters, galley and dining areas and even a barber shop. To feed the crew, Mess Specialists prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, as well as “mid rats,” or midnight rations for crew on duty late in the evening.

 The Orleck’s first combat operations were part of United Nations forces off the east coast of Korea. Here, she participated in carrier escort duties and shore bombardment missions. In July of 1952 while on patrol near Yangdo Island, she shelled a North Korea supply train as it passed between two tunnels, earning a spot in the Navy’s “Train Busters Club.” A couple of weeks later, she duplicated the feat, smashing another enemy train. In total, she earned four battle stars.

 The Combat Information Center (CIC) was the mission operational heart of the ship. It was from here the “fighting” of the ship is directed utilizing radar, radios and other communications equipment. Also on the upper deck was Radio Central, the primary location for communications between the vessel and other ships, planes, helicopters and shore bases.

 The destroyer continued to sail into harm’s way during the Vietnam War. Again, the Orleck specialized in escorting aircraft carriers and shelling inland enemy positions, as well as blockade and interdiction of Viet Cong logistics vessels. In addition, she participated in two amphibious attacks involving helicopters and troops on the ground. She and her crew received 14 battle stars for action during the war, earning her the nickname “Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast.”

 The original World War II version of the Orleck had three, five-inch dual guns, each weighing 100,000 pounds. These guns were considered the finest of their time, firing up to 22 55-pound rounds per minute with a range of about ten miles.

 She was decommissioned as a US Navy vessel in 1982. However, her days on the high seas were far from over. For sixteen years the ship was under the command of NATO-allied Turkey. From 1982 to 2000, she served as the TCG Yucetepe in the Turkish Navy.

 The ship is presently docked at 610 E. Bay St., near the Main Street Bridge. She is open for public tours Wednesday through Sunday, opening most days at 9 AM. Tickets range from $7 to $15, with kids under age 5 and active duty military in uniform admitted free. u

2024 Jacksonville Magazine’s

If your car’s brakes need to be repaired, you look for a trusted auto mechanic, right? Even if you don’t know the first thing about brakes, you know you don’t need to call the HVAC repair service. Same goes if you have a legal issue. Regardless of the specific situation at hand, you want a good lawyer. But not all attorneys or law firms are created equal, and an outstanding lawyer for one set of circumstances may not be the proper choice for another. For example, a divorce needs a family lawyer, not a patent attorney. Knowing who the experts are in the various legal specialties is key. Best Lawyers® is here to help.

METHODOLOGY for

This list on the following pages is excerpted from the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, the pre-eminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers® lists attorneys in 146 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2024 edition of Best Lawyers® is based on 8.3 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

The method used to compile Best Lawyers® remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled almost 40 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers® remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings.

The nomination pool for the new edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers®, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone.

Voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself,

to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality—a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers®’ surveys. To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting, and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers® uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process.

Ultimately, of course, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents, and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases.

For all these reasons, Best Lawyers® lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful guide to the best lawyers in the United States available anywhere.

*“LAWYER OF THE YEAR”:

Additional recognitions are also awarded to individual lawyers with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Only one lawyer is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for each specialty and location. Jacksonville’s Lawyers of the Year for 2024 are highlighted by an asterisk (*) before their name.

2024 Jacksonville Magazine’s

Northeast Florida’s leading attorneys as named by their peers

In almost everything we do—from buying a house to driving a car to selecting our elected officials—is affected by the law in some way. That said, we don’t need a lawyer for most of our everyday interactions. So, when do you need a lawyer? And when can (or should) you handle a matter on your own? Truth is, most of our problems are not really legal—or are not exclusively legal—and can be handled, at least in part, with the help of psychologists, the clergy or other counselors. Talking with a trusted friend or family member is often the best idea. However, there are situations that do have a legal dimension and require a lawyer’s help. When you find yourself in such a circumstance, finding the right attorney is crucial. So, who are you gonna’ call?

The question is the basic premise of Best Lawyers in America®. To provide an answer, they go directly to those who know the law best—practicing attorneys.

ADMINISTRATIVE / REGULATORY LAW

*Sidney F. Ansbacher

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Wyman R. Duggan

Rogers Towers

Fred D. Franklin

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Patrick W. Krechowski

Balch & Bingham

Charles F. Mills III

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

Emily Pierce

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Mark H. Scruby

Rogers Towers

John W. Wallace

Smith Hulsey & Busey

ADMIRALTY & MARITIME LAW

*Phillip A. Buhler

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

James F. Moseley, Jr.

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

Robert B. Parrish

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

Thomas C. Sullivan

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

ADVERTISING LAW

Katharine F. Rowe

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

ANTITRUST LAW

Stephen D. Busey

Smith Hulsey & Busey

APPELLATE PRACTICE

Sidney F. Ansbacher

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Rebecca B. Creed Creed & Gowdy

Bryan E. DeMaggio

Sheppard, White, Kachergus, DeMaggio & Wilkison

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray, P.A.

Bryan S. Gowdy Creed & Gowdy

William S. Graessle

William S. Graessle

Jessie Harrell

The Harrell Firm

Matthew R. Kachergus

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

William Kent Kent & McFarland

Michael Korn Korn & Zehmer

Cindy A. Laquidara

Akerman

John S. Mills

Bishop, Page & Mills, PLLC

Peggy-Anne O’Connor Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

Cristine M. Russell Rogers Towers

Aaron Sprague Coker Law

*Michael G. Tanner Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Daniel Gray

Thomas

Law Office of D. Gray Thomas

Elizabeth L. White

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

ARBITRATION

A. Graham Allen

Rogers Towers

Christopher C. Hazelip

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Susan E. Mack

Law Offices of Susan E. Mack, P.A.

*Edward McCarthy III

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Kenneth A. Tomchin

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Timothy W. Volpe

Adams and Reese

AVIATION LAW

Keith Maynard

Spohrer Dodd

Robert F. Spohrer

Spohrer Dodd

BANKING & FINANCE LAW

*J.I. Vance Berry, Jr. Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Matthew G. Breuer

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Ivan A. Colao

Holland & Knight

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

Gardner F. Davis

Foley & Lardner LLP

Christian P. George Akerman

Thomas E. Gibbs

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Richard W. Hawthorne

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Edward L. Kelly

Rogers Towers

Frederick H. Kent III

Marks Gray

Chauncey W. Lever, Jr. Foley & Lardner LLP

Matthew S. McAfee

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Frank E. Morreale

Holland & Knight LLP

James L. Purcell, Jr. Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

John T. Rogerson III

Adams and Reese

William E. Scheu

Rogers Towers

John T. Sefton

Rogers Towers

John R. Thomas

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Timothy W. Vople

Adams and Reese

Irvin M. Weinstein

Rogers Towers

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Thomas G. Wilson

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

BANKRUPTCY & CREDITOR

DEBTOR RIGHTS / INSOLVENCY & REORGANIZATION LAW

Jason Burnett

GrayRobinson

Stephen D. Busey

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

Timothy S. Danninger

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.

Gardner F. Davis

Foley & Lardner

Michael E. Demont

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Christian P. George Akerman

Edward Jackson

Edward P. Jackson

Amy M. Leitch

Ackerman LLP

*John B. Macdonald

Akerman

Bradley R. Markey

Thames Markey

William McDaniel

Lansing Roy

Mark S. Mitchell

Rogers Towers

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Armando Nozzolillo

Burr & Forman

David E. Otero

Akerman

Adina Pollan

McGlinchy Stafford

James H. Post

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

John T. Rogerson III

Adams and Reese

Adrian Rust

Burr & Forman

J. Ellsworth Summers, Jr.

Burr & Forman

Michael Waskiewicz

Burr & Forman

Alan M. Weiss

Holland & Knight

BET-THE-COMPANY

LITIGATION

A. Graham Allen

Rogers Towers

Geddes D. Anderson, Jr.

Murphy & Anderson, P.A.

Stephen D. Busey

Smith Hulsey & Busey

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

W. Braxton Gillam IV

Milam Howard Nicandri & Gillam

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

E. Lanny Russell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Michael G. Tanner

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

*David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

(Including LLCs & Partnerships)

Daniel D. Akel

Lippes Mathias LLP

Edward C. Akel

Lippes Mathias LLP

K. Mac Bracewell

Rogers Towers

Gardner F. Davis

Foley & Lardner

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

David S. Dunn

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Michael R. Freed

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

J. Phillip Gibbs

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

E. Allen Hieb, Jr.

Rogers Towers

J. David Jeans

RezLegal, LLC

Frederick H. Kent III

Marks Gray

Jeffrey M. McFarland

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Joseph Clay Meux

Rogers Towers

*Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Beverly Pascoe

Orr | Cook

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

Douglas H. Shaver

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Irvin M. Weinstein

Rogers Towers

Lauren Weisman

RezLegal, LLC

CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

Bryan E. DeMaggio

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

*Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

Neil L. Henrichsen

Henrichsen Law Group PLLC

Matthew R. Kachergus

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

COMMERCIAL FINANCE LAW

Matthew G. Breuer Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

Reed W. Grimm

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Meg S. Hixon Orr | Cook

*Timothy F. May Burr & Forman

William E. Scheu Rogers Towers

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Michael A. Abel Asserson Law Offices

Sami R. Achem, Jr. Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

William E. Adams, Jr. Adams Dispute Resolution

A. Graham Allen Rogers Towers

Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. Murphy & Anderson

John S. Baker, IV Burr & Forman

Davis D. Balz Murphy & Anderson

Aleksas A. Barauskas Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Daniel K. Bean ABL Law

James O. Birr

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Thomas E. Bishop Bishop Mills

Michael B. Bittner Bittner Legal Group, P.A.

James A. Bledsoe, Jr. Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Sussman

Francis Boyer Boyer Law Firm, P.L.

Dana G. Bradford II Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Crystal T. Broughan

Marks Gray

Steven E. Brust Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Stephen D. Busey

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Michael Cavendish Cavendish Partners

Rachel Chewning

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Patrick P. Coll

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Timothy J. Conner

Holland & Knight

Kevin B. Cook

Orr | Cook

Edward K. Cottrell

Rivkin Radler

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

Kathleen Crowley Orr Cook

Timothy S. Danninger

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

William E. Davis

William E. Davis

Michael J. DeCandio

Marshall Dennehey

John A. Delaney

Rogers Towers

Michael E. Demont

Smith Hulsey & Busey

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

R. Christopher Dix

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Christian E. Dodd

Hickey Smith Dodd LLP

R.H. Farnell II

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Rene Fix Orr | Cook

Fred D. Franklin

Rogers Towers

Michael R. Freed

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Scott S. Gallagher

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Christian P. George Akerman

W. Braxton Gillam IV

Milam Howard Nicandri & Gillam

Lawton R, Graves

Murphy & Anderson

Christopher J. Greene

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Geremy Gregory

Balch & Bingham LLP

William Grimsley

McGlinchey Stafford PLLC

Michael M. Gropper

Holland & Knight LLP

Austin T. Hamilton

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Peter P. Hargitai

Holland & Knight

Trevor Hawes

Coker Law

Christopher C. Hazelip

Rogers Towers

Megan R. Heiden

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Emily Friend Horner

Foley & Lardner LLP

W. Charles Hughes

Siegel Hughes & Ross

Matthew T. Jackson

Brennan, Manna & Diamond

Charles B. Jimerson

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Scott J. Kennelly

Rogers Towers

Daniel J. Kissane

Cole, Scott & Kissane

Joshua La Bouef

Brennan, Manna & Diamond

John Leonard Orr Cook

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

J. Michael Lindell

Lindell Farson

Michael Lockamy

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Fred J. Lotterhos III

Lotterhos ADR

Christen E. Luikart

Murphy & Anderson

Gregory F. Lunny

Burr & Forman LLP

John B. Macdonald

Akerman

C. Ryan Maloney

Jimerson Birr

John P. Marino

Rivkin Radler

Bradley R. Markey

Thames Markey

James R. McCachren III

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Edward McCarthy III

Rogers Towers

Logan K. McEwen

Marks Gray

Mark S. Mitchell

Rogers Towers

Megan K. Moon

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

James D. Morgan

O’Hara Law Firm P.A.

Frank E. Morreale

Holland & Knight

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Ken Norrie

Rogers Towers

Michael J. Obringer

Orr | Cook

Tyler J. Oldenburg

Marks Gray

Jamie W. Olinto

James W. Olinto

Michael Fox Orr

Orr | Cook

John D. Osgathorpe

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Kathryn M. Oughton

Boyd & Jenerette, P.A.

Jeremy M. Paul

Orr Cook

Joseph Pickles

Orr | Cook

Adina Pollan

McGlinchey Stafford PLLC

James H. Post

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Paula Post

The Post Law Firm

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

Lauren Vickroy Purdy

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Jeffrey C. Regan

Regan Atwood

Bethany Ray Reichard

Lippes Mathias

Devon Richards

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene, P.A.

James M. Riley

Rogers Towers

Joshua H. Roberts

Holland & Knight

Cristine M. Russell

Rogers Towers

E. Lanny Russell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Adrian Rust

Burr & Forman

Terrance E. Schmidt

Terrance E. Schmidt

Robert E. Schrader, III

Boyd & Jenerette, P.A.

Christina M. Schwing

Holland & Knight

Joel Settembrini, Jr.

Saalfield Shad

Adam R. Smart

Burr & Forman

R. Troy Smith

GrayRobinson

Troy K. Smith

Burr & Forman

Giovanni Stewart

Orr | Cook

Richard M. Stoudemire

Saalfield Shad

Asghar A. Syed

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Michael G. Tanner

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

John R. Thomas

Smith Hulsey & Busey

M. Scott Thomas Burr & Forman

Kenneth A. Tomchin

Taylor, Day, Grinm & Boyd

Lindsey R. Trowell

Rivkin Radler, LLP

John A. Tucker

Foley & Lardner

Timothy W. Vople

Adams and Reese

Alan S. Wachs

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Hans C. Wahl

Cobb & Gonzalez

Robert Warren

Law Offices of Robert E. Warren

Lee D. Wedekind III

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

S. Grier Wells

GrayRobinson

Edward M. Whelan

Whelan Construction Law

Leslie A. Wickes

Adams and Reese LLP

Cheryl L. Worman

Rogers Towers

Kenneth B. Wright

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Sussman

Jeffrey S. York

Shutts & Bowen

COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS/UCC LAW

Kevin B. Cook

Orr Cook

*G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Richard W. Hawthorne

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATON LAW

James O. Birr

Jimerson Birr

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Adam G. Adams III

A.G. Adams Law

Robert Aguilar

Aguilar & Sieron, P.A.

Fred Atwood

Regan Atwood

Henry G. Bachara

Bachara Construction Law Group

James O. Birr

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Christopher M. Cobb

Cobb & Gonzalez

Michael J. DeCandio

Marshall Dennehey

James M. Gonzalez

Cobb & Gonzalez

Reed W. Grimm

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Reese J. Henderson, Jr.

GrayRobinson

Julia M. Holden Davis

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Kellie M. Humphries

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.

Todd MacLeod

Bachara Construction Law Group

C. Ryan Maloney

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Christopher J. Mueller

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Sean Mulhall

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

*Ken Norrie

Rogers Towers

Scott A. Padgett

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Thomas R. Ray Lippes Mathias

Jeffrey C. Regan Regan Atwood

Bryan Rendzio Ansbacher Law

Zachary R. Roth Ansbacher Law

Troy K. Smith Burr & Forman

Giovanni Stewart Orr | Cook

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Edward M. Whelan

Whelan Construction Law

Steven L. Worley

Carr Allison

Cheryl L. Worman Rogers Towers

COPYRIGHT LAW

Katharine F. Rowe

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

David R. Saliwanchik

Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Eisenschenk

Richard S. Vermut

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE LAW

Brian T. Coughlin

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW

Adam J. Buss

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

*Angela Cottrell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Daniel B. Nunn, Jr.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

CORPORATE LAW

Daniel D. Akel

Lippes Mathias LLP

Adam J. Buss

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Charmaine T.M. Chiu

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Kathleen H. Cold

Lippes Mathias LLP

Angela Cottrell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

John R. Crawford

Marks Gray

Gardner F. Davis

Foley & Lardner

Brandon C. Dodd

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

David S. Dunn

Smith Hulsey & Busey

J. Phillip Gibbs

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Thomas E. Gibbs

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

E. Allen Hieb

Rogers Towers, P.A.

J. David Jeans

RezLegal

Kenneth M. Kirschner

Kirschner & Legler

Marvin C. Kloeppel

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Peter O. Larsen

Akerman

Mitchell W. Legler

Kirschner & Legler

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Jeffrey M. McFarland

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

*Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

James Nolan, III

The Liles Firm

Daniel B. Nunn, Jr.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

Beverly Pascoe

Orr Cook

J. Jacob R. Peek

Peek & Miska

Adina Pollan

McGlinchey Stafford PLLC

James B. Porter

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

Sidney S. Simmons II

Sidney S. Simmons

Clay B. Tousey III

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

John Wolfel

Foley & Lardner

CRIMINAL DEFENSE:

GENERAL PRACTICE

Gonzalo Andux

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

O. David Barksdale

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Brian T. Coughlin

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Henry M. Coxe III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Bryan E. DeMaggio

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Jesse Dreicer

Tassone, Dreicer & Hill

Ann E. Finnell

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

Robert S. Griscti

The Law Firm of

Robert S. Griscti, P.A.

Bennett Hutson

Hutson Law Firm

Matthew R. Kachergus

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

William Kent

Kent & McFarland

Ron Kozlowski

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Charles B. Lembcke

Charles B. Lembcke

Peggy-Anne O’Connor

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

*Mitchell A. Stone

Mitchell A. Stone

Daniel Gray Thomas

Law Office of D. Gray Thomas

Larry Gibbs Turner

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Elizabeth L. White

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Robert S. Willis

Robert Willis PA

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR

Geddes D. Anderson

Murphy & Anderson, P.A.

O. David Barksdale

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Thomas E. Bishop

Bishop Mills

Allan F. Brooke II

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Henry M. Coxe III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Bryan E. DeMaggio

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Ann E. Finnell

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

Robert S. Griscti

The Law Firm of

Robert S. Griscti, P.A.

Samuel S. Jacobson

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Sussman

Matthew R. Kachergus

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

William Kent

Kent & McFarland

Ron Kozlowski

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Charles B. Lembcke

Charles B. Lembcke

*Peggy-Anne O’Connor

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Mitchell A. Stone

Mitchell A. Stone

Daniel Gray Thomas Law Office of D. Gray Thomas

Larry Gibbs Turner

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Elizabeth L. White

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Robert S. Willis

Robert Willis PA

DUI / DWI DEFENSE

Gonzalo Andux

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

Mitchell A. Stone

Mitchell A. Stone

EDUCATION LAW

Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Alexander DeGance Barnett

Kelly L. DeGance

Alexander DeGance Barnett

ELDER LAW

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

John R. Crawford

Marks Gray, P.A.

*Nawal B. McDaniel

Rogers Towers

Joseph Clay Meux

Rogers Towers

Shannon M. Miller

The Miller Elder Law Firm PA

ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT LAW

Chanley T. Howell

Foley & Lardner

EMINENT DOMAIN & CONDEMNATION LAW

*Andrew Prince Brigham Brigham Property Rights Law Firm

Scott J. Kennelly

Rogers Towers, P.A.

D. Mark Natirboff

Law Office of D. Mark Natirboff

James M. Riley

Rogers Towers

Troy K. Smith Burr & Forman

Lee D. Wedekind

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

(ERISA) LAW

Andrew J. Fawbush

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Michael R. Leas

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

EMPLOYMENT LAW –INDIVIDUALS

Cole Barnett

Salter Feiber P.A.

Edward L. Birk

Marks Gray

James Brantley

Donnelly + Gross

Thomas A. Delegal III

Delegal & Poindexter

Paul A. Donnelly

Donnelly + Gross

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

René Fix

Orr | Cook

Michael R. Freed

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Laura A. Gross

Donnelly + Gross

Neil L. Henrichsen

Henrichsen Law Group PLLC

David B. Sacks

David B. Sacks

James H. Sullivan

James H. Sullivan III

*Archibald J. Thomas III

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III

Larry Gibbs Turner

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Kenneth B. Wright

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Sussman

Shands M. Wulbern

Law Office of

Shands M. Wulbern

Jung Yoon

Donnelly + Gross

EMPLOYMENT LAW –MANAGEMENT

Mark G. Alexander

Alexander DeGance Barnett

William H. Andrews

GrayRobinson

Jesse D. Bannon

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Alexander DeGance Barnett

Thomas R. Brice

McGuireWoods

Kevin L. Carr

Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

Patrick D. Coleman

Patrick D. Coleman Mediations

Melissa A. Dearing

Rivkin Radler

John F. Dickinson

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP

Paul A. Donnelly

Donnelly + Gross

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

Laura A. Gross

Donnelly + Gross

G. Thomas Harper

The Law and Mediation Offices of G. Thomas Harper

Eric J. Holshouser

Rogers Towers

Samuel J. Horovitz

Rogers Towers

Kevin E. Hyde Foley & Lardner

F. Damon Kitchen

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Stephanie M. Marchman

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Richard N. Margulies

Jackson Lewis

*Michael G. Prendergast FordHarrison

Robert G. Riegel, Jr. Lippes Mathias

Benjamin D. Sharkey

Jackson Lewis

James H. Sullivan

James H. Sullivan III

Archibald J. Thomas, III

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III, P.A.

Amy R. Turci FordHarrison

Margaret P. Zabijaka Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

ENERGY LAW

Sidney F. Ansbacher Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

ENTERTAINMENT LAW –MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION

Lawrence J. Najem Ossi and Najem

Michael A. Ossi Ossi and Najem

Katharine F. Rowe Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

ENTERTAINMENT LAW – MUSIC

Lawrence J. Najem Ossi and Najem

Michael A. Ossi Ossi and Najem

Katharine F. Rowe Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

*Sidney F. Ansbacher Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Ellen M. Avery-Smith Rogers Towers

William L. Finger Finger, Nelson & Maguire

Theodore R. Hainline, Jr. Rogers Towers

Patrick W. Krechowski

Balch & Bingham LLP

Cindy A. Laquidara

Akerman

Charles F. Mills

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

Tim E. Sleeth

Smith Hulsey & Busey

*John W. Wallace

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Stacy Watson May

Holland & Knight

ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW

Peggy-Anne O’Connor

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

FAMILY LAW

*Lawrence C. Datz

Datz & Datz

Roger J. Dodd

Spohrer Dodd

Sara Frazier

Zisser Family Law, PLLC

Samuel S. Jacobson

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Sussman

Sandra J. Mathis

Rogers Towers

Patricia L. Parker

The Law Offices of Patricia L. Parker, P.A.

Dee D. Reiter

Roberts & Reiter, P.A.

Elliot Zisser Zisser Family Law

FAMILY LAW MEDIATION

Sandra J. Mathis

Rogers Towers

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATION LAW

Ivan A. Colao

Holland & Knight

FIRST AMENDMENT LAW

Edward L. Birk

Marks Gray

Larry Gibbs Turner

Turner O’Conner Kozlowski, P.L.

FOOD & BEVERAGE LAW

Adrian Rust Burr & Forman LLP

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

Ellen M. Avery-Smith

Rogers Towers

*Cindy A. Laquidara Akerman

Charles F. Mills III

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Emily Pierce

Rogers Towers

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PRACTICE

John A. Delaney

Rogers Towers

Steven Diebenow

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

Fred D. Franklin

Rogers Towers

*Theodore R. Hainline, Jr.

Rogers Towers

Cindy A. Laquidara

Akerman

Charles F. Mills III Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Mark H. Scruby

Rogers Towers

Cynthia K. Trimmer Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Emily Pierce Rogers Towers

HEALTH CARE LAW

Charmaine T.M. Chiu

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Ivan A. Colao

Holland & Knight LLP

Jeanne E. Helton

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Claudia Honan Rivkin Radler LLP

Richard T. Jones

Salter Feiber P.A.

*Jana L. Kolarik

Foley & Lardner

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Beverly Pascoe Orr | Cook

Samantha L. Prokop Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Elizabeth D. Shaw RezLegal

IMMIGRATION LAW

Melissa A. Dearing Rivkin Radler LLP

INSURANCE LAW

Frank A. Ashton

Hardesty & Tyde

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

Edward L. Birk

Marks Gray

Carol Bishop

Marks Gray

David M. Gagnon Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Tashia M. Galloway

Conroy, Simberg

Thomas E. Gibbs

Smith Gamrell & Russell

Reed W. Grimm

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Jennifer Hart Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Daniel J. Kissane

Cole, Scott & Kissane

Joseph T. Kissane

Cole, Scott & Kissane

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

Susan E. Mack

Law Offices of Susan E. Mack, P.A.

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

Frederick D. Page Bishop, Page & Mills PLLC

Michael P. Regan, Jr. O’Hara Law Firm P.A.

John T. Rogerson III

Adams and Reese

L. Johnson Sarber III

Carr Allison

John J. Sarchio

Sarchio Law Offices

*Robert F. Spohrer

Spohrer Dodd

Kristen M. Van der Linde

Boyd & Jenerette

John Viggiani

Conroy, Simberg PA

Timothy W. Volpe

Adams and Reese

Alan S. Wachs

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

Leslie A. Wickes

Adams and Reese

INTERNATIONAL MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

E. Allen Hieb, Jr.

Rogers Towers

LABOR LAW—MANAGEMENT

Mark G. Alexander

Alexander DeGance Barnett

William H. Andrews GrayRobinson

Kevin L. Carr

Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

Patrick D. Coleman

Patrick D. Coleman Mediations

John F. Dickinson

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

G. Thomas Harper

The Law and Mediation Offices of G. Thomas Harper

Eric J. Holshouser

Rogers Towers

Samuel J. Horovitz

Rogers Towers

Kevin E. Hyde

Foley & Lardner

F. Damon Kitchen

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Stephanie M. Marchman

GrayRobinson, P.A.

*Michael G. Prendergast

FordHarrison

Robert G. Riegel, Jr.

Lippes Mathias

James H. Sullivan

James H. Sullivan III

Gary R. Wheeler

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Margaret P. Zabijaka

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

LABOR LAW – UNION

James Brantley

Donnelly + Gross

Thomas A. Delegal III

Delegal & Poindexter

*Paul A. Donnelly

Donnelly + Gross

Laura A. Gross

Donnelly + Gross

James H. Sullivan

James H. Sullivan III

LAND USE & ZONING LAW

Ellen M. Avery-Smith

Rogers Towers

John A. Delaney

Rogers Towers

Steven Diebenow

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Wyman R. Duggan

Rogers Towers

Brenna Malouf Durden

Lewis, Longman & Walker

Jason Gabriel

Burr & Forman LLP

*Theodore R. Hainline, Jr.

Rogers Towers

Thomas O. Ingram

Sodl & Ingram

Patrick Krechowski

Balch & Bingham

Charles F. Mills

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

Emily Pierce

Rogers Towers

Staci M. Rewis

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Mark H. Scruby

Rogers Towers

Cynthia K. Trimmer

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

John W. Wallace

Smith Hulsey & Busey

LEGAL MALPRACTICE

LAW – DEFENDANTS

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

R.H. Farnell II

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

Michael J. Obringer Orr | Cook

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW – PLAINTIFFS

John Terry Moore

John Terry Moore

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY LAW

Melissa S. Turra Holland & Knight

LEVERAGED BUYOUTS & PRIVATE EQUITY LAW

G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

LITIGATION – ANTITRUST

James M. Riley Rogers Towers

David M. Wells Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

LITIGATION –BANKING & FINANCE

Aleksas A. Barauskas

Smith Gambell & Russell

Michael Cavendish Cavendish Partners

Edward K. Cottrell Rivkin Radler LLP

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

Michael E. Demont

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Fred D. Franklin

Rogers Towers

Christian P. George Akerman

Geremy Gregory Balch & Bingham LLP

Lee Stathis Haramis

Gray Robinson

Peter P. Hargitai Holland & Knight

Edward L. Kelly Rogers Towers

Scott J. Kennelly Rogers Towers

John B. Macdonald Akerman

Niels P. Murphy Murphy & Anderson

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

James M. Riley

Rogers Towers

E. Lanny Russell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

*John A. Tucker Foley & Lardner

David M. Wells Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

LITIGATION –BANKRUPTCY

Jason Burnett

GrayRobinson

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

Amy M. Leitch

Akerman LLP

*John B. Macdonald

Akerman

Sarah Mannion

King & Mannion, P.A.

Bradley R. Markey

Thomas Markey, P.A.

Mark S. Mitchell

Rogers Towers

Armando Nozzolillo

Burr & Forman LLP

David E. Otero

Akerman

James H. Post

Smith Hulsey & Busey

J. Ellsworth Summers, Jr.

Burr & Forman LLP

John R. Thomas

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Michael Waskiewicz

Burr & Forman LLP

LITIGATION –CONSTRUCTION

Adam G. Adams III

A.G. Adams Law

William E. Adams, Jr.

Adams Dispute Resolution

Barry B. Ansbacher Ansbacher Law

*Henry G. Bachara

Bachara Construction Law Group

James O. Birr

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Michael B. Bittner

Bittner Legal Group

Christopher M. Cobb

Cobb & Gonzalez

Michael J. DeCandio

Marshall Dennehey

Elizabeth B. Ferguson

Marshall Dennehey Warner

Coleman & Goggin

James M. Gonzalez

Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A.

Christopher J. Greene

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene, P.A.

Reed W. Grimm

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Reese J. Henderson, Jr. GrayRobinson

Julia M. Holden-Davis

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.

D. Brad Hughes

Cobb & Gonzalez

Kellie M. Humphries

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Todd MacLeod

Bachara Construction Law Group

C. Ryan Maloney

Jimerson Birr, P.A.

Christopher J. Mueller

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Ken Norrie

Rogers Towers

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

Scott A. Padgett

Rogers Towers

Thomas R. Ray

Lippes Mathias

E. Lanny Russell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Troy K. Smith

Burr Forman

Giovanni Stewart Orr | Cook

Kenneth A. Tomchin

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

John A. Tucker

Foley & Lardner

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Edward M. Whelan

Whelan Construction Law

Cheryl L. Worman

Rogers Towers

LITIGATION –ENVIRONMENTAL

Sidney F. Ansbacher

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Patrick W. Krechowski

Balch & Bingham LLP

Cindy A. Laquidara Akerman

Charles F. Mills, III

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

John W. Wallace

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Stacy Watson May

Holland & Knight

LITIGATION – ERISA

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

LITIGATION –HEALTH CARE

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

*Christopher C. Hazelip

Rogers Towers

Megan R. Heiden

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Edward McCarthy III

Rogers Towers

Beverly Pascoe Orr | Cook

LITIGATION – INSURANCE

Fraz Ahmed

Coker Law

James Allen

Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Jane Anderson

Boyd & Jenerette, P.A.

Jennifer Armstrong

Armstrong Law Practice

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

Carol Bishop

Marks Gray, P.A.

Dana G. Bradford II

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Crystal T. Broughan

Marks Gray, P.A.

Steven E. Brust

Smith Gambrell & Russell

Edward K. Cottrell

Rivkin Radler LLP

Jeffrey Devonchik

Campione Law, PA

Tashia M. Galloway

Conroy, Simberg, P.A.

Reed W. Grimm

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Lee Stathis Haramis

GrayRobinson

*Christopher C. Hazelip

Rogers Towers

Daniel J. Kissane

Cole, Scott & Kissane

Susan E. Mack

Law Offices of Susan E. Mack

John P. Marino

Rivkin Radler LLP

Matthew P. McLauchlin

Eavenson, Fraser, & Lunsford

Mark S. Mitchell

Rogers Towers

James D. Morgan O’Hara Law Firm, P.A.

Frank E. Morreale

Holland & Knight

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Ken Norrie

Rogers Towers

Michael J. Obringer Orr | Cook

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

Jeremy M. Paul Orr | Cook

Matthew Posgay

Coker Law, P.A.

Michael P. Regan, Jr. O’Hara Law Firm PA

John T. Rogerson III

Adams and Reese

L. Johnson Sarber III

Carr Allison

Giovanni Stewart Orr | Cook

David C. Thompson

Farah & Farah

LITIGATION – INSURANCE

CONTINUED...

John Viggiani

Conroy, Simberg, PA

Timothy W. Volpe

Adams and Reese

Alan S. Wachs

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

Leslie A. Wickes

Adams and Reese

LITIGATION –INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Crystal T. Broughan

Marks Gray

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Samuel J. Horovitz

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

James R. McCachren, III Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

*Frederick D. Page

Bishop, Page & Mills

David R. Saliwanchik

Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Eisenschenk

R. Troy Smith

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Alan S. Wachs

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

LITIGATION – LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

Mark G. Alexander

Alexander DeGance Barnett

William H. Andrews

GrayRobinson

Jennifer Armstrong

Armstrong Law Practice

Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Alexander DeGance Barnett

Edward L. Birk

Marks Gray

Kevin L. Carr

Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

Patrick D. Coleman

Patrick D. Coleman Mediations

Melissa A. Dearing Rivkin Radler LLP

Thomas A. Delegal III Delegal & Poindexter

John F. Dickinson

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Paul A. Donnelly

Donnelly + Gross

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

Rene Fix

Orr | Cook

Laura A. Gross

Donnelly + Gross

G. Thomas Harper

The Law and Mediation Offices of G. Thomas Harper

Eric J. Holshouser

Rogers Towers

Samuel J. Horovitz

Rogers Towers, P.A.

*Kevin E. Hyde

Foley & Lardner

F. Damon Kitchen

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Michael Lockamy

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe, P.A.

Lori K. Mans

Jackson Lewis P.C.

Stephanie M. Marchman

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Richard N. Margulies

Jackson Lewis

Lori Patterson Rogers Towers

Robert G. Riegel, Jr.

Lippes Mathias

James H. Sullivan

James H. Sullivan III

Archibald J. Thomas III

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III

Amy R. Turci

FordHarrison

Gary R. Wheeler

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Jung Yoon

Donnelly + Gross

Margaret P. Zabijaka

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

LITIGATION –LAND USE & ZONING

Sidney F. Ansbacher

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Ellen M. Avery-Smith Rogers Towers St. Augustine

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

*Wyman R. Duggan Rogers Towers

Emily Pierce Rogers Towers

LITIGATION – MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Patrick P. Coll

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Kevin B. Cook Orr | Cook

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray, P.A.

LITIGATION – REAL ESTATE

Michael Cavendish Cavendish Partners

Michael D. Chiumento

Chiumento Dwyer Hertel Grant

Kevin B. Cook Orr | Cook

William J. Deas III

William J. Deas

Brenna Malouf Durden

Lewis, Longman & Walker

C. Davis Ely

Rogers Towers

*R.H. Farnell II

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Scott S. Gallagher

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Mary Guilfoil

Coker Law

John R. Ibach

Burr & Forman

Patrick W. Krechowski

Balch & Bingham LLP

John B. Macdonald

Akerman

Timothy F. May

Burr & Forman LLP

Mark S. Mitchell

Rogers Towers

Terry A. Moore

GrayRobinson

H. Joseph O’Shields

Rogers Towers

John D. Osgathorpe

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray, P.A.

Zachary R. Roth

Ansbacher Law

William E. Scheu

Rogers Towers

Chris R. Strohmenger

Burr & Forman

M. Scott Thomas

Burr & Forman

Matthew M. Tonuzi

Rogers Towers

John A. Tucker

Foley & Lardner

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Edward M. Whelan

Whelan Construction Law

LITIGATION – REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT (SEC, TELECOM, ENERGY)

Cindy A. Laquidara

Akerman

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

LITIGATION – SECURITIES

Geddes D. Anderson, Jr.

Murphy & Anderson

Steven E. Brust

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

John A. DeVault III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

Marks Gray

*David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

LITIGATION –TRUSTS & ESTATES

Edward C. Akel

Lippes Mathias LLP

Alessandro A. Apolito

Lippes Mathias

*John P. Cole

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Patrick P. Coll

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Betsy C. Cox

Rogers Towers

John R. Crawford

Marks Gray, P.A.

Amanda Ferrelle

Amanda Ferrelle

Christopher J. Greene

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene, P.A.

Sean W. Kelley

Kelley & Kelley

Shane Kelley

Kelley & Kelley

John B. Macdonald

Akerman

Nawal B. McDaniel

Rogers Towers

Joseph Clay Meux

Rogers Towers

LITIGATION & CONTROVERSY – TAX

Edward C. Akel

Lippes Mathias LLP

Harris Bonnette Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

David B. Ferebee

David B. Ferebee

Keith H. Johnson

Johnson & Johnson

Peter O. Larsen Akerman

*David E. Otero Akerman

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONS –DEFENDANTS

A. Graham Allen

Rogers Towers

John A. DeVault, III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe, P.A.

*Edward McCarthy III

Rogers Towers

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONS –PLAINTIFFS

Brittany Ford

St. Denis & Davey

J. Wayne Hogan

Terrell Hogan

Evan J. Yegelwel

Terrell Hogan

MEDIATION

William E. Scheu

Rogers Towers

Terrance E. Schmidt

Terrance E. Schmidt

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

LAW – DEFENDANTS

*Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

Jill F. Bechtold

Rivkin Radler

Earl E. Googe, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Christopher C. Hazelip

Rogers Towers

William E. Kuntz

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Mary Bland Love

Marks Gray

Edward McCarthy

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Michael J. Obringer Orr | Cook

Tyler J. Oldenburg

Marks Gray, P.A.

Richard E. Ramsey

Wicker Smith O’Hara McCoy & Ford P.A.

Geoffrey D. Sessions

Hall Booth Smith

Cheryl L. Worman

Rogers Towers, P.A.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

LAW – PLAINTIFFS

Frank A. Ashton

Hardesty & Tyde

R. Scott Costantino

The Costantino Law Firm

Sean B. Cronin

Cronin & Maxwell

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr.

Edwards & Ragatz

Lee T. Griffin

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Corinne C. Hodak

Corinne C. Hodak

*Rodney S. Margol

Margol & Margol

Stephen J. Pajcic III

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

C. Rufus Pennington III Coker Law

Eric C. Ragatz

Edwards & Ragatz

Jake Schickel Coker Law

Robert F. Spohrer

Spohrer Dodd

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW

Adam J. Buss

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Ivan A. Colao

Holland & Knight

Angela Cottrell

Smith Hulsey & Busey

*Gardner F. Davis

Foley & Lardner

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

David S. Dunn

Smith Hulsey & Busey

J. Phillip Gibbs

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

E. Allen Hieb, Jr.

Rogers Towers

R. David Jeans RezLegal, LLC

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Jeffrey M. McFarland

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Daniel B. Nunn, Jr.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

MILITARY LAW

Daniel K. Bean

ABL Law

MUNICIPAL LAW

Peter L. Dame Akerman

Chauncey W. Lever, Jr. Foley & Lardner

Irvin W. Weinstein Rogers Towers

NONPROFIT / CHARITIES LAW

Jason E. Havens

Holland & Knight

Nawal B. McDaniel

Rogers Towers

Irvin M. Weinstein

Rogers Towers

PATENT LAW

David R. Saliwanchik

Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Eisenschenk

Richard S. Vermut

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

PERSONAL INJURY

LITIGATION – DEFENDANTS

Sami R. Achem, Jr.

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Barry B. Ansbacher Ansbacher Law

Brian J. Aull

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

Edward L. Birk

Marks Gray, P.A.

Thomas E. Bishop

Bishop Mills

Michael B. Bittner

Bittner Legal Group

Hugh Cotney

Hugh Cotney

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

Musa K. Farmand

Lippes Mathias

R.H. Farnell II

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Natalie Fina

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

David M. Gagnon

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

James Hanratty

Marshall Dennehey

Trevor Hawes

Coker Law

E. Holland Howanitz Tyson & Mendes LLP

Tiffany Jones O’Hara Law Firm P.A.

Daniel J. Kissane

Cole, Scott & Kissane

William E. Kuntz

Smith Hulsey & Busey

John Leonard Orr | Cook

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

Christen E. Luikart

Murphy & Anderson, P.A.

Edward McCarthy III Rogers Towers

Michael McCoy

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

James D. Morgan O’Hara Law Firm P.A.

Michael J. Obringer Orr | Cook

Tyler J. Oldenburg

Marks Gray, P.A.

Robert O’Quinn

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Michael Fox Orr Orr | Cook

*Jeremy M. Paul Orr | Cook

Michael P. Regan, Jr. O’Hara Law Firm P.A.

Robert E. Schrader, III

Boyd & Jenerette, P.A.

Martin Sitler

Morgan & Morgan

Richard M. Stoudemire Saalfield Shad

Kristen M. Van der Linde

Boyd & Jenerette

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

PERSONAL INJURY

LITIGATION – PLAINTIFFS

Fraz Ahmed Coker Law

Frank A. Ashton Hardesty & Tyde

Mark A. Avera

Avers & Smith, LLP

James G. Biggart

Morgan & Morgan, PA

Thomas E. Bishop

Bishop Mills

Eric Block

Morgan & Morgan, PA

Thomas R. Brown

The Brown Firm

Joseph V. Camerlengo, Jr.

The Truck Accident Law Firm

Howard C. Coker

Coker Law

R. Scott Costantino

The Costantino Law Firm

Hugh Cotney

Hugh Cotney

Roger J. Dodd

Spohrer Dodd

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr.

Edwards & Ragatz

Musa K. Farmand

Lippes Mathias

William C. Gentry

Coker Law

Lee T. Griffin

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

W. Marc Hardesty

Hardesty & Tyde

W. Holt Harrell

Harrell & Harrell

Chelsea Harris

Coker Law, P.A.

Joel Harris

Coker Law, P.A.

Corinne C. Hodak

Corinne C. Hodak

J. Wayne Hogan

Terrell Hogan

Daniel A. Iracki

Coker Law

Dana Jacobs

Coker Law, P.A.

Samuel S. Jacobson

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt,

Wright & Sussman

Janeen Kirch

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Albert H. Lechner

Morgan & Morgan

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

Katherine Loper

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.

Rodney S. Margol

Margol & Margol

Nicholas Martino

Martino & McCabe

Michael McCabe

Martino & McCabe

Katie DeSantis McCranie

Edward & Ragatz, P.A.

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Lawrence J. Najem

Ossi and Najem

Stephen J. Pajcic III

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Jeremy M. Paul

Orr | Cook

C. Rufus Pennington III

Coker Law

Alan Pickert

Terrell Hogan

Theodore S. Pina, Jr.

Nichols & Pina

Stefano Portigliati

Coker Law, P.A.

Matthew Posgay

Coker Law

Gregory D. Prysock

Morgan & Morgan

Eric C. Ragatz

Edwards & Ragatz

Jennifer Reiber

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.

Raymond P. Reid, Jr.

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Michael S. Rywant

Rywant, Alvarez, Jones,

Russo & Guyton, P.A.

Jake Schickel

Coker Law

Shannon Schott

Plata Schott Law

Brent Siegel

Siegel Hughes & Ross

Charles Sorenson Coker Law

Chase Sorenson

Coker Law

*Robert F. Spohrer

Spohrer Dodd

Aaron Sprague Coker Law

David Thompson

Farah & Farah

Steve Watrel Coker Law

Dianne Jay Weaver

Weaver and Weaver

S. Grier Wells

GrayRobinson

PRODUCT LIABILITY

LITIGATION – DEFENDANTS

Geddes D. Anderson, Jr.

Murphy & Anderson

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

*Jill F. Bechtold

Rivkin Radler

Thomas E. Bishop

Bishop Mills

Dana G. Bradford II

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Daniel J. Kissane

Cole, Scott & Kissane

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

Christen E. Luikart

Murphy & Anderson, P.A.

Edward McCarthy III

Rogers Towers

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

Sanjo Shatley

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

Robert F. Spohrer

Spohrer Dodd

Gerald W. Weedon

Marks Gray

PRODUCT LIABILITY

LITIGATION – PLAINTIFFS

Fraz Ahmed

Coker Law

Howard C. Coker

Coker Law

*Lee T. Griffin

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Chelsea Harris

Coker Law, P.A.

Daniel A. Iracki

Coker Law, P.A.

Janeen Kirch

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Stephen J. Pajcic III

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Stefano Portigliati

Coker Law, P.A.

Matthew Posgay

Coker Law, P.A.

Raymond P. Reid, Jr.

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW –DEFENDANTS

Jill F. Bechtold

Rivkin Radler

Michael J. DeCandio

Marshall Dennehey

*Michael J. Obringer

Orr | Cook

Tyler J. Olderburg

Marks Gray

David M. Wells

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW –PLAINTIFFS

Janeen Kirch

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

PUBLIC FINANCE LAW

Peter L. Dame

Akerman

Chauncey W. Lever, Jr. Foley & Lardner

Emily F. Magee

Butler Snow LLP

QUI TAM LAW

D. Andrew Vloedman

D. Andrew Vloedman III

RAILROAD LAW

William P. Byrne

Holland & Knight LLP

Ronald R. Oberdier

Hatfield & Hatfield

REAL ESTATE LAW

Christine T. Adams

Rogers Towers

Barry B. Ansbacher

Ansbacher Law

Beau A. Baker

Akerman

James O. Birr

Jimerson Birr

REAL ESTATE LAW

CONTINUED...

Matthew G. Breuer

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Ross H. Chafin

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball, P.A.

Christopher M. Cobb

Cobb & Gonzalez

David C. Cook

Foley & Lardner

*Spencer N. Cummings

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

C. William Curtis

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

William J. Deas III

William J. Deas

Steven Diebenow

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Brandon C. Dodd

Smith Gambrell & Russell

Jeffery Dollinger

Scruggs & Carmichael

Brenna Malouf Durden

Lewis, Longman & Walker

Fred Elefant

Rogers Towers

C. Davis Ely

Rogers Towers

Christene M. Ertl

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball, P.A.

Brenda Ezell

Ezell Law Firm

Christal L. Fish McGuireWoods LLP

Jason Gabriel Burr & Forman LLP

Charles L. Gibbs II

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Lawrence C. Gierum

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

Doris S. Goldstein

Doris S. Goldstein

Theodore R. Hainline, Jr.

Rogers Towers

Richard W. Hawthorne

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Meg S. Hixon

Orr | Cook

John R. Ibach

Burr & Forman

Thomas O. Ingram

Sodl & Ingram

Thomas M. Jenks

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Edward L. Kelly

Rogers Towers

Frederick H. Kent III

Marks Gray

G. Preston Keyes

Smith Hulsey & Busey

David A. King

David A. King, Attorney at Law

Patrick W. Krechowski

Balch & Bingham

Lauren Parsons Langham

Taylor English Duma

Jon C. Lasserre

Rogers Towers

Robert A. Leapley, Jr. Akerman

Sarah Mannion

King & Mannion, P.A.

Zachary C. Lever

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Timothy F. May Burr & Forman

Matthew S. McAfee

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Frank E. Miller Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Charlee L. Miska Peek & Miska

Terry A. Moore

GrayRobinson

Armando Nozzolillo Burr & Forman LLP

Tyler J. Oldenburg Marks Gray

H. Joseph O'Shields Rogers Towers

Sally Kent Peebles Vicente LLP

James B. Porter

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

James L. Purcell, Jr. Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Bryan L. Putnal

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Cecile Evans Rider Rogers Towers

Mary A. Robison Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Zachary R. Roth Ansbacher Law

William E. Scheu Rogers Towers

John T. Sefton Rogers Towers

Bert C. Simon

Gartner, Brock & Simon

Chris R. Strohmenger Burr & Forman

Christopher J. Thanner McGuireWoods

M. Scott Thomas Burr & Forman

Cynthia K. Trimmer Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Melissa S. Turra Holland & Knight

Hans C. Wahl

Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A.

Edward M. Whelan

Whelan Construction Law

Thomas G. Wilson III

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

SECURITIES / CAPITAL MARKETS LAW

Ivan A. Colao

Holland & Knight LLP

G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

J. Phillip Gibbs Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

*Michael B. Kirwan

Foley & Lardner

Daniel B. Nunn, Jr.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

SECURITIES REGULATION

*Charmaine T.M. Chiu

Smith Hulsey & Busey

G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Niels P. Murphy

Murphy & Anderson

SECURITIZATION & STRUCTURED FINANCE LAW

Peter O. Larsen

Akerman

David E. Otero Akerman

TAX LAW

Edward C. Akel

Lippes Mathias

Robert S. Bernstein

Foley & Lardner

Harris Bonnette

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

K. Mac Bracewell

Rogers Towers

Lisa Carrasco

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Kathleen H. Cold

Lippes Mathias

Timothy L. Flanagan

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Brian J. Hershorin

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

E. Allen Hieb, Jr.

Rogers Towers

David J. Hull

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Peter O. Larsen Akerman

*Kateena E. Manners

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Nawal B. McDaniel

Rogers Towers

Joseph Clay Meux

Rogers Towers

J. Jacob R. Peek

Peek & Miska

William E. Scheu

Rogers Towers

Douglas H. Shaver

Rogers Towers

Gresham R. Stoneburner

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Clay B. Tousey III

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

TIMBER LAW

David C. Cook

Foley & Lardner

TRADEMARK LAW

Crystal T. Broughan

Marks Gray, P.A.

Katharine F. Rowe

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Richard S. Vermut

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

TRUSTS & ESTATES

Harris Bonnette

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Jack Bovay

Salter Feiber P.A.

K. Mac Bracewell

Rogers Towers

Anne Buzby-Walt

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Kathleen H. Cold Lippes Mathias

John R. Crawford

Marks Gray, P.A.

Robert A. Dawkins

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Timothy L. Flanagan Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Beverly H. Furtick

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Brian J. Hershorin Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

David J. Hull

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Sean W. Kelley

Kelley and Kelley

Shane Kelley

Kelley and Kelley

*Kateena E. Manners

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Nawal B. McDaniel

Rogers Towers

Joseph Clay Meux

Rogers Towers, P.A.

Robert N. Miller

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

David D. Naples, Jr.

Naples & Spence, PLLC

Richard L. Stockton

Holland & Knight

Gresham R. Stoneburner

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Clay B. Tousey III

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Clay B. Tousey, Jr. Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Richard M. White, Jr. White, Griffis & Littell

VENTURE CAPITAL LAW

G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

J. Phillip Gibbs

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Edward S. Sarnowski

Holland & Knight LLP

WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW – CLAIMANTS

*Lance F. Avera Avera & Smith, LLP

Karl T. Green

Hardesty & Tyde, P.A.

W. Marc Hardesty

Hardesty & Tyde, P.A.

Jake Schickel

Coker Law

Michael S. Tyde

Hardesty & Tyde, P.A.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW – EMPLOYERS

Mark K. Eckels

Boyd & Jenerette

Benford L. Samuels, Jr. Boyd & Jenerette

Credit: The Best Lawyers in America 2024 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch are published by BL Rankings, LLC 801 Broad Street, Suite 950, Augusta, GA and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information, visit www.bestlawyers.com. Online subscriptions to Best Lawyers are available at www.bestlawyers.com.

“The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of BL Rankings, LLC.

Disclaimer and Copyright: BL Rankings, LLC, has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney. u

Jacksonville Magazine presents in America ®

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Adam Brandon  Rogers Towers

William Bradley Russell Jr  Russell & Russell, Attorneys at Law

APPELLATE PRACTICE

Logan K. McEwen  Marks Gray  Minch Minchin  Shullman Fugate

Laura B. Renstrom  Holland & Knight

BANKING & FINANCE LAW

Andrew J. Bell  Marks Gray

William Handle  Akerman

BANKRUPTCY & CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS / INSOLVENCY & REORGANIZATION LAW

Julie-Anna Ducey  Rogers Towers

Angela N. Grewal  Adams and Reese

Robert A. Neilson  Burr & Forman

CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

Kendall S. Manini  Marks Gray

Austin C. Sherman  Carr Allison

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Kevin P. Blodgett  Smith Hulsey & Busey

Adam Brandon  Rogers Towers

Rachel C. Cocciolo  Burr & Forman

Brandon Cook  Smith Hulsey & Busey

Salvatore Coppolino  Rivkin Radler

Matson Coxe  Rogers Towers

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

Cassie R. Daum  Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Julie-Anna Ducey  Rogers Towers

Andrew J. Dugué  Rivkin Radler

Christopher W. Earle  Adams and Reese

Julianna Favale  Marks Gray

Alina Vinci Fernandez  Orr Cook

Job Fickett  Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

William Handle  Akerman

Jay Harrington  Akerman

C.H. Houston III  Carr Allison

Sarah J. Hulsberg  Murphy & Anderson

Michael J. Humphries  Humphries Law

Robert Jameson  Woolsey Morcom

Jordan M. Janoski  Murphy & Anderson

Brian G. Kelley  Rogers Towers

John Kessenich  Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Mark Andrew Krieger  Rivkin Radler

Jennifer P. Lawson  Rivkin Radler

Tyler Lenz  Shutts & Bowen

Kendall S. Manini

Marks Gray

John P. McDermott  Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

Logan K. McEwen  Marks Gray

“Ones to watch” awards are recognitions given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice across the country. Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch recipients typically have been in practice for less than 10 years. The methodology for determining these awards is through peer review, the same as determining the Best Lawyers list for each region. Jacksonville’s Ones to Watch honoreees for 2024 are listed here.

Frank T. Moya  Shutts & Bowen

Mariana Muñoz  Akerman

Kimberly T. Mydock  McGuireWoods

Janet C. Owens

Rogers Towers

Adam C. Remillard  Akerman

Laura B. Renstrom

Holland & Knight

Wesley L. Ridout  Boyd & Jenerette

Richard Rivera  Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Emily Y. Rottmann  McGuireWoods

William Bradley Russell Jr  Russell & Russell, Attorneys at Law

Austin C. Sherman  Carr Allison

Sabrina M. Smith  Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Jackie A. Van Laningham  ABL Law

Thomas P. White  Adams and Reese

Katherine R. Woods  Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Kimberly Woods  Boyd & Jenerette

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Andrew J. Bell

Marks Gray

Cassidy Bergstrom  Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Melissa Cairatti  Rogers Towers

Michael J. Cox

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Matson Coxe  Rogers Towers

Job Fickett

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

William E. Gibbs

Sodl & Ingram

Josef B. Hess  Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan

Frank T. Moya  Shutts & Bowen

Adam Prom  Hall Booth Smith

Katherine R. Woods  Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE LAW

Job Fickett

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Alison Sausaman  Carr Allison

CORPORATE LAW

William R. Brown Jr  Foley & Lardner

Mary Mahoney  RezLegal

Logan K. McEwen  Marks Gray

N. Vincent Pulignano III  Foley & Lardner

Carley Self Menyhart  Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: GENERAL PRACTICE

Andrew Fawbush Jr.  Epstein & Robbins

BeJae Shelton Roberts  Kubicki Draper

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR

Sabrina M. Smith  Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

EDUCATION LAW

Trace H. Jackson  Rogers Towers

Michael J. Lufkin  Lippes Mathias

ELDER LAW

Ashley Fromm  Hall Booth Smith

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS LAW

Austin J. Dragoo  Rogers Towers

Trace H. Jackson  Rogers Towers

Lauren Majure  Majure Law

Minch Minchin  Shullman Fugate

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Kevin P. Blodgett  Smith Hulsey & Busey

FAMILY LAW

Joseph A. Alvarez  Sussman, Johnson & Alvarez

Courtney M. Johnson  Marks Gray

Katherine Johnson  Sussman, Johnson & Alvarez

Lewis D. Price  Rogers Towers

Camille Sheppard  Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio

FAMILY LAW: ARBITRATION & MEDIATION

Lewis D. Price  Rogers Towers

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATION LAW

Wesley L. Ridout  Boyd & Jenerette

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PRACTICE

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

Julianna Favale  Marks Gray

Austin C. Sherman  Carr Allison

HEALTH CARE LAW

Shawn Brooks  Hall Booth Smith

Brian G. Kelley  Rogers Towers

INSURANCE LAW

Dion K. Bass, Sr.  Rivkin Radler

Andrew J. Bell  Marks Gray

Kathleen A. Carlson  Marshall Dennehey

Salvatore Coppolino  Rivkin Radler

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

Andrew J. Dugué  Rivkin Radler

James Durstein  O’Hara Law Firm

Joshua Gostel

Rivkin Radler

Brian Guter  O’Hara Law Firm

Courtney M. Johnson  Marks Gray

Mark Andrew Krieger  Rivkin Radler

Kendall S. Manini  Marks Gray

William Mann  Hall Booth Smith

Victoria Merritt  Cole, Scott & Kissane

Michael Orta  Cole, Scott & Kissane

Corey K. Setterlund  Marshall Dennehey

Austin C. Sherman  Carr Allison

Ariane J. Smith  Rivkin Radler

Katherine R. Woods  Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Kimberly Woods  Boyd & Jenerette

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

Logan K. McEwen  Marks Gray

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW - EMPLOYEE

Cassie R. Daum  Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Conor Flynn  Morgan & Morgan

James Poin  Delegal & Poindexter

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW - MANAGEMENT

Rachel C. Cocciolo  Burr & Forman

M. Megan Coughlin  Jackson Lewis

Todd R. Dobry  Jackson Lewis

Ashlea A. Edwards  Akerman

Conor Flynn  Morgan & Morgan

Jennifer P. Lawson  Rivkin Radler

Michael J. Lufkin

Lippes Mathias

Kendall S. Manini  Marks Gray

Tracey Kort Parde

Tracey Kort Parde

Kathryn K. Rudderman  Rogers Towers

Alison Sausaman  Carr Allison

LAND USE & ZONING LAW

Kristen P. Courtney  McGuireWoods

Courtney P. Gaver  Rogers Towers

LITIGATIONBANKING & FINANCE

William Handle  Akerman

Kimberly T. Mydock  McGuireWoods

Janet C. Owens  Rogers Towers

LITIGATIONBANKRUPTCY

Andrew J. Bell  Marks Gray

Robert A. Neilson  Burr & Forman

LITIGATIONCONSTRUCTION

Shane Fitzsimmons  Shutts & Bowen

Sarah J. Hulsberg  Murphy & Anderson

Courtney M. Johnson  Marks Gray

LITIGATIONENVIRONMENTAL

Kevin P. Blodgett  Smith Hulsey & Busey

LITIGATIONINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Trace H. Jackson  Rogers Towers  Minch Minchin  Shullman Fugate

LITIGATIONLABOR & EMPLOYMENT

Rachel C. Cocciolo  Burr & Forman

Ashlea A. Edwards  Akerman

Conor Flynn  Morgan & Morgan

Cameron G. Kynes  McGuireWoods

Jennifer P. Lawson  Rivkin Radler

Michael J. Lufkin

Lippes Mathias

Kendall S. Manini  Marks Gray

James Poin  Delegal & Poindexter

LITIGATION - REAL ESTATE

Mark Canfield

Lippes Mathias

Matson Coxe

Rogers Towers

Courtney P. Gaver

Rogers Towers

Tyler Lenz  Shutts & Bowen

Logan K. McEwen

Marks Gray

Emily Y. Rottmann  McGuireWoods

Hannah Rullo  Ansbacher Law

LITIGATIONTRUSTS & ESTATES

Marcus Bradley Manning  Manning Law

MASS TORT LITIGATION/ CLASS ACTIONSDEFENDANTS

Andrew J. Dugué  Rivkin Radler

Mark Andrew Krieger  Rivkin Radler

Laura B. Renstrom  Holland & Knight

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONSPLAINTIFFS

Kyle J. Bagen

Bagen Law Accident Injury Lawyers

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW - DEFENDANTS

Dion K. Bass, Sr.  Rivkin Radler

Shawn Brooks

Hall Booth Smith

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

Julianna Favale

Marks Gray

Ashley Fromm

Hall Booth Smith

Natasa Glisic  Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Caroline Kubovy  Wicker Smith O’Hara

McCoy & Ford

Kendall S. Manini

Marks Gray

William Mann  Hall Booth Smith

Steven D. Paveglio

Hall Booth Smith

Adam Prom

Hall Booth Smith

Austin C. Sherman  Carr Allison

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

Thomas R. Heekin  Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Mary Mahoney  RezLegal

Logan K. McEwen

Marks Gray

N. Vincent Pulignano III  Foley & Lardner

Carley Self Menyhart

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

MUNICIPAL LAW

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION - DEFENDANTS

Victoria E. Armstrong  Boyd & Jenerette

Dion K. Bass, Sr.

Rivkin Radler

Andrew J. Bell

Marks Gray

Calli M. Brockett

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Blake Cole

Saalfield Shad

E. Paul Cuffe  McGuireWoods

Julianna Favale

Marks Gray

Alina Vinci Fernandez  Orr Cook

Job Fickett

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Natasa Glisic  Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Brian Guter  O’Hara Law Firm

Courtney M. Johnson

Marks Gray

John Kessenich

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Kendall S. Manini

Marks Gray

Sean J. Reeves

Marshall Dennehey

Alison Sausaman  Carr Allison

Austin C. Sherman  Carr Allison

Christina Williams  Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION - PLAINTIFFS

Andrew Fawbush Jr.  Epstein & Robbins

Joshua Gostel  Rivkin Radler

Jay M. Howanitz  Spohrer Dodd

Seth Roebuck  Saalfield Shad

Davarian Rousseau  Ansbacher Law

Benjamin Steinberg

Morgan & Morgan

Michele Waddell  Rubenstein Law

PRODUCT LIABILITY

LITIGATION - DEFENDANTS

Dion K. Bass, Sr.  Rivkin Radler

Michael J. Humphries  Humphries Law

Jordan M. Janoski  Murphy & Anderson

Courtney M. Johnson  Marks Gray

Steven D. Paveglio  Hall Booth Smith

Sean J. Reeves  Marshall Dennehey

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION - PLAINTIFFS

Jay M. Howanitz  Spohrer Dodd

REAL ESTATE LAW

Hannah Anderson

Coleman Talley

Andrew C. Bolender  Akerman

Cassandra Klusmeyer Brown  Coleman Talley

William R. Brown Jr  Foley & Lardner

Kristen P. Courtney  McGuireWoods

Austin J. Dragoo  Rogers Towers

William E. Gibbs  Sodl & Ingram

Margaret C. Howell Travis  Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Logan K. McEwen  Marks Gray

N. Vincent Pulignano III  Foley & Lardner

TAX LAW

Julie-Anna Ducey

Rogers Towers

Thomas R. Heekin  Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Lauren Majure  Majure Law

TRANSPORTATION LAW

Shawn Brooks  Hall Booth Smith

Catherine Crawley  Tyson & Mendes

Katherine M. Richters  Richters Law

Alison Sausaman  Carr Allison

TRUSTS & ESTATES

Tara S. Forrest  Rogers Towers

Thomas R. Heekin  Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Marcus Bradley Manning  Manning Law

Christine Sweet  Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart  Farhan Zarou  McGuireWoods

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW - EMPLOYERS

Kelly M. Scifres  Marshall Dennehey  u

BOARD CERTIFIED LAWYERS Jacksonville’s

ADMIRALTY & MARITIME LAW

Thomas A. Boyd, Jr. Boyd Law, P.A.

Phillip A. Buhler

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

C. Ryan M. Eslinger

Milton, Leach, Whitman, Et Al

James F. Moseley, Jr.

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

ADOPTION LAW

Brian T. Kelly

Shorstein & Kelly

Michael A. Shorstein

Shorstein & Kelly

Jennifer B. Williams

Elizabeth R. Ondriezek

APPELLATE PRACTICE

Rhonda B. Boggess

Marks Gray

Rebecca B. Creed

Creed & Gowdy

Craig D. Feiser

Office of the General Counsel

Bryan S. Gowdy

Creed & Gowdy

William S. Graessle

William S. Graessle

Jessie L. Harrell

The Harrell Firm

John S. Mills

Bishop & Mills

Cristine M. Russell Rogers Towers

AVIATION LAW

Galen D. Bauer

Spohrer & Dodd

Edward M. Booth, Jr.

Marks Gray

Mary P. Burnett

Mary Burnett Attorney at Law

Jeffrey R. Ludwig

Ludwig & Associates

Keith L. Maynard

Spohrer & Dodd

Barry E. Newman Newman Legal Group

Chad S. Roberts eDiscovery CoCounsel

Robert F. Spohrer Spohrer & Dodd

BUSINESS LITIGATION

Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. Murphy & Anderson

Gregory A. Anderson AndersonGlenn

Gilbert L. Feltel, Jr. 4th Judicial Circuit

Michael R. Freed Gunster

Wiley B. Gillam IV Milam Howard Nicandri & Gillam

Austin T. Hamilton Jimerson Birr

Scott J. Kennelly Rogers Towers

Eric S. Kolar

Eric S. Kolar

Jon M. Lindell

Lindell, Farson & Zebovni

Brandon C. Meadows Jimerson Birr

Niels P. Murphy Murphy & Anderson

Jeffrey C. Regan Regan Atwood

Michael G. Tanner Gunster

Kenneth A. Tomchin

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

Samuel G. Wells Gray Robinson

CITY, COUNTY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW

Jason R. Gabriel Burr & Forman

Christopher M. Garrett Office of General Counsel

Melissa M. Gross-Arnold The Arnold Law Firm

Established by the Florida Supreme Court in 1982, board certification is conferred upon lawyers by the most credible and highest authority over the state’s legal community, The Florida Bar. Certification is the Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation of competency and experience of attorneys in the approximately 30 areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. Seven percent of eligible Florida Bar members (approximately 5,000 lawyers) are board-certified. The process is a rigorous one, and requires at least five years of law practice, a substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought, satisfactory peer review of competence in the specialty field, passing an examination and satisfying continuing legal education requirements. Posted here are the board certified attorneys practicing in Duval County, listed in alphabetical order.

Sonya Harrell

Office of General Counsel

Lawsikia J. Hodges

Office of General Counsel

Paige H. Johnston

City of Jacksonville

Patrick W. Krechowski

Balch & Bingham

Cindy A. Laquidara Akerman

Rebecca C. Lavie

Office of General Counsel

Regina D. Ross

Office of General Counsel, JEA

CIVIL TRIAL

Fraz Ahmed

Coker Law

Mark G. Alexander

Alexander Degance Barnett

Allison G. Allen, Jr.

Rogers Towers

Bruce R. Anderson, Jr. Duval County Courthouse

Gregory A. Anderson

AndersonGlenn

Jeptha F. Barbour

Marks Gray

Tyrie W. Boyer

Duval County Courthouse

Dana G. Bradford II

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Thomas R. Brown

The Brown Firm

Joseph V. Camerlengo

The Truck Accident

Law Firm

Alexis M. Clay

W. Eric Fasking & Associates

Howard C. Coker

Coker Law

Raymond S. Costantino

The Costantino Law Firm

Michael I. Coulson

The Coulson Law Firm

James L. D’Andrea

Milton Leach Whitman

D’Andrea & Eslinger

Dennis P. Dore

The Law Office of Ron Sholes

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr.

Edwards & Ragatz

William E. Fasking

W. Eric Fasking & Associates

William C. Gentry

Law Office of W.C. Gentry

Wiley B. Gillam IV

Milam Howard Nicandri & Gillam

Michael L. Glass

Stone, Glass & Connolly

James Glober

Glober & Glober Attorneys

James C. Hamilton, Jr. Tyler & Hamilton

James P. Hanratty

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggi

Chelsea R. Harris

Coker Law

Christopher C. Hazelip

Rogers Towers

John W. Hogan

Terrell Hogan

James R. Holland II

Holland Law

Jeffrey J. Humphries

Morgan & Morgan

Daniel A. Iracki

Coker Law

Kevin E. Jakab

Jakab Law

Eric L. Leach

Milton Leach Whitman

D’Andrea & Eslinger

Brian J. Lee

Morgan & Morgan

Rutledge R. Liles

The Liles Firm

Jon M. Lindell

Lindell Farson & Zebovni

Gregory W. Lineberry

Gregory W. Lineberry

Rodney S. Margol

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys

Michael D. Marrese

Edward McCarthy II

Rogers Towers

Curry G. Pajcic

Pajcic & Pajcic

Stephen J. Pajcic

Pajcic & Pajcic

Scott B. Parks

Parks Lawyer

Angelo M. Patacca, Jr.

Rogers Towers

Rufus Pennington

Coker Law

John M. Phillips

Phillips & Hunt

Matthew N. Posgay

Coker Law

Gregory D. Prysock

Morgan & Morgan

Eric C. Ragatz

Edwards & Ragatz

Richard E. Ramsey

Wicker Smith Et Al

Michael P. Regan Jr. O’Hara Law Firm

Matthew T. Roach

Harrell & Harrell

John J. Schickel

Coker Law

Carl S. Schuler

Schuler & Lee

Christopher N. Shakib

Terrell Hogan Yegelwel

Michael Sharrit

Duval County Courthouse

Scott D. Sheftall

Sheftall & Associates

Thomas F. Slater

Pajcic & Pajcic

Ashleigh J. Smith

W. Eric Fasking & Associates

Thomas C. Smith

W. Eric Fasking & Associates

Jeffrey J. Sneed

Law Office of J. Christopher Norris

Charles A. Sorenson

Coker Law

BOARD CERTIFIED LAWYERS

CIVIL TRIAL CONTINUED...

Matthew W. Sowell

Terrell Hogan Yegelwel

Robert F. Spohrer

Spohrer & Dodd

Donald W. St. Denis

St. Denis & Davey

William T. Stone

Saalfield Shad Law Firm

Michael G. Tanner

Gunster

Kendra B. Therrell

Kubicki Draper

David C. Thompson

Farah and Farah

Fred Tromberg

Law Offices of Fred Tromberg

Kristen M. Van

Der Linde

Boyd & Jenerette

Samuel G. Wells

Gray Robinson

Joshua A. Whitman

Milton Leach Whitman

Kenneth B. Wright

Bledsoe, Jacobson & Wright

Evan J. Yegelwel

Terrell Hogan Yegelwel

CONDOMINIUM & PLANNED DEVELOPMENT LAW

Barry B. Ansbacher

Ansbacher Law

Thomas M. Jenks

Gunster

David D. Rottmann Coker Law

Hans C. Wahl

Cobb & Gonzalez

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Adam G. Adams III

AG Adams Law

Helen H. Albee

Tritt & Associates

Barry B. Ansbacher

Ansbacher Law

Fred E. Atwood, Jr.

Regan Atwood

Henry G. Bachara, Jr.

Bachara Construction Law Group

Amanda P. Baggett

Baggett Law

Michael J. Barker

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer

Charles E. Bearden

Luks, Santaniello, Patrillo & Cohen

James O. Birr III

Jimerson Birr

Judson C. Bradley

The Stellar Companies

Michael J. Childers

Boyd & Jenerette

Christopher M. Cobb Cobb & Gonzalez

Gabriel B. A. Crafton

The Stellar Companies

Robert J. Dill Tritt & Associates

Nicholas J. Elder Cobb & Gonzalez

Elizabeth B. Ferguson

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggi

Albert T. Franson

Franson, Iseley & Rendzio

Reed W. Grimm

Taylor Day Grimm & Boyd

Reese J. Henderson, Jr.

GrayRobinson

Patrick D. Hinchey Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo & Cohen

Kellie M. Humphries Gunster

Christopher J. Iseley Franson & Iseley

Charles B. Jimerson Jimerson Birr

Patrick W. Joyce

Milam Howard Nicandri Gillam & Renner

Christopher R. Maloney Shutts & Bowen

Christopher J. Mueller

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd

G. K. Norrie Rogers Towers

Scott A. Padgett Rogers Towers

Jeffrey C. Regan

Regan Atwood

Troy K. Smith Burr & Forman

Thomas J. Tollefsen Tritt & Associates

Arnold D. Tritt, Jr. Tritt & Associates

Jason B. Vrbensky Roberts, Reynolds, Bedard & Tuzzio

Edward M. Whelan

Whelan Construction Law

Cheryl L. Worman Rogers Towers

Brent T. Zimmerman Miller Electric Company

CRIMINAL APPELLATE

Meredith Charbula Duval County Courthouse

Diana L. Johnson Office of the Public Defender

Sheila A. Loizos

State Attorney’s Office –4th Circuit

Richard A. Sichta The Sichta Firm

Elizabeth H. Webb Public Defender’s Office

CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW

Oliver D. Barksdale Bedell Law Firm

Jordan T. Beard

Office of the Public Defender

Joshua A. Beard

Office of the Public Defender

Henry M. Coxe III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Darcy D. Galnor

Galnor Shumard

Katelyn K. Johnston

State Attorney’s Office –4th Judicial Circuit

Austen W. Kane

Office of the Public Defender

Sheila A. Loizos

State Attorney’s Office –4th Circuit

Matthew I. Lufrano

Lufrano Legal

Donald B. Mairs

The Mairs Law Firm

Adair C. Newman

State Attorney’s Office –4th Judicial Circuit

Tricia R. Rover

Office of Public Defender

Jonathan D. Sacks

State Attorney’s Office –4th Judicial Circuit

Stephen W. Siegel

Office of the State Attorney –4th Circuit

Teresa J. Sopp

Office of the Public Defender

Mitchell A. Stone

Mitchell A. Stone

David F. Williams, Jr.

Monroe Law

Susan F. Zerbe

Public Defender’s Office

EDUCATION LAW

Shawn A. Arnold

Arnold Law Firm

Melissa M. Gross-Arnold

Arnold Law Firm

Jerry R. Poole, Jr.

Duval County Public Schools

Karen J. Stone

University of North Florida

ELDER LAW

Vicki J. Bowers

Bowers & Associates

Robert K. Bryant

Berg Bryant Elder Law Group

Ailish C. O’Connor

Ailish O’Connor

Julie A. Saieg

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Carla Trinca-Conley

Berg Bryant Elder Law Group

HEALTH LAW

Gregory S. Baity

Baptist Health System

Charmaine T. M. Chiu

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Jon P. DeBardeleben

UF Health Jacksonville

Vivian M. Gallo

Milam Howard Nicandri

Gillam & Renner

Stephen P. Nelson

Mayo Clinic

Kelly A. Thompson

EmblemHealth

Christine C. Whitney

Christine C. Whitney

IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY LAW

William M. Cavanaugh

Cavanaugh Law Group

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

Fernando De Aro Dutra

Wilson Dutra

James R. Menker

Holly & Menker

Richard S. Vermut Driver, McAfee, Peek & Hawthorne

INTERNATIONAL LITIGATION

Francis Boyer Office of the Public Defender

Phillip Buhler

Moseby, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

JUVENILE LAW

Troy M. Farquhar

Public Defenders Office

Christine M. Meyer Guardian ad Litem

Belkis C. Plata

Plata Schott Law

Shannon B. Schott

Plata Schott Law

Samantha W. Shaw

Public Defenders Office

Kelli A. Swaney

State Attorney’s Office

Kimberly C. Tusher

K.C. Tusher, Attorney at Law

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW

Ronald P. Angerer II

Henrichsen Law Group

Yash B. Dave

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Thomas A. Delegal III

Delegal and Poindexter

John F. Dickinson

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Kirsten L. Doolittle

Law Office of Kristin Doolittle

Scott T. Fortune

Fortune Law Offices

Leonard T. Hackett

Vernis & Bowling of North Florida

Gerald T. Harper

The Law & Mediation Offices of Tom Harper

Eric J. Holshouser

Rogers Towers

Samuel J. Horovitz

Rogers Towers

Samuel B. Kanupp

Law Offices of Archibald

J. Thomas III

Frank D. Kitchen

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Leonard S. Magid

Magid & Williams

Heather A. Owen

Guidewell Source

Legal Affairs

Jerry R. Poole, Jr.

Duval County Public Schools

Robert G. Riegel Jr. Lippes Mathias

Archibald J. Thomas III Law Offices Archibald J. Thomas

Amy R. Turci

FordHarrison

Philip D. Williams

Magid & Williams

MARITAL & FAMILY LAW

Lawrence C. Datz

Datz & Datz

Christie Guerrero

Sasso & Guerrero

Russell L. Healey

Duval County Courthouse

John M. Henderlite

Watson Henderlite

Joanna G. Houser

Duval County Courthouse

Matthew C. Hunt

Phillips & Hunt

Katherine B. Johnson

Sussman, Johnson and Alvarez Family Law

Asad S. Jubran

The Law Office of A. Sam Jubran

James D. Mason, Sr. J. Demere Mason

Ashley M. Myers

Ashley M. Myers

Molly L. Sasso

Sasso & Guerrero

Charles E. Willmott

Charles E. Willmott

Elliot Zisser

Zisser Family Law

REAL ESTATE LAW

Barry B. Ansbacher

Ansbacher Law

Jalinda Davis

Attorneys Title Fund Services

David J. Edwards

Edwards Cohen

Brenda B. Ezell

Ezell Law Firm

Tracy Lee Goghill

TLC Legal & Consulting

Theresa M. Kenney

Duss, Kenny, Safer, Hampton & Joos

Frederick H. Kent, III Marks Gray

Andrei A. Korotkov DF Title

Gregory J. Lesak, Jr. Law Office of Gregory J. Lesak

Herbert J. O’Shields

Rogers Towers

William C. Rabil

Foley & Lardner

Thomas F. Ralabate

DF Title; Dream Finders Homes

Mary A. Robison

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Zachary R. Roth

Ansbacher Law

Bert C. Simon

Bert C. Simon

James R. Usery

Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.

STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE

Thomas A. Delegal III

Delegal & Poindexter

David G. Tucker

Florida Department of Children & Families

TAX LAW

Edward C. Akel

Edward Akel

Robert S. Bernstein Foley & Lardner

Matthew B. Bishop Bishop & Bishop

John R. Crawford

Marks Gray

Timothy L. Flanagan

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

William R. Frazier III

Frazier & Frazier

Jonathan L. Hay

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Kelly L. Hellmuth

Holland & Knight

Stephen P. Holmgren

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Michael J. Ivan, Jr

Ivan & Daugustinis

Keith H. Johnson

Johnson & Johnson

Kyle M. Johnson

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Christine M. King

Frazier & Frazier

Marvin C. Kloeppel

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

David H. Peek

David Peek

John J. R. Peek

Peek & Miska

Kristopher D. Robinson

Robinson Collins

D. K. Sausaman

Frazier & Frazier

Scott St Amand

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Robert H. Trudeau

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES

Jean E. C. Coker

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Jason E. Havens

Holland & Knight

Robert N. Miller

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Kristopher D. Robinson

Robinson Collins

Robert H. Trudeau

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Heather B. Carbone

O’Rourke & Akers

Michael C. Crumpler

Eraclides Gelman Hall, Indek, Goodman & Waters

Mark K. Eckels

Boyd & Jenerette

Vanessa M. Herbert Law Office of Jack D. Evans

Blake J. Hood

Boyd & Jenerette

Gregory B. Lower Cole, Scott & Kissane

John J. Rahaim II

Law Offices of John J. Rahaim II

Michael D. Rudolph

Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis

John J. Schickel

Coker Law

This list was provided courtesy of The Florida Bar Association. Standards, certification committee members and staff contacts for each specialty are available at FloridaBar.org.

Please contact The Florida Bar’s Legal Specialization & Education Department at (850) 561-5842 for more information. u

HOW DO I KNOW IF A LAWYER IS CERTIFIED?

The Florida Bar allows board-certified lawyers to use the term “Board-Certified Specialist.” Florida Bar board-certified lawyers may also use the letters “B.C.S.” behind their names to indicate “Board-Certified Specialist,” and the area(s) in which the member is board-certified must be identified. If the “B.C.S.” letters are used in court documents or non-advertising contexts, the initials may stand alone.

Certified lawyers may use a logo that says, “The Florida Bar, Board Certified” on their letterhead and business cards or in advertisements. Logos are available for each specialty field of practice. However, if a lawyer uses The Florida Bar’s generic board certification logo, the logo should be accompanied by the specialty field.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Your first meeting with an attorney is like a job interview, except you’re the one who is hiring. You’re asking the same interview questions that anyone should expect during the hiring process. After all, you’ll be paying the lawyer a lot of money to provide skilled legal services for you. It’s reasonable to want them to meet your expectations.

Many potential clients are too intimidated by the attorney or preoccupied with their legal matter to question their lawyer during their first meeting. You can always ask follow-up questions during later meetings. You should try to discover these facts about your potential lawyer as soon as possible. Think of yourself as an employer during the interview process while you ask these questions:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU PRACTICED LAW?

Some attorneys decide to hang up their shingle right out of law school. A long legal career does not guarantee success or failure in the courtroom. You can follow up with questions about where they went to school, where they practiced, and their other legal experience.

For instance, someone might only have practiced law for a year or two, following a 20-year stint as a circuit judge’s clerk. A legal professional may have plenty of work experience, even with a new degree.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY PRACTICE AREA? WHAT OTHER CASES DO YOU HANDLE?

There are very few attorneys who handle a single practice area of law. For instance, even boutique law firms specializing in family law must handle divorce, child support, child custody and visitation, and related legal matters.

Ask a few questions about what areas of law the attorney covers and how much they spend on each area. If you’re there for a DUI case, ask what percentage of the practice they devote to DUI cases and how much on personal injury or contract law.

WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT?

If you found your attorney with a Google search, you may not know much about the lawyer or the firm. You may need to ask these questions before you ever meet with your prospective attorney—even before you make your first appointment. Some types of cases have private attorneys on both sides, such as landlord-tenant disputes. Some attorneys only represent landlords and will not represent tenants. Some divorce

firms only handle high-net-worth clients and will not take summary dissolutions. Asking the right questions can save everyone time.

If the attorney does not handle your type of case, be sure to ask for a referral. Firms often take these calls and should be able to provide a referral number.

HAVE YOU HANDLED CASES LIKE MINE BEFORE? HOW MANY? WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?

The attorney can’t give you specifics, of course. But feel free to ask about the attorney’s track record with similar cases. Ask if these cases go to trial, if they settle, and how many the attorney sees in a year.

Ask about the attorney’s caseload. The office may be overloaded if the attorney has several hundred cases pending. On the other hand, with too few cases, you may wonder why this attorney cannot attract new clients to the office.

WHAT IS YOUR FEE AGREEMENT?

Don’t hesitate to ask about legal fees. Ask about the attorney’s retainer and hourly rate. If cost is an issue for you, say so upfront. Ask about payment options such as flat fees or alternate payment plans. The attorney can tell you if this is a contingency fee case.

Ask if paralegals, new associates, or legal assistants will handle your case. In larger firms, it is common for other legal workers to manage the paperwork overseen by senior attorneys. The billing rates for these workers should be lower.

You should also ask if they bill for phone calls and emails. If they do, be sure to include this in your fee agreement. u

SOURCE: Florida Bar Association

FLORIDA WOMEN’S LAW GROUP

Heather Brooke Quick, the founder and CEO of the premier divorce and family law firm exclusively serving women in Northeast Florida, has reshaped the narrative surrounding divorce. While divorce is often perceived negatively, Heather recognizes that remaining in an unhappy and unhealthy marriage, especially with children involved, can have significant repercussions. She empowers women to step away from toxic relationships and embark on a transformative journey towards a more promising future.

At Florida Women’s Law Group, our unwavering commitment is to support and empower women seeking change. We provide individuals of considerable means with the essential information and tools to make informed decisions about their future and financial goals. As a testament to our success, we have witnessed the transformative journey of thousands of women navigating divorce, from safeguarding hard-earned assets and career accomplishments to reclaiming their identities and aspirations.

As an all-women firm, we intimately understand the unique challenges women face, having been second-guessed and undervalued in both personal and professional realms. With Florida Women’s Law Group, you are not just a priority; you are the priority.

Alongside Heather is partner, Anna Durstein, a distinguished and accomplished attorney. Anna is a fierce advocate for women with extensive experience in litigation and creative divorce solutions. Her dedication to empowering women aligns seamlessly with the firm’s mission, and her contributions further strengthen our ability to guide clients through the complexities of divorce.

Our commitment to well-being extends beyond legal matters. Our offices are designed to provide a calming and supportive environment for our clients. We have incorporated elements known for their healing properties in our offices, including a Himalayan salt wall. The Himalayan salt wall emits negative ions to help purify the air and create a calm, relaxing setting for our clients and employees.

In addition to our legal expertise, we delve into the realm of wellness with our exclusive podcast, “Women Winning Divorce,” now entering its third year. We address weekly family law topics and offer guidance to women contemplating or undergoing divorce proceedings. In 2024, our focus extends nationally, collaborating with distinguished guests in the divorce space to explore diverse approaches throughout the United States.

The podcast title, “Women Winning Divorce,” encapsulates the core values of Florida Women’s Law Group. Contrary to the misconception that there are no winners in divorce, winning in divorce, for us, does not mean making someone else lose, but Heather and Anna believe that gaining freedom, achieving goals, and preserving your dignity allow you to win at life.

Committed to guiding women with compassion and empathy, our services encompass divorce, alimony, child support, modification, relocation, and other family law matters. Our all-women team, led by Heather and Anna, constantly seeks innovative solutions, empowering clients through personal, financial, and legal challenges in family courts. If it’s time for you to make a change, let us help you achieve a more stable, healthy, and happy future. Scan the QR code to schedule a preliminary call to assess your current situation and how we can help you move forward.

Divorce and Family Law for Women

ANSBACHER LAW

For over 25 years, Ansbacher Law has been recognized as one of Florida’s leading law firms. Operating from offices in Jacksonville, the Beaches, Fleming Island, Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and St. Augustine, Ansbacher Law assists businesses, community associations, and individuals. The firm has obtained Tier 1 Ratings from U.S. News & World Report in both Real Estate Law and Construction Law.

Barry Ansbacher is a Jacksonville native and University of Florida College of Law graduate. He is the only lawyer in Florida to achieve triple board certification by the Florida Bar in Construction Law, Condominium and Planned Development Law, and Real Estate Law. He is recognized by SuperLawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, Top 100 Trial Attorneys, Construction Lawyers Society of America, and Who’s Who in American Law. He holds the highest ratings from both Martindale-Hubbell® (AV-Preeminent) and AVVO (10/10 – Superb).

Zach Roth, a 2013 graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, serves as the managing shareholder of the firm. He is Board Certified in Real Estate Law and leads the real estate and corporate practice group. Zach Roth is also currently the city attorney for both Neptune

Beach and Baldwin, Florida. He is recognized by SuperLawyers as a Rising Star and by The Best Lawyers in America.

Shareholder Michael Feinberg leads the firm’s litigation practice group. He is a member of The Florida Bar, The New York Bar, and The New Jersey Bar. A 2014 graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, Michael Feinberg has actively prosecuted and defended civil actions for over 10 years.

Ansbacher Law is a team of over 35 professionals, including 12 attorneys. The firm’s experience and results, as well as its dedication to its clients, have earned Ansbacher Law the reputation as “The Lawyers You Want on Your Side.”

Real Estate, Construction, Trials, Community Associations, & Personal Injury

ANSBACHER LAW

904.737.4600 | www.ansbacher.net

Michael Feinberg, Zachary R. Roth, Barry B. Ansbacher

EDWARDS & RAGATZ,

At Edwards & Ragatz, we give Jacksonville residents a voice in the courtroom. Partners Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz help clients navigate the complex legal process. They provide diligent advocacy and work every case like it’s going to trial, so clients receive the justice and the compensation they deserve.

Tom Edwards graduated from Stetson Law in 1983. He is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. Tom is rated AV Preeminent®, is listed as one of the Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, is recognized in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and has been recognized on the Florida Super Lawyers list for over a decade. Tom served as past president of the Florida Justice Association (FJA), Jacksonville Chapter of the ABOTA, Jacksonville Bar, and Jacksonville Trial Lawyers and is on the National Board of Directors for ABOTA. Tom serves on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Management Council and served as a Commissioner for the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice. Tom is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and was honored with the B.J. Masterson Award for Professionalism by the FJA. In 2020, Tom received the Al Cone Lifetime Achievement Award for a career of leadership and courage as a trial lawyer.

Eric Ragatz received his Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 1996. He is the managing partner of Edwards & Ragatz and has been a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer since 2019. He is rated AV Preeminent® , has been honored by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in both Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice since 2017, and has been recognized on the Florida Super Lawyers list every year since 2014. Eric is admitted to all Florida Courts, all United States District Courts in

Florida and is a licensed member of the State Bar of Georgia. Eric has achieved numerous jury verdicts and obtained multiple, million-dollar settlements in both Florida and Georgia.

In 2012, Tom and Eric won a landmark verdict. The medical malpractice case resulted in a verdict* of $178 million, including $10 million in punitive damages from HCA/Memorial Hospital. Due to sanctions, the judgment was approximately $228 million – one of the largest malpractice awards in the history of the state. This was the largest malpractice verdict in the country for that year. Tom and Eric were pleased that their client saw the justice that he deserved.

In 2014 and in all years since, Edwards & Ragatz has been named by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® as a Tier 1 Best Law Firm in both Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury in the region. With unmatched compassion and record-setting results, Edwards & Ragatz is honored to serve the people of Jacksonville and throughout the state.

*Awarded amounts are before deduction for attorney’s fees and expenses. Most cases result in a lower recovery. It should not be assumed that your case will have as beneficial a result.

PAJCIC & PAJCIC

Steve and Gary Pajcic started Pajcic & Pajcic 50 years ago. It was 1974, the same year Steve was elected to the Florida Legislature. Since that time, the firm has grown and has handled more than 12,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases. The Pajcic Firm has recovered well over $1.5 billion dollars for clients. Gary died unexpectedly in 2006, but Steve has carried on the practice with three of Gary’s sons and his own. The firm includes 12 other attorneys. The 17 Pajcic & Pajcic attorneys have amassed over 550 years of combined legal experience, zealously representing clients in their time of need.

Pajcic attorneys are trusted to handle some of the most complex and challenging cases. The firm has a reputation of not backing down. If a settlement offer is unacceptable, the Pajcic attorneys are always ready and willing to go to trial. The Pajcic Firm has some of the top verdicts in the state and even the country, including a $1 Billion verdict in fatal trucking crash on Interstate 95.

Some of the firm’s practice areas include car, motorcycle and truck crashes, medical malpractice and nursing home neglect cases, as well as litigation concerning dangerous consumer products and unsafe motor vehicles.

Members of the Pajcic Firm are also entrenched in the Jacksonville community. Pajcic attorneys serve in leadership roles on boards and charities, donate to educational causes and organizations that improve the quality of life in the city, and volunteer their time to help others in need.

Pajcic & Pajcic’s ultimate goal is to obtain justice and a full and fair recovery for every client. From the beginning, outstanding service was the signature of the firm and 50 years later, remains so today.

Jacksonville Magazine’s

ST. DENIS & DAVEY, P.A.

St. Denis & Davey is an award-winning trial law firm with 17 lawyers in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Panama City, covering North, Central and South Florida, as well as the Panhandle. They have lawyers licensed in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and New York. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for individuals and businesses that have been damaged by lawyer and accountant professional malpractice.

The firm’s dedicated team of attorneys have been recognized by their peers as leading professionals, including Brian Davey as a Florida Super Lawyer and Brittany Ford as a Florida Super Lawyer Rising Star. In addition, Brittany was awarded the Florida Association of Women Lawyers’ 2023 Leader in Law Award.

Don St. Denis, the firm’s senior founding shareholder, is Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice by the Florida Bar and is AV peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell®. Don has been selected as a Florida Super Lawyer each year since 2008. He is a life member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums and named one of America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators. He has been recognized by The Elite Lawyers of America as a civil trial lawyer who obtained multiple verdicts or settlements of at least two million dollars, and he was awarded one of the largest verdicts to be upheld on appeal by the First District Court of Appeals in Florida under the Substantial Certainty Doctrine.

St. Denis & Davey handles complex liability and litigation matters for businesses and individuals, including pre-suit resolution, mediation or arbitration, and trial. They have extensive experience in defending all types of civil liability matters including those injured by the professional malpractice of lawyers and accountants, automobile and motorized vehicle negligence, trucking and transportation liability, dealership defense, construction defect litigation, personal injury, catastrophic loss and wrongful death, medical malpractice defense, nursing home defense, premises liability defense, products liability, and other general liability and casualty matters. A large part of the firm’s practice concentrates on insurance defense litigation and serving the needs of insurance carriers and their insureds.

St. Denis & Davey, P.A.

1300 Riverplace Blvd. Suite 401 Jacksonville, FL 32207 904.396.1996 stdenisdavey.com

Eric Bradstreet, Brittany Ford, Don St. Denis, Kacie Hutchinson, Brian Davey

BACHARA CONSTRUCTION LAW GROUP

Based in Jacksonville, Bachara Construction Law Group represents clients throughout Florida in every type of construction dispute. The firm expanded in 2023, welcoming Todd Whitcomb as a partner and bringing Hugh Higgins on board as managing partner of a new office in St. Petersburg.

BCLG’s lawyers have decades of combined experience in construction law and litigation, and two of the partners offer valuable insights gained from working in the construction industry prior to law school. Board-certified construction lawyer Chip Bachara (above, right) is a licensed general contractor with a degree in Building Construction and experience working on large construction projects, and Todd MacLeod (above, left) was a construction company owner and project manager. Both have been recognized multiple times by Best Lawyers, and in 2024, Chip was named Best Lawyers’ Jacksonville “Lawyer of the Year” for construction litigation for the fifth time.

With a reputation for timely and effective resolution of complex construction matters, BCLG has been repeatedly designated a Best Lawyers Tier 1 Construction Law Firm. In addition, the firm was recently honored as one of only eight construction law practices featured in Chambers & Partners’ inaugural Florida Regional Spotlight.

R. SCOTT COSTANTINO

Scott Costantino is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law. He is also Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has received an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and has over 35 years’ experience in civil trial practice.

Mr. Costantino is a member of the International Society of Barristers and serves as its Second Vice-President. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and was selected as the ABOTA~Jacksonville Chapter’s Lawyer of the Year for 2012. He served as the statewide President for FLABOTA in 2019 and is currently an ABOTA National Board Representative.

Mr. Costantino has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the publication The Best Lawyers in America. The Costantino Law Firm, P.A. has also been named a Tier 1 Law Firm in Jacksonville by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® for 2024.

The Chester Bedell Inn of Court has designated Mr. Costantino as a Master of the Bench. Mr. Costantino has also been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers magazine and has been named a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Mr. Costantino represents clients in complex personal injury matters, including wrongful death, professional liability as well as car, trucking and motorcycle accident cases. Mr. Costantino received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida. He is the managing shareholder of The Costantino Law Firm, P.A.

The Costantino Law Firm, P.A.

DATZ & DATZ, P.A.

Datz & Datz is a nationally known Jacksonville law firm specializing in family law, with a special focus on complex and high-asset divorce cases. Lawrence Datz is the managing partner and one of the few active attorneys in Florida who is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. He was named Jacksonville’s 2017, 2022 and 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in family law by Best Lawyers in America®. He is also recognized among Florida’s Super Lawyers in the family law category, and is a Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is rated AV Preeminent® 5 of 5 by his peers in Martindale-Hubbell® .

A former chair of the Florida Bar’s Marital and Family Law Board Certification Committee and past president of the Florida Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Datz is widely recognized as one of the state’s leaders in family law, high-asset divorces, high-conflict parenting disputes, division of business interests and other complex issues.

The firm was founded by his father Albert Datz in 1948. Albert and Lawrence practiced together for 32 years until Albert retired in 2019. Lawrence learned from one of the stalwarts of the profession not only to provide prompt, devoted, and sophisticated service to clients, but also to contribute to the legal profession through service.

Lawrence Datz graduated Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Cumberland School of Law in 1983. He is a Master in the Florida Family Law American Inn of Court, where he received the 2019 Hernandez Professionalism Award. Datz served on the Executive Council of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar and Board of Managers of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Currently, he is national co-chair of the Law Practice and Management Committee of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Family Law

6816 Southpoint Pkwy/Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904.296.7440 | datzlaw.net

JANET E. JOHNSON, P. A.

Janet Johnson is a top-rated criminal defense attorney who has been selected as a Florida Super Lawyer and received the top rating of AV Preeminent from MartindaleHubbell. Janet appears regularly as an expert in criminal defense on national TV networks including CNN, MSNBC, FOX, NewsNation , and has been featured in Fortune Magazine . A graduate of Connecticut College and the University of Oregon School of Law, she has also been selected to serve as a faculty member for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers annual seminar on DUIs.

Janet is a fellow in the prestigious Litigation Counsel of America and has been named one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and among the 10 Best for Client Satisfaction. Her team provides aggressive defense which has yielded great success in the courtroom for almost 30 years. Janet is admitted to practice law in Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts and Federal Court. Areas of criminal law that are handled by Janet Johnson include:

• Sex Offenses

• Assault & Battery

• Domestic Violence

• Injunctions

janetejohnsonlaw.com • DUI Defense • Federal Cases • Robbery/Burglary

• Probation Violations

• Child Abuse/Exploitation

• Drug Trafficking/Possession

• White Collar Crime

• Juvenile Cases

Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawrence C. Datz

ROBERT PERRY

Through his firm, Robert Perry offers affordable legal services. The firm specializes in the area of Elder Law including Wills, Trust, Powers of Attorney, Probate, Guardianship and Guardianship Advocacy, Medicaid Planning and VA Benefit services. The firm also offers services in the area of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. A portion of this firm’s practice is devoted to litigation.

Admitted to practice law in in Florida in 1992, he is also admitted to practice before all Federal District Courts in Florida and the Federal Eleventh Court of Appeal for the Eleventh Circuit. A licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a thirty-year veteran of the United States Navy and its Reserves, he brings business knowledge, life experience and positive customer service to cost effectively serve each client’s legal needs.

Robert Perry is a Jacksonville Native who lectures in the area of Elder Law, leadership and financial management, he is active with Rotary International, Scouting, Leadership Jacksonville, Special Nation, Heal Every Autistic Life (HEAL) and his church. He devotes his free time to the pursuits of his wife and three children.

The firm welcomes Attorney Kristina Wenberg. She brings a wealth of legal knowledge and excellent customer service to the firm.

Mr. Perry and his staff handled a probate case for me. As you can imagine, these cases are hard anyway. However, they truly cared for me as a person, as well as conducted themselves professionally, deftly handling my case like I believe no others could have. I can’t recommend them highly enough. — Jeff W. on Avvo

The Law Offices of Robert J. Perry, Jr.

Peace of Mind Regarding Your Estate Plan 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 103, Jacksonville, FL 32223 | 904.240.4815 robert@robertperrylawfirm.com www.robertperrylawfirm.com

KATHERINE B. SCHNAUSS NAUGLE

Katherine is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. Her firm is in the Riverside area and she and has been practicing law since 2001. She concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, including the preparation of Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and other Lifetime documents, Probate, and Guardianship (where she has represented both the guardians and the wards when there is an incapacity issue). She is invited regularly to speak to groups in the community regarding estate planning, probate and guardianship issues.

She is married to Cameron Naugle, fourth generation owner of Naugle Funeral Home and has two wonderful children.

Katherine is a graduate of The Bolles School (1994), as well as a graduate of Emory University in 1998. She then graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 2001, and an M.B.A. from Stetson University School of Business Administration in 2001.

She was named a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015 and has been named a Florida Super Lawyer every year since. She was awarded “Leader in the Law” from the Florida Association of Women Lawyers and is currently President of the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville She is the current Chair of The Heritage Committee for the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville and enjoys overseeing the Club’s grants to the community each year. She is a Past President of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, a member of the Jacksonville Chapter, D.A.R., and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Jacksonville.

Estate Planning & Probate

810 Margaret St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 904.366.2703 | jaxlawteam.com

Above: Matthew R. Kachergus, Elizabeth L. White, Bryan E. DeMaggio, & Camille E. Sheppard

SHEPPARD, WHITE, KACHERGUS & DeMAGGIO, P.A.

Founded by the late Bill Sheppard, the firm of Sheppard, White, Kachergus and DeMaggio, P.A. has once again garnered recognition by Best Lawyers in America as a Best Law Firm. Multiple attorneys in the firm have been recognized as Tier 1 attorneys in the areas of criminal defense: general, criminal defense: white collar, appellate practice, and civil rights. This year, Ms. Sheppard was recognized by Best Lawyers Ones to Watch for her work in family law. Several of the firm’s attorneys have also been recognized this year by Super Lawyers. The firm is also ranked AV Pre-Eminent by Martindale-Hubbell.

The firm has repeatedly been recognized for its effective advocacy, both as trial and appellate practitioners. Its primary practice areas are criminal defense, civil rights, family law, including injunctions, and administrative law. The firm strives to provide effective guidance and vigorous representation to its clients.

Mitchell (Mitch) Stone is a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Law specialist (1999-present). He is Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (20202021) and is Chair of the Florida Bar Criminal Law Certification Committee. After graduating from the University of Florida College of Law in 1988 he started his career in Miami at the State Attorney’s Office and then transferred to the Jacksonville State Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor he handled cases from DUI to Murder. He was assigned to the SVU and the Homicide Team before leaving for private practice. In 1992 he opened his criminal defense law practice and since then has been lead defense counsel in over 150 criminal jury trials in state and federal courts. He has successfully defended clients in cases involving White Collar Crimes, Complex Federal Financial Crimes, Federal Firearms Crimes, RICO, Drug Trafficking, Gambling, Murder and DUI Manslaughter. He has also served as trial counsel in civil cases including winning a multimillion dollar construction defect jury verdict, a million dollar personal injury jury verdict and verdicts in civil rights violation cases. He is rated AV-Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubble,® has been regularly named in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. He served as chair of Blood Breath & Tears DUI Seminar and as faculty on the Florida Bar’s Masters of DUI, as well as Advanced Criminal Trial Practice, Gun Law in Florida and Federal Sentencing seminars. He has authored books on criminal defense strategies, has served as editor of the The Florida Defender Magazine and has authored the DUI Notes and F Words criminal defense columns. He is a member of the International Society of Barristers, past president of the Jacksonville Beaches Bar Assoc. and the Northeast Chapter of FACDL and has served as chair of the Criminal Law section of the Jacksonville Bar Assoc. In 2021 he was honored by being presented with the G. Kirk Haas Humanitarian Award by the president of the Florida Bar. Over the past three decades he has represented clients including attorneys, politicians, professional athletes, and members of the military in several high profile cases. He is also a regular legal analyst for national and local news media concerning criminal law matters.

SUZANNE W. GREEN, P. A .

Suzanne W. Green, P.A. specializes primarily in Family Law matters, Civil Litigation, Probate and Wills and Trusts. Suzanne W. Green has been practicing law since 1987. She was an Assistant State Attorney for five years in Duval and Pinellas Counties, Florida. Afterwards, she worked in banking and civil litigation with the Commander Legler law firm in Jacksonville. She has owned and been the managing partner in her own law firm since 1992. Suzanne has been President of the Jacksonville Beaches Bar Association, and was on the Board and Past Chairman of the St. Augustine Airport Authority, has served on the St. Augustine Aerospace Academy Board, the Economic Development Committee and is the Special Magistrate for Code Hearings for the City of Atlantic Beach. She is a respected and sought after public speaker on issues of economic development and family law legislative issues. She is a member of the St. Johns County Bar Association and Chamber of Commerce. In addition to specializing in divorce, equitable distribution, parenting issues, wills and trusts, and social investigations, Suzanne W. Green is a Certified Family Law Mediator.

The Law Offices of Suzanne Worrall Green, P.A. 105-B, Solana Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.280.8770 | suzannewgreenlaw.com

LOCKETT LAW

Lee Lockett has been practicing for over 25 years and has in excess of 50 jury trials to his credit. His practice is focused on DUI and Criminal Defense. He is a member of the National College Of DUI Defense, DUI Defense Lawyers Association, Florida Bar Executive Council, Criminal Law Section, and is the co-chair of Florida’s most recognized statewide DUI seminar, Blood, Breath, & Tears. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for nearly ten years and was recently elected to serve as a Director At Large. Mr. Lockett has been selected as a “Super Lawyer” and he is AV-Rated Preeminent. He has also attained an AVVO rating of “Superb.”

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

If you ever have any question about your rights as a client, or about the way your case is being handled, ask your lawyer. He or she should be readily available to represent your best interests and keep you informed about your case. If not, you may seek counsel elsewhere.

According to the Florida Bar Association, when you retain a lawyer, you are entitled to one who:

• WILL be capable of handling my case.

• WILL represent me zealously and seek any lawful means to present or defend my case.

• WILL preserve my confidences, secrets or statements which I reveal in the course of our relationship.

• WILL give me the right to make the ultimate decision on the objectives to be pursued in my case.

• WILL charge me a reasonable fee and tell me, in advance of being hired and upon my request, the basis of that fee.

• WILL show me courtesy and consideration at all times.

• WILL exercise independent professional judgment in my behalf, free from compromising influences.

• WILL inform me periodically about the status of my case and, at my request, give me copies of documents prepared.

• WILL exhibit the highest degree of ethical conduct.

DUI and Criminal Defense

Marsh Landing Business Park 1548 The Greens Way, Suite 2 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 | 904.858.9818 www.knowbeforeyoublow.com

• WILL refer me to other legal counsel, if he or she cannot properly represent me.

The Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) is available to persons wishing to discuss their concerns about a lawyer’s conduct. The toll-free ACAP Hotline (866-352-0707) may be able to assist those persons who have a problem with an attorney but are also open to a possible resolution of the problem without filing a disciplinary complaint. u

Jacksonville Magazine’s

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(PLEASE PRINT)

JACKSONVILLE

Annual Awards Luncheon Honors 24 LOCAL BUSINESSES

Approximately 63 million Americans, about 25 percent of the adult population, volunteer their time, talents and energy each year to causes dear to them. That’s a big number but it’s only part of the story. According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, 34% of nonprofits say funding is their biggest challenge, while 41% say they need more volunteers. Fortunately for Jacksonville charitable organizations, Northeast Florida is home to numerous businesses who not only give funds to worthy causes but also encourage their employees to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Our city and region is better for it.

With the goal of recognizing local businesses that make giving back to the community an important part of their operating philosophy, Jacksonville Magazine inaugurated its annual Companies With Heart awards more than 15 years ago. The enterprises honored each year and profiled in the magazine are invited to an awards luncheon, held this year in February at WJCT Studios.

The event included a presentation by Allishia Bauman, senior vice president and executive director for City Year Jacksonville, a local branch of the AmeriCorps national service network that helps students and schools succeed, while preparing the next generation of civically engaged leaders. Over the past ten years, more than 500 City Year Student Success Coaches have provided mentorship to students in Duval County Public Schools.

2024 Companies With Heart:

• ASCENSION ST. VINCENT

• BAPTIST HEALTH

• BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY

• BKS PARTNERS

• BONO’S BAR-B-Q

• COASTAL WEALTH

• CROWLEY

• CTI RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC

• ENNIS, PELLUM AND ASSOCIATES

• FARAH AND FARAH

• FLORIDA CAPITAL BANK

• HASKELL

• ICI HOMES

• JWB REAL ESTATE CAPITAL/ JWB CARES

• LANDSOUTH CONSTRUCTION

• MANIFEST DISTILLING

• RIVERSIDE HOMES

• SMITH HULSEY AND BUSEY

• STELLAR

• SUBARU OF JACKSONVILLE

• THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

• VESTED METALS INTERNATIONAL

• VYSTAR CREDIT UNION

• WINGARD

The nomination process for 2025 will open in November. Application forms and instructions will be posted at JacksonvilleMag. com. All businesses located in Northeast Florida are invited to participate and possibly be honored as a Company With Heart in 2025.

Graciously Sponsored By:

WOMEN EMPOWERED 2024

FIRST COAST CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE

Andrea DeNeen, MD FACC, Ashu Dhanjal, MD, Yuhning Linda Hu, MD FACC, and Irram Hamdani, MD

Since 2002, our organization has built a reputation of providing compassionate care to residents of Northeast Florida. We have consistently brought the latest advancements in medicine to the region, allowing our patients to be the first to benefit from exciting new technology. We offer board certified services in cardiovascular medicine, sleep medicine, pulmonology, and amputation prevention. Our facilities are fully-accredited, ensuring we have met the highest standard in the healthcare field.

Our patients and their families have dictated how we choose to run our practice. As the landscape of healthcare evolves, patient care stays at the forefront. You will find the concept of patient-centered care intertwined in our mission, vision, and pledge.

OUR MISSION

To enhance quality of life by providing cutting-edge care with a team of compassionate experts and advance medicine through research, education and patient empowerment.

OUR VISION

To inspire hope and excel in the care of individuals throughout the continuum of healthcare from wellness and prevention to the most complex disease states.

OUR PLEDGE TO YOU

We pledge to remain quality leaders in patient-centered, cost-effective care while embracing population health.

LEGACY TRUST COMPANY

WKristin McLauchlan, Kristi Quick, Holly Tyrrell, Natalie Johns, Susan Tronti, Carol Pochon, Carmen Warner, Debbie Burchette, Jill Lineberger, and Jessica Bui

hen I envisioned Legacy Trust over 20 years ago, it was to be a company with a true service heart," says CEO and chairperson Kristin McLauchlan. "That is truly a shared value among all of us. We approach our business every day not thinking about what the markets are doing or how much money can we make if we do this instead of this, but from the perspective of how do we help our clients achieve their goals? How do we help Jacksonville and our community reach its potential? How do we help each other make this a special workplace?"

The team of women at Legacy Trust Family Wealth Offices brings a variety of backgrounds, from working in nonprofits to careers as fraud investigators. Each path led them to Legacy Trust where they come together as a whole greater than the sum of their parts.

As a Family Wealth Office, their role for its client families is enhanced by each of their own personal experiences. Whether it's caring for their kids, caring for their parents, taking care of their spouses, or going through divorce, they have not just seen the ups and downs of family life, but have lived them.

MEYMAND ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Dr Samira Meymand

Dr. Samira “Sam” Meymand, a highly awarded and accomplished Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, took the path less traveled by most females in the field of surgery. Half of most dental school classes are currently women. Only five to ten percent of these women apply to specialize in oral surgery, are accepted, complete training, and obtain board certification. This is partly due to the length of training required (an additional 12 to 15 years), which can be prohibitive to starting a family. Since there are few women in the field, Dr. Meymand feels it is important to encourage and empower other women to enter fields such as surgery.

Dr. Meymand loves the training, discipline, and challenge of being a leader, as well as the camaraderie that comes with being in the military. The U.S. Navy was a natural fit for her. She completed her Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the National Capital Consortium, Naval Hospital Bethesda in 2008. Her residency coincided with the heights of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, the pressures of residency were amplified when hundreds of soldiers were expedited to Bethesda to be treated for serious—and sometimes devastating—facial injuries resulting from IED blasts and bullet wounds. “It was an honor to treat these soldiers and be brave for the families of these heroes that put their lives on the line.”

The military helped prepare Dr. Meymand for the challenge of starting her own business. “Leadership, sacrifice, and teamwork are important qualities I learned in the military. If you have a strong work ethic and surround yourself with great people, then great things can happen. I am blessed to have an amazing staff. We work as a team to take great care of our patients with compassion and love,” she says.

Dr. Meymand’s staff members also help run the office when Dr. Meymand performs her U. S. Navy Reserves duties at Fort Dix, New Jersey where she is the Commanding Officer of the 14th Dental Company, 4th Dental Battalion. In her prior role, she served as a Commander assigned to the Expeditionary Medical Unit for Camp Pendleton, California. She was board-selected to be the Officer-In-Charge of a joint field exercise in 2018 for one year where her team of 51 (Doctors, Nurses, Ancillary Services, and Corpsmen) participated in a two-week mass casualty exercise. “This experience leading a medical unit in a real-world military medicine scenario was an honor and the reality of mass casualty medical training. Women play a crucial role in the setup, organization, and treatment of mass casualty victims.”

As a Surgeon, a Navy CAPTAIN, and a business owner, Dr. Meymand empowers other women to achieve their goals, whether in the military or in her office. She is dual-boarded as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. She served on the Jacksonville Dental Society Executive Board for 5 years and served as President from 2017 to 2018. She also co-founded the Jacksonville Women’s Dental Society and serves on the Baptist Health Women in Medicine Executive Board. Dr. Meymand’s practice is conveniently located in Mandarin and offers the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, various levels of anesthetic and sedation surgery, and spa treatments such as Botox and Juvederm.

EDWARDS & RAGATZ, P.A.

Katherine Loper, Katie DeSantis McCranie, and Jennifer Reiber

Katherine Loper, Katie DeSantis McCranie, and Jennifer Reiber share a passion for justice. The women of Edwards & Ragatz are not only hardworking, talented attorneys but they are devoted mothers, educators and more.

Katherine Loper received her J.D. in 2002 from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. She has specialized in plaintiff’s personal injury litigation since she graduated from law school. Katherine has lived in the Jacksonville area for over 30 years, growing up in Mandarin, and is now raising a family in the Julington Creek area. In her free time, she volunteers at her daughter’s school and serves as a religion teacher at her church.

Katie DeSantis McCranie received her Juris Doctorate degree in 2001 from Florida Coastal School of Law. Throughout her 20+ year career, Katie has focused primarily on personal injury cases representing plaintiffs against large corporations and insurance companies. When she is not practicing law, Katie volunteers at her children’s school and with various sporting and theatre organizations in which her children are involved.

Jennifer Reiber received her law degree in 1999 from Florida State University College of Law. She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants throughout her legal career. In addition, Jennifer was a professor and dean at Florida Coastal School of Law for many years before joining the Edwards & Ragatz team. Outside of the office, Jennifer focuses on spending time with her family and serves as an educational surrogate with the St. Johns County School District.

Edwards & Ragatz is known for obtaining several of the largest medical malpractice and personal injury verdicts in the history of Florida and are esteemed for their integrity and dedication. The team of skilled attorneys work to bring justice to their clients. With unmatched compassion and record-setting results, Edwards & Ragatz is honored to serve the people of Jacksonville and throughout the state. 4401 Salisbury Rd., Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32216 (904) 399-1609 | EdwardsRagatz.com

FLORIDA WOMEN’S LAW GROUP

Anna Durstein and Heather Brooke Quick

Did you know? We have a podcast and radio show!

“Women Winning Divorce” is a radio show and podcast hosted by Heather Quick, CEO and Owner of Florida Women’s Law Group. Each week we focus on different aspects of family law to help guide women through the difficult and emotional legal challenges they are facing. Heather brings over 20 years of legal experience that aids in advocating for and empowering women to achieve happier and healthier lives. Join Heather and her guests each week as she empowers women by discussing family law issues including divorce, custody, alimony, paternity, narcissism, mediation and more. Women Winning Divorce, now entering its third year, serves as a beacon for women navigating the intricate landscape of divorce.

Why a podcast/radio show?

Simply put, we saw an opportunity to educate our existing, future, and past clients via their own legal team and on their own time!

In 2024, our commitment expands nationally, as we collaborate with esteemed guests in the divorce space, exploring diverse approaches across the United States. The podcast title, “Women Winning Divorce,” embodies the core values of Florida Women’s Law Group. Contrary to the misconception that divorce lacks winners, here at Florida Women’s Law group, we are redefining victory. Winning at divorce, for us, means gaining freedom, achieving goals, and preserving your dignity- all in the name of empowerment.

To listen to the show on most major streaming platforms, scan the QR code below, or listen every Tuesday at 6:30 PM on WSOS, 103.9.

If it’s time for you to make a change, we’re here to help you achieve a more stable, healthy, and happy future. If you or someone you know is going through divorce or is thinking about a divorce, reach out to us on Florida Women’s Law Group.com. Let us assess your current situation and guide you toward a future where your empowerment takes center stage. Florida Women’s Law Group –empowering you beyond divorce. Call us at 904-822-3839 to schedule a preliminary call.

If you have questions, a guest you’d like to be featured, or a topic you would like Heather to cover, email us at  marketing@4womenlaw.com

JACKSONVILLE BEACH DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Jacquelyn Medina

J acksonville Beach Dermatology is your resource for effective, compassionate dermatological care. Whether you have a preexisting skin concern, need to have a new or changing spot examined, or want to enhance your natural beauty with cosmetic treatments, Jacksonville Beach Dermatology has your solution.

Jacksonville Beach Dermatology’s comprehensive suite of services includes:

• Skin cancer screenings

• Acne treatment

• Rash care

• Mole examination and removal

• Various anti-aging services, and more

Led by Dr. Jacquelyn Medina, a highly trained, board-certified dermatologist providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care, Jacksonville Beach Dermatology prides itself on providing the personalized care you deserve to look and feel your best. They take the time to fully understand your concerns and develop a custom treatment plan tailored to address your needs.

As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Dr. Medina is dedicated to providing effective, evidence-based care for skin, hair, and nail-related conditions to patients of all ages. She is passionate about your skin and hair’s overall health, with particular interests in treating hair loss, pigmentation concerns, and helping patients maintain healthy skin through personalized skin care and acne management.

1361 13th Avenue South Suite #180

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

904-247-4300 | www.jaxbeachderm.com

LSF HEALTH SYSTEMS

Dr. Christine Cauffield

Dr. Christine Cauffield is the president and CEO of Jacksonvillebased LSF Health Systems. The nonprofit supports behavioral health care providers throughout Northeast and North Central Florida to bring mental health and substance use disorder services to people who are uninsured or underinsured. Together with their partner agencies, LSF Health Systems helped almost 4 million people last year alone.

Florida Trend magazine named Dr. Cauffield among the most powerful business leaders in the state last year. She has received state and national awards for her innovation in healthcare leadership and she represents the United States on EuComs, an international organization dedicated to advancing best practices in communitybased behavioral health care.

Dr. Cauffield has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and completed her residency at Harvard Medical School where she specialized in geriatric neuropsychology. She has served as president of the Florida Council on Aging and the Florida Association of Managing Entities. Dr. Cauffield works tirelessly to encourage and support innovation among LSF Health Systems’ partner agencies in order to provide the best support for the Florida citizens they serve.

9428 Baymeadows Road, Suite 320 Jacksonville, FL 32256

904-900-1075

lsfhealthsystems.org

AMANDA (MANDY) MORROW

Broker Associate with COMPASS

Drawing on over four decades of sales and management expertise across various Fortune 50 companies, Amanda (Mandy) Morrow has carved a distinguished career in real estate since 2005, embodying a remarkable blend of leadership, vision, and extensive industry acumen. She has been described by many over the years that have worked with her as “tenacious.”

As a Broker Associate at Compass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Mandy’s focus is on getting things done and adopts a personalized, one-clientat-a-time approach meticulously tailoring her services to the unique needs of her diverse real estate clientele. She consistently earns awards and accolades, including placements on the 2022, 2023, 2024 Jacksonville Business Journal’s prestigious List of Top Residential Real Estate Agents and Jacksonville Magazine’s esteemed Women Empowered list for consecutive years.

With a wealth of experience, Mandy possesses a knack for navigating complex real estate challenges, thanks to her strong network of industry professionals including bankers, title companies, attorneys, inspectors, and designers, ensuring comprehensive support for her clients.

Mandy welcomes the opportunity to discuss your real estate needs, whether it is now or for the future. With listings in exclusive Ponte Vedra Beach, including Sawgrass Country Club, Sawgrass Players Club, Marsh Landing Country Club, Nocatee, and the broader Beachesarea, Mandy invites you to embark on your real estate journey with confidence. Contact Mandy today!

WOMEN

PAJCIC & PAJCIC

Janeen Mira, Meredith Ross & Betsy Cardenas

Janeen Mira, Meredith Ross and Betsy Cardenas are Pajcic & Pajcic attorneys with a deep-seeded passion for doing what’s right, as they fight every day for justice for their clients.

Janeen Mira focuses on auto negligence and wrongful death cases. She began her career as an assistant state attorney and spent much of that time prosecuting homicides and repeat offenders. She is a former President of the Board of Directors of Hubbard House, and she is on the Board of Directors of Dreams Come True. She is heavily involved in the Florida Justice Association, often testifying in Tallahassee for citizen’s rights. In her spare time, she runs marathons.

Meredith Ross has a wealth of experience as an appellate attorney, handling many of the firm’s complex appeals in state and federal court. She has been a law clerk for two prominent federal judges. Meredith graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee where she was Executive Editor of Law Review. She has served as president and treasurer of a non-profit educational fund. She loves traveling with her husband and 3 children.

Betsy Cardenas has handled some of the firm’s most significant injury cases and trials, including a recent 8 figure settlement where she was the lead attorney. She was once a law clerk at Pajcic & Pajcic while she attended law school. After graduation, she worked as a staff attorney for the 4th Judicial Circuit and then cut her teeth on the defense side before returning to the Pajcic Firm 5 years ago. Betsy and her husband enjoy spending time with their newborn son.

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic was established 50 years ago and has recovered more than $1.5 billion for their clients.

POSH PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Sofia Kirk

Posh Plastic Surgery is your premiere cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine center serving the greater Jacksonville, FL area. Helmed by Dr. Sofia Kirk, a board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience in cosmetic surgery and training under some of the most prestigious surgeons in the field, Posh Plastic Surgery offers a treatment experience like no other.

Dr. Kirk is passionate about empowering and boosting her patients’ confidence through tailored surgical and non-surgical treatments for seamless, natural enhancement of their beauty. She combines an artistic eye for detail with unparalleled expertise to deliver amazing results. Dr. Kirk offers a full range of face and body procedures, including:

• Mommy makeovers

• Breast augmentation and reconstruction

• Breast lifts

• Body contouring procedures

• Face and neck lifts

• Rhinoplasty

• Jaw contouring, chin implants, skin tightening, and more

Posh Plastic Surgery is staffed by a team of passionate medical professionals, specifically hand-picked to help cultivate a comfortable, empowering patient experience for everyone who enters their doors. With Posh Plastic Surgery, your patient experience is cultivated to be nothing short of exceptional. Their team prioritizes your comfort, well-being, and satisfaction from your initial consultation to the final results.

SHEILA POWERS

Founder, Ten Salon

Sheila Powers Alesch, the visionary CEO of the award winning Ten Salon isn’t about just running a business; she is about fostering a family. With a career steeped in cosmetology expertise and business acumen honed over the last 25 years, Alesch has propelled Ten Salon to the forefront of the industry while instilling a culture of love, support and empowerment within her team of approximately 50 women. “I love our team, and we have grown together over the years, sharing so many of life’s milestones, both personally and professionally.”

A cornerstone of Alesch’s leadership is her unwavering dedication to her team’s well being. She ensures they enjoy exceptional benefits, including health care, PTO, retirement accounts and world class training and education. Ten Salon’s stylists are among the best trained in the business.

Sheila also believes in empowering women to follow in her footsteps and provides clear pathways for advancement, ensuring they have the opportunity to grow and flourish. Ten Salon’s culture emphasizes the importance of passion, dedication and serving others.

“Our team and the clients we serve are my inspiration every day to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve, both within and beyond the salon walls. I want to encourage growth and provide a fantastic place to work, with a fun and healthy environment. It is all about love and – and an amazing salon experience!”

9066 Cypress Green Dr Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-260-2001 www.poshplasticsurgery.com

bartender! hey

Pouring through St. Augustine’s top-shelf lounge, bar and pub scene, one glass at a time.

BY MARIE HOUGH

Downtown St. Augustine might be the most ideal location for an evening bar crawl. The Ancient City is home to a wide variety of cocktail lounges, pubs, taverns, dive bars, and other establishments where one can order an adult beverage or two—and all within walking distance of each other, so you’re sure to find the libations of choice for everyone in your party. From cozy, historical bars with a story to tell, to upscale, modern cocktail lounges with a flair for crafting unusual flavors, a pub crawl is a great way to explore the Oldest City, and experience all it has to offer—or, at least what you can remember the next morning. So, who is going to reserve the Uber?

Tucked away in downtown St. Augustine’s art district, Forgotten Tonic offers a casually inviting vibe with a spectacular selection of drinks. They serve an impressive wine list and a notable collection of beers, but the main draw is their lengthy list of craft cocktails. Seriously, the drink menu is 14 pages of tantalizing concoctions of every kind. Pair your cocktails with house eats such as Cajun egg rolls, baked brie, sautéed mussels and blackened fish. There’s outdoor patio seating plus a handful of tables inside.

Pop into The Chatsworth, a cozy English pub offering classic cocktails and 30-plus draught beers. The joint serves both locally distilled liquors and spirits from around the world, as well as organic and sustainably made wines. With comfortable lounge seating, this little pub is a great place to take a breather. Sip on their signature G + T with gin from England, or try a new beer on draught. The Chatsworth might make you feel like you’ve jumped across the pond for a proper British pint.

Originally established in 1941, St. George Tavern has earned the title of the ‘Oldest Pub in the Oldest City.’ Escape the hustle and bustle of St. George Street, and grab a booth in this classic dive bar—and we mean that as a compliment. The tavern is a favorite of both tourists and locals, as it offers a no-frills atmosphere bolstered by a friendly staff. Enjoy a pint of beer, try out one of their many whiskeys, or if you’re lucky, they’ll be featuring a few flavors of their famous Jello shots. Yes, they are not just for college students anymore.

A short walk from the Castillo de San Marcos overlooking Matanzas Bay, and on the first floor of the Casablanca Inn, you’ll find the Tini Martini bar. Although it is small in size, this lounge carries a big reputation. Known for an incredible selection of martinis, this is an ideal location if you’re looking for a pretty little drink that packs a punch. Order their Classic Vodka Martini, or try one of their other signature flavors like Cucumber or Creme Brulee. Servers will leave the shaker at your table after filling your glass, just in case there are additional spirits remaining to be poured.

Next, we head over to Meehan’s Irish Pub and Seafood House, where patrons are given permission to “Eat, Drink & Be Irish.” Sit outside on the balcony overlooking the water, cozy up in a booth inside, or hang out in “The Backyard,” complete with its very own bar and

THE TINI MARTINI BAR

THE CHATSWORTH

PHOTO CREDIT DIANA BAKER

PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES

THE TINI MARTINI BAR

live music. Try the corned beef and cabbage or checkout local seafood favorites from their in-house oyster bar, and wash it all down with a pint of Guinness. Take part in the true Irish experience by sampling one of the many Irish whiskeys on hand.

Transport yourself to another time in a 1930s Prohibition-era themed vintage gastropub and lounge, right on St. George Street. Indulge in one of Prohibition Kitchen’s specialty cocktails, or create your own Old-Fashioned. Bartenders will let you choose the bourbon, bitters and sweetener. Plenty of wine and beer are poured, too. For something a little different on a warm evening, one of the boozy milkshakes— Bananas Foster with Madi rum or Cookies and Cream laced with chocolate liquor—are sinfully delicious. Live music keeps the joint jumping.

Our crawl takes us to an unusual spot that is actually an old house that has been converted into a bar, right in the heart of the historic district. Stogies Cigar Bar pours a vast selection of craft beers and wine. And the phrase “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” rings true here. The humidors are stocked with premium cigars. Guests may relax inside in comfortable lounge areas both upstairs and downstairs, or outside on the patio around a fire pit. Stogies is favored for its laid back atmosphere and live music every night of the week.

This nautical-themed tropical tavern and oyster bar is a must-do on any St. Augustine bar crawl excursion. Boat Drinks is the definition of good vibes, great bites, and fantastic drinks. Enjoy the breeze on the second story balcony, or spend some time inside amongst the maritime museum of fun decor (which is, of course, totally Instagrammable). From the S.S. Presso Martini to the Motorboatin Mule, patrons may choose from a menu

PROHIBITION KITCHEN’S MEZCAL OLD FASHIONED

MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB AND SEAFOOD HOUSE

PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES

THE ICE PLANT

PHOTO CREDIT

ALYSSA NICOLE

PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES

of cleverly named drinks. Charbroiled oysters, peeland-eat shrimp, blackened fish sandwich, jerk chicken skewers… drop anchor and stay a while.

Located in a rebuilt and refurbished ice plant building from the 1920s, having a libation in the Ice Plant Bar is truly a cool experience. Pun intended. The farm-to-table restaurant and bar prepares all dishes and drinks with locally sourced ingredients. Try the smoked fish dip with kettle chips and the house-made pimento cheese topped with guava-datil jelly. The cocktail menu is built upon fresh juices pressed in-house, an exciting variety of bitters and specially curated syrups. Trust us, the Napoleon Dynamite, a mix of rum, apple, habanero, spice pear, agave and lemon, is a winner.

Dog Rose Brewing Co. in the Lincolnville neighborhood features a spacious taproom that’s ideal for gathering with friends for a round of shuffleboard or darts, while sipping on some delicious local brews. There’s also a fun outdoor patio, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Not a huge beer fan? They’ve also got a notable wine list, as well as a few brands of craft soda. Some snacks are for sale but to call it a restaurant would be a stretch. Swing by for a chill vibe, and occasional live music acts, then stay for a drink. Maybe two.

Arguably the most visually stunning bar in the Oldest City is found adjacent to Cordova Chophouse inside the Casa Monica Resort hotel (pictured on the cover). An added perk of ordering a drink here is that you may also indulge in small bites from the Chophouse menu. Tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, grilled octopus and pork belly—it’s all good. Among the bar’s signature cocktails is the Kessler Margarita, a blend of tequila, grand marnier and fresh lime juice. It’s a fitting libation for the setting, a gorgeous interior that combines hints of Spanish and Moorish influences with rich fabrics, delicate gold highlights and comfy seating from the bar itself to a row of more intimate two-seat tables.

Keeping with the Spanish theme, and only a short walk away from the Casa Monica, is Casa Reina Taqueria

The multi-level restaurant features two bars and outdoor patio spaces. The 120-year-old building sits a stone’s throw from the Bridge of Lions. As you’d expect, the list of top-shelf tequilas is just that—top shelf. Try the Old City margarita, made with Tres Generaciones Reposado, honey syrup, chile bitters and fresh lemon. The tequila tasting flights is one to sample a variety of high-end spirits. Some chips, salsa and guacamole… you may never want to leave.

There are eight Mojo barbecue eateries peppered across Florida, including Mojo Old City on Cordova Street in St. Augustine. The menu at each is basically the same with a collection of Southern favorites such as fried pickles, Brunswick stew, smoked turkey, pulled pork, friend chicken and banana pudding. Whiskey and bourbon play significant roles in Mojo’s growing attraction and cocktails classics like the Kentucky Mule, Old Fashioned and Flying Peach are poured regularly. The draught beer options include local brews from Dog Rose, Ancient City and Intuition. u

CASA REINA TAQUERIA

BOAT DRINKS

NEIGHBORHOOD WELCOME TO THE

One San Marco brood finds a new place to call home, and it’s only yards from the first neighborhood house they loved.

It’s a dilemma many young families face. They love the neighborhood but their home no longer fits the needs of a growing household. With three kids between the ages of nine and 16, this was exactly the situation facing Katherine and Alan Ridge. As much as they loved their street and neighbors in San Marco, their 2,100-square-foot house was feeling a bit cramped. A move to something larger was needed. But where?

As luck would have it, a half-acre property went up sale—and it was only about a dozen homes from where they were living. So, the Ridges leaped at the opportunity to purchase the lot and set out to build an entirely new house. With the help of Tidewater Homes and Twin Companies, that’s exactly what they did—creating a five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath, two-story home only a stone’s throw from their previous address. Covering approximately 5,200 square feet, the house’s design caters to how they live today, as well as making allowances for what may come.

“We love the historic San Marco area. It’s where I grew up and it is similar to Homewood, the area of Birmingham where Katherine is from,” says Alan. We lived for 15 years on River Oaks Road, around the corner from our current house. We loved the neighborhood and were excited about the opportunity to build around the corner. Building

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MURIEL SILVA

a new home in an old neighborhood can be tricky. We felt a sense of responsibility to the neighborhood.”

Like many families looking to build new, the Ridges wanted a home that provided room to grow. Much thought was put into how spaces would be used as the kids grew older, as well as to provide rooms as the children became parents themselves. Room for visiting grandkids was a must-have. Initially, the space above the garage was left unfinished. However, after a few years, the family decided to add room for the growing teens to hang out with friends, a workout space and a home office for Alan.

The porch was designed so that, as a family, they could be outside and enjoy the Florida weather any time of the day. It is an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, watch the game at night, or savor a meal together. The porch looks out to an expansive and beautifully landscaped yard. Plus, there’s plenty of open grass for family games now—and for grandkids to enjoy in the future.

“Our favorite space is the back porch,” says Alan. “One of our favorite things to do is to have a fire on the porch and watch sports. We also regularly eat family meals outside when the weather is nice.”

“I typically prefer a neutral paint color for the main living spaces and incorporate texture, color, and pattern within those spaces with rugs, textiles and art,” says interior designer Laurie Fulkerson with Twin Companies. “This allows for the owners to change things up over the years without taking on the massive project of repainting those main areas. I used a bold pattern in the powder wall covering and I love how we were able to find a pattern that included yellow, a color that is one of Katherine’s favorites, but also unexpected since it is a color that often gets overlooked.”

The homeowner’s favorite color is blue so, while the den has a lot of blue, a variety of colors that work well with the hue were sprinkled throughout the adjoining rooms. “For example, the deep taupe color in the dining room complements the den furnishings, but the art I chose for the dining room has beautiful shades

“I think it is important to invest in good outdoor furniture when you can. These pieces will last a lifetime but more importantly are extremely comfortable, so the space is able to be used often,” says the designer.

“I love many spaces in the Ridge’s beautiful home but I would say my favorite is the main living room,” says Fulkerson. “I love the wall of glass doors that open up to the beautiful porch and how this room is central to multiple rooms without it feeling like wide open spaces for them.”

According to Fulkerson, early in the planning stages, the homeowners wanted to include a spot in the dining room to accommodate a large storage piece. The nook was perfect for the beautiful antique piece that the Ridge’s found. It fits perfectly without taking up too much of the living space in that room.

of blue in it that I thought worked well with the adjoining rooms,” says Fulkerson. “One of my favorite fabrics is the abstract fabric I used in the breakfast room drapery panels and kitchen sink windows with a beautiful shade of blue gray.”

Many of Fulkerson’s clients ask for pieces that are going to have longevity in style and function. So, it’s always important for the spaces to be beautiful, and for the pieces to be comfortable, as well as hold up well with a large family. In this case, the Ridge’s have extended families that visit often. Fabrics that perform well with frequent use were essential. Also important was making sure the furniture and art were proportional to a home with large rooms and high ceilings. “I live in Alabama, so it was important for me to be able to visit the house during the construction phase so I could get an idea of the size of the rooms,” says the designer. “The Ridge’s were coming from a smaller home that had lower ceilings, so I did recommend new pieces in their living room, dining room, and porch. When I visited the job site early on, I was able to spend time in their previous home to take inventory of what they did have so they could use the pieces that had memories for them.”

Speaking of large rooms, the round dining room table offers ample space for friends and family. “I love dramatic large art and I feel like their house had multiple spaces that we could incorporate some of my favorite pieces—from the large bird art in the den, the custom art over the fireplace in the den from one of my favorite Birmingham artists, the dramatic art in the stair hallway with it’s deep colors, to the large piece in the dining room that ties multiple colors used throughout the house,” says Fulkerson. “Also, I always love to use wallpaper since there are so many beautiful colors and patterns to choose from. I’ve continued to work with the Ridge’s over the years and will be installing some favorites in a couple of spaces we are working on now.”

“In addition to building a home for a growing family, our other primary goal was the build a home that looked like it fit in San Marco,” Alan recalls. “The best compliment we receive is when people say that the home looks like it belongs in the neighborhood.” u

Credits:

Plan Designer: Crystal Tucker, Twin Companies

Construction Design/Interior Design: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Companies

Architectural Plans: Carrie Breslin, Breslin & Gray

Builder: Scott Brannock, Tidewater Homes

Windows & Doors: Jeff Tyrrell, Coastal Sash & Door

Garden Design: Jamie Ross, Ross Garden Design

Dive Right In

Florida’s unofficial opening of backyard pool season arrives in early spring. And, if you have a home with a pool, the start of the season is a great time to spruce up and upgrade the deck and swimming hole. Most pools built before the year 2000 will likely have a textured concrete deck. This type of deck may be starting to crack, a common issue spurred on by the intense heat of Jacksonville summers. Instead of pouring new concrete to repair the situation, consider other modern materials. For example, offering easy maintenance and a clean aesthetic, synthesized turf is currently an extremely popular option. As opposed to grass, artificial turf minimizes the amount of dirt and yard debris being tracked into a pool. This is especially true if you have dogs in the household. If you choose turf, incorporating rectangular stone pavers with the artificial grass can provide a more upscale

appearance. Other decking options gaining popularity now include natural stone pavers, such as travertine and marble.

In addition to the deck, it may be time to consider updating your pool equipment. “Modern pool lighting can help create a fun and inviting space for your backyard,” says Natalie Wells of Oak Wells Aquatics. “Within the last 20 years, pool lighting has gone from the standard white can bulbs to color-changing LED lights. The newest lights on the market even offer a dimming feature and infinite color selections. So, while it may me too late to have a color theme for Valentine’s Day, your pool could display red, white, and blue for the 4th of July.”

You may also want to consider adding automation to the mechan -

ical systems. With newer equipment, the lights, heaters and pumps can be controlled with a phone app. With automation, you can manage all of these features even if you are miles away from home. Also, if you want to have your backyard opening a bit earlier this year, consider adding a heat/chill unit to your current equipment. Many newer options offer a chilling component, a welcome bonus in July and August.

“Another fun way to modernize your pool is by adding elevation to the deck,” says Wells. “This can be accomplished by adding a raised wall with a water feature. Options for this include a sheer descent waterfall, water and fire bowls, or, for a more freeform look, a rock-style waterfall. Water features create a calming sound effect, and they also help with water circulation.” u

SMALL WONDERS

Bigger isn’t always better. That’s increasingly the theme for new home pools. Gone are the days of diving boards and 10-foot deep ends. Instead, many homeowners are looking for fewer gallons but more style. These so-called Plunge Pools can be precast—such as Soake Pools’ 13’ x 7’ model with waterfall pictured here—or designed and poured on site. Small pools like this can be installed above ground, partially recessed or fully recessed. From a personalization perspective, plunge pools can be built with a variety of tile layouts inside the bowl, and exposed outer walls can be covered with rock, slate, tile or exterior materials of choice, meaning each is as unique as the homeowner desires. u

Model Citizen

Interest rates have dampened home buying enthusiasm across the country. But in Northeast Florida, new houses are still sprouting up on lots across the region. In Nassau County, the new home community of Tributary recently introduced a new model by David Weekly Homes. The Cartesian (pictured) is dressed in neutrals and blends glamour with comfort via an open-concept floorplan featuring a kitchen overlooking the dining and family rooms.

“Our design team took great care to create a warmly welcoming home with a sense of sophistication with their interior design selections,” says Design Center manager Shannon Spurgeon. The three-bedroom home includes a study and master bedroom with an en-suite bath.

At Tributary, David Weekly is building one- and two-story homes situated on 50-foot homesites, offering five floor plans ranging from 1,700 to more than 2,700 square feet. Homes start from the $300,000s. Dream Finders, Lennar and Richmond American are also building in Tributary, a community that is highlighted by a 5,400 square foot pool, tot-lot playground, recreation field, dog park, fitness center and two pickleball courts. u

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Spring has sprung in Northeast Florida and that means new crops of fresh fruits and veggies are sprouting at area farms, particularly at U-Pick establishments. The strawberry season is winding down, as most berries will be picked over by early March—depending on seasonal weather conditions, of course. At Crossroads Farm in Gainesville, u-pick strawberries are $4 per pound. They provide the buckets and bags for picking, you have to bring the desire. Same goes for Amber Brooke Farms in Williston, about two hours from Jax. It’s always good to check with the farm before heading out into the country, just to make sure there are still berries to pick.

While strawberry season is petering out, Florida blueberries are just coming into their own. Blueberry picking in North Florida typically is best during May and June, sometimes going into early July. Again, the weather plays a big role in determining the size and length of harvest season. The Blueberry Ranch in Yulee grows six acres of blueberry bushes, as well as a variety of vegetables, micro greens and honey. A bit farther from Jax in the tiny town of Mims is Ever After Farms, said to be the largest u-pick blueberry farm in the region, with some 30,000 blueberry plants spread over more than 15 acres. Expect to pay around $7 per pound for blueberries.

It’s billed as a celebration of Jacksonville’s architectural history and two of its original suburban neighborhoods. The 2024 Riverside Avondale Tour of Homes, featuring approximately a dozen private residences and other points of interest, returns for it’s 50th year the weekend of April 13 and 14. This grassroots fundraiser hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation is followed the next month with its annual Garden Tour on May 11, an afternoon when patrons are invited to explore and draw inspiration from landscapes and gardens in the historic district. Speaking of historic homes and gardens: the 45th annual Historic Springfield Tour of Homes and Gardens takes place April 27 and 28, noon to 5 PM each day. A guided bicycle outing is available for this tour and admission is included with one’s regular tour ticket. It is BYOB (bring your own bike). Tickets to both home tours are available at 904TIX.com.

Here’s one more springtime happening to place on your calendar. St. Augustine’s Lightner Museum hosts its annual Spring Market the evening of April 18, 5-8:30 PM. The event features dozens of area artists, craftspeople and other selling everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to fine art photography and home decor goods. While there, check out the collections inside the museum, an iconic structure occupying the former Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort that catered to monied Northerners and other wintertime visitors during the late 1800s. u

Homes Alone

The American Dream of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for many, This is particularly true for Gen Z, who grew up facing a global pandemic, rising mortgage rates and inflation, and an overall challenging economic situation. However, the challenge of home ownership varies greatly depending on where you live. A recent study by Point2Homes.com ranked the country’s 100 largest cities for home affordability based on seven metrics, including home price-to-income ratio, median sales price, inventory and unemployment. Orlando came in as the highest-ranked Florida city, placing 12th on the list. Homes under $360,000, along with a low unemployment rate and fewer homes sold above the asking price, makes the market more attainable to the younger generation. Jacksonville beckons young buyers with home prices less than seven times Gen Z’s median income and a more affordable median home price of around $300,000. It also boasts the highest rate of Gen Z homeownership among the state’s largest cities at 14.2%. St. Petersburg is the state’s toughest city for Gen Z-ers seeking a house, with its fast-selling home and prices nearly 10 times their income. u

Fit to Print

The artisanal textile line Art of Color recently introduced its new Morningside collection of fabric and coordinating wallpaper by designer and artist Kristen Leigh. Flush with hues that evoke a sense of joy, the designs are intended to offer levity to the spaces they decorate. The collection, two years in the making, came to life through Kristen’s watercolors on paper. “I designed with colors that are calming to me, colors that I could live with day in and day out, relax by in the evenings, hues that evoke a sense of joy,” says Leigh. “For me, that’s a lot of blue tones, greens, and some neutrals as well.” The collection includes nine fabric and eight wallpaper designs featuring scalloped, floral and soft geometric patterns. The fabrics are linen cotton blends and the wallpapers are digitally printed and sold in nine-yard rolls. u

Groovy, Baby!

Speaking of wallpaper. Retro style wallpapers are hot right now. The style is characterized by bold and vibrant designs that often feature geometric patterns, floral prints, and psychedelic swirls—all of which can add a touch of nostalgia to any room. This style of wall covering became popular in the 1960s and 1970s and is often associated with the hippie movement and the rise of pop culture. Among those making these papers is design house Bobbi Beck, who recently introduced a Retro styles with names like Gelato, Slice and Vegas (pictured), all but guaranteed to add a sense of joy to your space but also serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of past eras. u

Three of a Kind

As we roll into spring 2024, the year’s design trends are starting to take shape. Among the home decor buzzwords and phrases being tossed around include New Retro, Luxe Minimalism and Feel-Good Spaces. Each can be brought into one’s home without spending lots of money or knocking down walls. All it takes is some enthusiasm peppered with a little creativity. u

Luxe minimalism takes the best of sometimes cold and industrial Scandinavian design and softens it with cozy contours and subtle pops of color. Gold and brass accents and high-end touches help create focal points and wow in an otherwise subdued room. The overload of external stimuli has many consumers yearning for calm, which plays into the luxe minimalism trend. Among the ways to try it at home include utilizing curves and contours to soften industrial materials, determine one focal point element and make it really “pop,” and accent spaces with high-end metal elements. u

This year “retro” gets a facelift, becoming more vibrant and glam. Boho roots allow the new retro trend to continue celebrating craftsmanship and artistry, with a less hippy vibe. Organic materials brushed with modern colors encourage conversation. To bring it home, look for smoked glass, barware, conversational furniture arrangements and natural woods and stone, as well as colors like dusty mauve, muted avocado and burnt orange.u

GOGH CREATE:

hot seats

Jacksonville Magazine offers a select list of area restaurants as a service to its readers. The directory does not include every restaurant in town. It does, however, feature many of the magazine’s Top 50 choices of must-try eateries, as well as a sampling of other notable Northeast Florida dining establishments. Suggestions are welcome. Please contact us at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.

1928 Cuban Bistro

Family-run establishment specializes in authentic Cuban cuisine, baked goods and cafe con leche. House specialties include guava and cheese pastries, chicken, beef and ham and cheese empanadas, and congri bowls made with white rice and black beans topped with

choice of braised chicken or roasted pork. Of course, the Cuban sandwich (roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on warm bread) is a top seller. Flan, churros and tres leches for dessert. 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows (683-8104); 160 Shops Blvd., St. Johns (209-5162); 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega 1928bistro.com. B ,L, $$.

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Alhambra serves up dinner and a show inside its performance hall. Formerly a buffet service, the Alhambra is becoming known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its Broadway-caliber productions. The nation’s oldest continuously operating dinner theater showcases famous plays such as Escape to Margarita-

GUIDE to the GUIDE:

B–Breakfast; L–Lunch; D–Dinner; SB–Sunday Brunch

$–$10 or less; $$–$11 to $20; $$$–$21 to $30; $$$$–$31 or above

These $ categories are based on the average cost of a dinner entrée excluding drinks, desserts and/or gratuities.

NOTE: Some restaurant entrée prices do not include à la carte sides or salad. All phone numbers are in the (904) area code. Cafeterias, fast food joints and primarily take-out restaurants are not eligible for inclusion.

Caffé Andiamo

ville (April 4-May 12) and Boeing Boeing: A Non-Stop Comedy (May 23-June 16). 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-1212; alhambrajax. com). L, D, SB, $$$.

Al’s

Pizza

This home-grown string of pizza joints offers a wide selection of appetizers and New York-style pizza, alongside traditional Italian dishes, Al’s menu includes unexpected items like mussels in wine and garlic butter sauce to satisfy the adventurous foodies out there. They also offer delivery for those in the area of their restaurants. Four locations including 8060 Philips Hwy., Southside (731-4300; alspizza. com), L, D, $.

Aqua Grill

Aqua Grill has a contemporary, eclectic menu with a coastal flair made from local ingredients. The Ponte Vedra eatery is known for its top-of-the line service and has been featured on both Jax Mag’s Top 50 Restaurants and Best in Jax lists for many years. 395 Front St., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3017; aquagrill.net). L, D, $$$.

Argyle

Located inside TPC Sawgrass and adjacent to The Yards pickleball and golf club, the menu features jumbo scallops, 14oz. ribeye and PEI mussels. 254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach (395-3114; argylepub. com). L, D, SB

bb’s

Restaurant & Bar

Bb’s specializes in New American fare and treats, giving comfort food an upscale presentation. Menu items include yellowfin tuna tartare and ancho-spiced rotisserie turkey. They also boast an international cheese selection and top-notch desserts. 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (306-0100; bbsrestaurant. com). L, D, SB, $$.

The Bearded Pig

A pair of casual barbecue spots (complete with an oversized chalkboard wall for kids and plenty of TVs) serves turkey, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and the like, counter-style. Owners Chad Munsey and Michael Schmidt both have fine dining backgrounds, so even the standard fare is a bit more grown up than what you might expect at a “Q” joint. And though it’s a meat-fest, there’s truly something for everyone: all of the sides (slaw, collards, mac-n-cheese) are vegetarian. 1224 Kings Ave., San Marco (619-2247); 1700 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach (518-3915) thebeardedpigbbq.com. L, D $$.

Biscottis

This neighborhood landmark for more than two decades special-

izes in innovative updates on old favorites, like meatloaf served with apricot marinara sauce and duck confit pizza (dinner specials change daily). The dessert case is legendary. Casual. 3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (387-2060; biscottis. net). B, L, D, SB, $$.

Blue Bamboo

This restaurant (relocated from the Southside) serves hip, Asian cuisine with a wine lounge and patio dining. Menu items include miso-marinated salmon, Cantonese orange duck, Ahi tuna salad and Mandarin orange cake. 10110 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (6461478; bluebamboojacksonville. com). L, D, $$.

Blue Orchid

Blue Orchid Thai serves authentic Asian fare made with traditional ingredients like Thai basil, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Their pad Thai and dynamite chicken are house favorites. 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (723-1300; blueorchid.menu). L, D, $$.

Bono’s

Pit Bar-B-Q

Meat is the draw at Bono’s Pit BarB-Q, which has been pit-smoking everything from turkey to pork since 1949. Try the Slawpy Pig, a heaping pile of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and served with sides such as fried corn on the cob, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. Multiple locations (880-8310; bonosbarbq.com). L, D, $.

Caffé Andiamo

A copper pizza oven highlights this stylish eatery specializing in frutti di mare, pollo paisano, vongole Positano, and homemade Italian sausage. Caffe Andiamo compliments their Italian fare with a vast wine selection and exudes a modern and relaxing vibe. 225 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2299; caffeandiamo-pvb. com). L, D, $$.

Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila

Located just steps from the historic Bridge of Lions in the heart of Downtown St. Augustine, the new upscale Mexican/Florida Coastal eaterie speciallizes in street tacos and enchiladas as well as short rib, chiles rellenos and tequila lime grouper. Nearly 100 tequilas on offer. 1 Anderson Cir., St. Augustine (295-3847; casareinastaug.com). L, D, $$.

ChopHouse Thirteen

Formerly The Tree Steakhouse, this restaurant offers a sleek, chic dining room. Along with their grilled steaks of 100% Angus beef, they also serve seafood and Continued on page 109

Ticket to Fried

Sink your teeth into some Southern-fried eats from across the First Coast

BY JEFFREY SPEAR

Whether you describe them as juicy, tender, crunchy, crispy, spicy, salty, delectable or finger-licking good, fried foods are a restaurant staple. Here in Jacksonville, with its Southern heritage and an ever-growing interest in nostalgic comfort foods, there are plenty of places to enjoy them all. The best ones seem to be the come-asyou-are, family-style chicken and seafood shacks that have stood the test of time. They’ve been serving up fresh, hot and tasty Southern favorites for decades. If you’ve not yet indulged, it’s time to live large.

If you like things on the spicy side, you’ll want to give Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken in Murray Hill a try. When ordering your chicken, choose from Classic (no spice), Mild, Medium or Hot. For the truly courageous, there’s Hotter Than a Mother Clucker (we’re talking seriously hot), but you may want some Jalapeño Cheese Fritters, Loaded Fries or Fried Pickles to offset that much heat. For first timers looking for Nashville Hot Chicken at its best, the Hughes’ Hot Chicken Sandwich is the way to go. Rumor has it their house-made Banana Pudding is not to be missed.

The Hangar Bay Cafe and Gallery has a dual personality—both Southern fried chicken joint and Japanese ramen shop. Undeniably casual, located close to Hanna Park and Mayport Naval Station, everything is simple, well executed and served without pretense or fanfare. Their most popular dish is Fried Chicken. Other favorites include Fried Mac & Cheese, BFE›s (Best Fries Ever), Fried Okra, Gyoza Puffs (fried puff pastry with chicken), Grit Puppies (hush puppies made with grits) and Fried Biscuits (with butter and honey). To say their menu is eclectic would be an understatement. And yes, the ramen’s pretty good, too.

If you’re heading to St Augustine, O’Steen’s Restaurant has been a popular destination for fresh seafood for nearly 60 years. The famous St. Augustine Fried Shrimp is the best seller.

Hangar Bay

Bold Birds Chicken Sandwich

They also cook up some tasty fried oysters, scallops, local fish, tilapia and catfish. You know it’s the real deal when you find fried chicken gizzards and livers on the menu. Not sure where to start? Their seafood platter has a bit of everything and is always a good choice. If you have room for dessert, people go nuts for their homemade coconut cream, banana cream and chocolate pies.

A good time at Soul Food Bistro starts when you open the door—the unmistakable aroma of down-home country cooking. Whether you visit their Southside or Westside location, the Southern influence is obvious. Starting with their Country Fried Chicken, this is the real deal. There’s also Golden Fried Pork Chops, Fried Tilapia, and Golden Fried Shrimp. But don’t stop there. Your meal wouldn’t be complete without

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Celebrity chef Tiffany Derry will be participating in several events at this year’s St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival, including hosting a cooking demonstration at the five-day fest taking place May 8-12. Derry, a TV cooking show favorite who stepped into the spotlight when she appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef season 7, finishing in the top four. Since then, she has appeared on more than a dozen other shows such as Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay and Bar Rescue. When not

sides. “Slap Yo Mamma” Cornbread (of course), some collard greens, buttered corn and maybe some mac and cheese. It’s clear that comfort food never goes out of style.

With a menu described as globally inspired, The Bread and Board is most certainly Southern-approved. Described as the house that fried chicken built, the place is famous for its Southern Style Buttermilk Chicken. This hand tenderized, buttermilk brined, lightly crusted bird, served with a variety of dipping sauces and house baked bread, outsells everything on the menu. Coming in second is their gluten-free Crispy Cajun Fish, a buttermilk marinated fish breaded with cornmeal and rice flour and a touch of Cajun seasoning. For something slightly different, their Vietnamese Sticky Shrimp Bahn Mi is another favorite. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a palate pleasing experience.

How would you feel about wonderfully fried seafood, a fully stocked bar with all your favorites, and a view of the St Johns River? Singleton’s Seafood Shack on the water’s edge in Mayport has it all. Serving locally sourced seafood since 1969, everything is fresh and prepared to order. Sandwiches and Po Boys feature a choice of fried fish, shrimp, oysters, soft shell crab, clam strips or scallops. If you’re really hungry, the Combo Dinners are sure to hit the spot. Just sit back, enjoy your meal and watch the passing parade of boats. If you’re in time, the sunsets tend to be especially serene u

showcasing her culinary chops on TV, you may find her in the kitchens of her two Texas restaurants, Roots Chicken Shak and Roots Southern Table. Jax Mag recently had the chance to pose some questions to chef Derry. Here’s some of what we talked about.

Jax Mag: What ingredient(s) do you consider the most overrated?

Derry: Extra virgin olive oil. It is known for its deliciousness and health benefits but lots of people use it improperly. There are so many different olive oils on the market. A greater understanding of when to use and not use EVOO is important. Also read the label and see if it is true First Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Q: And how about the most underrated or underused?

A: Dill is one of my favorite herbs and it instantly boosts flavor. Give it a try!

Q: Favorite restaurant anywhere?

A: Such a hard question, but I love Tia Carmen by Angelo Sosa, a good friend of mine. I have a crazy good list of some local Dallas mom-and-pop restaurants, too.

Q: Dish you wish more restaurants would serve?

A: I wish more restaurants served more vegetables and fruits on menus outside of desserts.

Q: You’ve committed a horrible crime. What do you choose as your final meal?

A: My mother’s Gumbo with chicken, sausage, shrimp and crab. It is a hug, love and everything I need in my life.

Q: First restaurant job you held?

A: I worked at IHOP. I went in to be a cook and they said women were not allowed in their kitchen, so I accepted the server role and, after a couple months, I started cooking. Someone didn’t show up and I got the chance to do what I loved. As a server I made $2.13 a hour plus tips!

Q: Dish you think you could prepare to beat Bobby Flay?

A: I have gone up against Bobby once and did not win. Though, I’m not sure I agree [with the judges]. LOL. But he is an incredible friend/mentor and even fiercer competitor. u

Tiffany Derry

The Bread & Board Crispy Cajun Fish

O'Steen's Fried Shrimp

feature a conditioned wine room with ample variety. 11362 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (262-0006; chophouse13.com). L,D, $$$.

City Grille & Raw Bar

New arrival to the San Marco area dining scene features an upscale setting and a menu laden with seafood, steak and seasonal specialties, as well as an extensive wine list with labels from around the globe. 1314 Prudential Dr., Southbank (398-8989, citygrillerawbar.com) . L, D, $$

Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room

A standout in Nocatee’s growing collection of dining spots and shops, the interior is dressed in warm woods, hightop tables, the most breathtaking chandelier you've ever seen, and more bottles of reds, whites and sparkling wines than one could count. New menu additions include Marcona Almond Crusted Goat Cheese & Fig Spread, Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce, and Angus Beef Sliders with Firecracker Sauce. Wines sold by the glass, bottle and three-tasting flights. 641 Crosswater Pkwy., Suite B, Nocatee Town Center (395-3520, coastalwinemarket.com). D, $$.

Coop 303

Coop 303 is known for its regional cuisine featuring hot honey-glazed salmon, chicken and waffles and pulled pork sliders. But the Beaches Town Center restaurant also features local seafood dishes, and is home to the eight-piece fried chicken basket. Coop also has plenty of spots to hang out and sip their signature cocktails: community

tables; alcove booths; a front porch; a rooftop garden; and an upstairs parlor. 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (372-4507; coop303.com). L, D, SB, $$.

Cordova, A Coastal Chophouse & Bar

Situated in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Cordova is the signature restaurant of the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. An extensive menu covers much culinary territory, with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients. Dinner starters include items such as Florida little neck clams and Georgia peach salad. Entrées are highlighted by crab-crusted red snapper, grilled beef tenderloin, and peppercorn-crusted short ribs. Save room for the spiced chocolate cake. Be sure to enjoy cocktails in the Cobalt Lounge. Private dining room available. 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine (819-6018, KesslerCollection.com/costa-bravarestaurant). B, L, D, $$.

Cowford Chophouse

Spread over three levels in a restored building near the foot of the Main Street Bridge, Cowford is an upscale restaurant/rooftop bar combo that specializes in hand-cut steaks and seafood. The menu is flush with items such as tuna tartare, roasted bone marrow and foie gras. A raw bar serves oysters, shrimp cocktail and caviar. For the main course, diners choose between dishes such as bone-in ribeyes and Maine lobster. 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464). D, $$$$.

Cruisers Grill

For more than 20 years, beachgoers have looked to Cruisers

Flying Iguana

Extra Credit

Unf's Student-led initiative is combating food insecurity on campus.

BY ALEXA GONZALEZ

S“tudents serving students” is the motto of the University of North Florida’s on-campus food pantry, Lend-A-Wing . The pantry, an initiative created by students in 2011 and adopted by student government, became a reality in 2012, serving about 30 students a month at the time of its opening. The pantry operates on monetary donations to the university, as well as donations of food and hygiene items. It offers an array of food items including meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, gluten-free items and more.

I n January, the pantry saw its highest number of visits ever, more than 2,200. While staff is glad to see awareness of the resource expanding, there are struggles that come with serving this many students. With the rising cost of groceries, some students are relying on as a primary source of food now more than ever. Food that once lasted a week is flying off the shelves within hours of restocking. The number of items students can take and the number of allowed visits per week have been limited since the need has risen.

“ I have had students tell me that Lend-A-Wing is the only reason they are able to eat,” says Student Director, Bailey Estep, a senior at UNF who began her role in August. The dedication of the pantry’s staff allows it to continue serving students every day. Estep does what she can to raise awareness beyond the campus by creating partnerships with food banks and attending alumni events to educate potential donors on the pantry’s mission and impact. “The pantry is always in need of donations,” she says. “We hope to be able to keep fueling students for success for many years to come.” u

Top Chefs

It’s one of the city’s original foodie fundraisers and it returns for the 38th time this spring. The Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary hosts it annual Celebrity Chefs, a lunchtime fundraiser featuring local celebs including media personalities, business leaders and politicos dishing up samples of their favorite recipes, on Thursday, April 4, 10:30 AM-1 PM, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. “It’s always an honor for us to collaborate with community partners and businesses when we work to serve our community’s needs,” says Major Keath Biggers of the Salvation Army. In addition to eating, guests may partake in a silent auction laden with artwork, jewelry, vacation packages, sport memorabilia and more. Since inception, the event has generated more than $2 million for the organization. Tickets are $35 and $40 and purchase includes a copy of a cookbook containing the recipes of the dishes served at the event. u

LET'S ROLL!

Sandwiches have come along way since 1762 when John Mantagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, is said to have asked for a serving of roast beef to be placed between two slices of bread. Locally, a restaurant in Ponte Vedra has its own bit of sandwich creation lore. Fifty years ago, Sara Frasca’s grandparents are said to have created the Panino at a family restaurant in Colorado. Today, the rolled up Italian sandwich— which kind of resembles a sauceless burrito—is the heart of the menu at Trasca & Co. Eatery. The recipe starts with a secret family dough made fresh each morning. Next, meats, cheeses and vegetables are added, before rolling and baking to a golden brown. “From turkey avocado to spaghetti pie (a mix of mozzarella, spaghetti pasta, house marinara and parmesan), there’s a Panino for everyone,” says Sara. For our money, you can’t go wrong the spicy Sawgrass shrimp ($15), a combination of blackened shrimp, Italian sausage, Swiss, tomato, Romaine lettuce and basil vinaigrette dressing. u

Grill for their signature burger and cheese fries served with ranch dressing. Grilled chicken, country fried steak, turkey and melted Swiss—the sandwich lineup is tops. They offer all the classics, plus newer options like a housemade fried bologna sandwich. 319 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (270-0356). L, D, $.

Culhane’s Irish Pubs & Restaurants

Straight from Limerick, Ireland, the four sisters who operate the city’s two Culhane’s pubs draw legions of regulars with classics such as Scotch Eggs and Guinness Beef Stew. Bangers N’ Mash, Corned Beef N’ Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Cheese-Crusted Cod—the flavors of the Emerald Isle live here. Full bar. 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-9595); 9720 Deer Lake Ct., Southside (619-3177), culhanesirishpub.com. L, D, SB, $$

Eleven South Bistro

This upscale eatery features an extensive wine list, mesquite wood grill and outdoor patio. Seafood martini, lobster mac and cheese, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and mesquite-grilled certified Angus beef tenderloin highlight the menu. 216 11th Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (241-1112;elevensouth.com). L, D, $$$$.

Ember & Iron

An 8-foot oak-burning grill is the heart of the kitchen, searing and smoking house specialties such as lemon and herb roasted fish, ribeyes and seared salmon. Brunch favorites include buttermilk chicken, cast iron French toast and steak and eggs Benedict. 60 Shops Blvd., #80., St. Johns (531-5185; emberandiron. com). D, SB, $$$.

The Fish Company

With a crowded raw bar and a wide variety of locally caught seafood, The Fish Co. offers a little something for everyone. Chef Bill Pinner’s menu combines signature items like fried Mayport shrimp with favorite small plate dishes, changing weekly. The restaurant offers several specials throughout the week. 725-12 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (246-0123; thefishcojax.com). L, D. $$$.

Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar

As a tequila bar and grill located in Neptune Beach (and now in Avondale), the Flying Iguana represents one of the liveliest dining options in Duval. Specializing in Latin-American cuisine and expansive cocktail possibilities, the restaurant also hosts live music and has only one rule:

Good Vibes Only. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (853-5680, flyingiguana.com); Iguana on Park, 3638 Park St., Avondale (834-8383, iguanaonpark.com). L, D, SB, $$

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

There are a handful of Harry’s peppered around Florida, including a waterfront location in St. Augustine across from the Bridge of Lions. The eatery brings Louisiana flavor to the regional seafood scene, serving up Cajun and Creole dishes such as French-baked scallops, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée. 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). L, D, $$.

JJ’s Liberty Bistro

Open since 1994, JJ’s Liberty Bistro is a family-run establishment offering one of the largest selections of wine in Jacksonville. The restaurant hosts frequent wine dinners featuring some of the largest wine producers around the world, including Chateau L’Angelus, Veuve Clicquot, and Plumpjack. You’ll find hundreds of different bottles in the retail store, as well as the finest cheeses, caviars, and homemade desserts. Stop by the ice cream and chocolate/macaron shop located just next door. 330 A1A N., Suite 209, Ponte Vedra (273-7980; jjbistro.com/pontevedra). L, D, $$$.

Le Petit Paris Café

A little slice of France in the River City, the chef-owned establishment specializes in toasted croissants, quiches and baguette sandwiches. Le Parisien is a classic French hand-held with ham, Swiss and salted butter. The Le Flore salad is a must-try with smoked salmon, tzatiziki cream, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, dill and mixed greens. Sweets include fresh pastries, macaron and pound cakes. Don’t overlook the espresso or cappuccino. Market offers imported foods, condiments and beverages. Pet-friendly patio. 9965 San Jose Blvd., Suite 46, San Jose (512-7777, lepetitparisjax.com). B, L, $.

Matthew’s Restaurant

A fine-dining experience in historic San Marco. The menu is comprised of French and Mediterranean dishes crafted by Chef Alex Yim and also possesses a vast wine selection. Menu items include venison carpaccio, Maine diver scallops, and Osetra caviar. 2107 Hen dricks Ave., San Marco (396-9922; matthewsrestaurant. com). D, $$$$.

Continued on page 116

Foodie Fete

The sauce and the spirits were flowing at the fourth annual Bourbon & Brisket, a fundraiser benefitting Feeding Northeast Florida that featured smoked eats from Strings Sports Brewery, Bono’s Put Bar-B-Que, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, 1748 Bakehouse, and Mixed Fillings Pie Shop. Pouring the cocktails were Manifest Distilling and St. Augustine Distillery and others. The event, which drew some 400 guests, raises awareness about food insecurity and financial support for Feeding Northeast Florida’s work to provide healthy food and resources for more than 260,000 individuals experiencing food insecurity in the food bank’s 12-county service area. u

Spring Fling

One of Northeast Florida’s largest annual food festivals returns this spring. The 41st St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival splashes down April 6 and 7 at Francis Field, located just north of the Castillo de San Marcos. Of course, the primary attraction of the festival is the boatloads of shrimp, fish and crabs, as well as other tasty eats being served at dozens of vendor tents. In addition, there will be live music, an Arts & Crafts Village, and the Pirates Landing kids play area. Be on the lookout for Captain Mayhem and his wenches and crew here. Plus, there will be axe throwing (adults only), vintage stuff vendors, a mechanical bull, rock climbing wall and bounce houses. Festival hours are Saturday, 10 AM-9 PM, and Sunday, 11 AM-6 PM. Kids are welcome and those 12 and under are admitted free. Pets? Only certified service animals, please. Tickets, $10, at 904TIX.com.

A Star is Born

visiting atlanta's

latest

top chef destination

Michelin-starred restaurants are few and far between in this neck of the woods. Among the closest would be the handful located in Orlando, many inside in the city’s numerous upscale resort properties. As for Northeast Florida? Nope, not a one. Heading north to Atlanta, diners have several options, and among the newest to receive the prestigious culinary distinction is Atlas, located inside the St. Regis Atlanta hotel.

Bringing an innovative approach to traditional cooking, Atlas’ executive chef Freddy Money incorporates American and European influences to offer dishes that tell a story and leave a lasting impression. Partnerships with local farms allow the restaurant to use  fresh and seasonal produce for dishes such as poached halibut composed with beets and citrus and chicken panade with black truffle, miso carrot and jus gras.

The setting is as sophisticated as the menu, highlighted by an extraordinary collection of 20th century modern art. The 101-seat dining room and Tavern is adorned with museum-caliber works, featuring both a rotating installation and mainstay masterpieces by Picasso, Freud, Bacon, Soutine, van Gogh and Chagall.

Additionally, the 5-star St. Regis houses Astor Court, open for lunch, brunch and its signature Afternoon Tea service. Plus, there’s the St. Regis Bar, serving creative cocktails, an extensive wine list and small bites, and the enchanting Garden Room, an immersive bar and fine dining experience in one. u

Season's Greeting

The Green Orchid by Michael’s On East opened earlier this year, making Selby Gardens in Sarasota home to a fully solar-powered restaurant, which will become the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant by generating more energy than it consumes. “The new restaurant is a great fit for Selby Gardens, with a focus on sustainability and providing wonderful dishes with ingredients from local farms and our rooftop garden (pictured),” says Selby president and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki. The menu will change seasonally, incorporating vegetarian and vegan options, with dishes such as Cape Malay street tacos and lavender-infused creme brulee. “We are focused on making the garden-to-table offerings atThe Green Orchid both fresh and distinctive,” says Michael Klauber, co-proprietor of Michael’s On East. “Doing garden-to-table well—especially while using electric and induction cooking techniques— requires a high level of skill and inventiveness. We believe that visitors will be impressed.” The 150-seat establishment serves 11 AM to 3 PM daily. Admission to Selby Gardens’ 15-acre downtown Sarasota campus is required to visit Green Orchid. u

For an out-of-this-world twist on the classic Old Fashioned, check out the Black Hole Fashioned poured at Space 220 Restaurant, located inside Disney’s EPCOT near TestTrack. The restaurant servers fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner, $55 and $79 respectively, including themed dishes such as Starry Calamari, Big Bang Burrata and Galactic Miso Salmon. Plus, as is served in eateries scattered across the park, there’s a bar pouring cocktails.

The combined flavors of Knob Creek bourbon whiskey, Demerara syrup and whiskey barrel-aged bitters create a deceptively dark zero-gravity take on the drink with a blast of citrus smoke. Here’s how you make one at home.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Knob Creek

.25 oz Demerara syrup

3 Dashes Whiskey barrelaged bitters

Orange peel for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients into a mixing beaker. Add ice and stir 30 times.

Strain into rocks glass over large ice (best with julep strainer). Express oils of orange peel and garnish with peel. Note: Space 220 serves their Black Hole Fashioned with citrus smoke; however, the cocktail is still delicious without it. u

Atlas Dining Room

Restaurant Medure

This restaurant features highend favorites like escargot and caviar, while also making room for classics like meatloaf. Their menu features global cuisine with a local influence, ranging from handcrafted pasta to duck leg confit poutine. 818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797; restaurantmedure.com). D, $$$.

Mellow Mushroom

With more than 200 locations around the country, Mellow Mushroom has garnered a loyal following for its stone-baked pizza flavor combinations and for offering up craft beer, premium imports and local favorites. Menu features baked chicken wings, spinach artichoke dip and a dozen house speciality pizzas. Multiple area locations: Avondale, Fleming Island, Southside, River City, Jacksonville Beach (mellowmushroom. com). L, D, $$.

Mezza Luna Ristorante

Located in the heart of the Beaches Town Center, this long-time neighborhood favorite offers seating on their covered patio, formal dining room, and lounge that often hosts live music. The lengthy dinner menu includes Mediterranean favorites like linguine and clams, pan-seared bronzino and woodfired pizzas. 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573; mezzalunajax. com). D, $$$.

Midtown Table

A culinary concept from the Medure Brothers, this Gate Parkway eatery specializes in all-things

Italian. That means appetizers run the gamut from seasonal burrata to meatballs with house-made bread. Entrées include fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizza, and heartier fare (like pork marsala and salt-baked zucchini). 5016 Gate Pkwy., Jacksonville (503.4122; midtowntable.medurebrothers. com). L, D, $$.

Mojo Bar-B-Que

This regional chain showcases Southern barbecue styles like Texas and North Carolina, including everything from burnt ends to pulled pork. Their restaurants celebrate blues, with their Avondale location boasting one of the city’s most expansive whiskey selections and their Jacksonville Beach location featuring live music. 1607 University Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-7200, mojobbq.com); 1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-6636); 1810 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island (264-0636); 3572 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (3816670); 5 Cordova St., St. Augustine (342-5264). L, D, $$.

Nineteen

Located inside the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, this fine-dining restaurant matches the high quality you would expect for a place that hosts The Players Championship. The menu is dominated by seafood and local fare, like lime pepper-crusted tuna and ribeye steak. The broad back patio overlooks the golf course. Sawgrass Clubhouse, Ponte Vedra Beach (273-3238; tpcsawgrass. com). B, L, D, $$.

Salt Life Food Shack

KILLER MACARONI & CHEESE

Local author Jeffrey Spear knows his way around a kitchen. Lots and lots of kitchens, in fact. In his book, My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure, Spears shares stories and recipes gleaned throughout his life, from a childhood in Baltimore to excursions to exotic locations around the globe. “Living to eat is no longer an admission of gluttony or a problem of self-control,” he says. “It has, in fact, become a badge of honor.” An honor he readily shares in My Life in Gluttony (294 page paperback, $19), available at the Bookmark in Neptune Beach and online at Amazon. Here, he shares a recipe for deliciously gluttonous Mac and Cheese.

INGREDIENTS

8 tablespoons butter, divided

1 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup flour

3 cups whole milk, additional if needed

3 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar

1 cup grated Parmesan

1 cup mascarpone

salt & pepper, to taste

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

1 pound rotelle (or elbow macaroni)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F.

2. In a 4-quart saucepan, melt 4 tablespoon butter, then sauté the onion until soft. Add the pepper and garlic and stir.

3. Whisk in flour, followed by the milk, a little at a time, making sure the consistency is kept smooth.

4. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the mixture is thick enough to coat a spoon, about five minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Stir in the cheeses, adding additional

milk (if needed) to keep the sauce from getting too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. In a large skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add the panko, stirring until lightly browned, then set aside. Mix in the parsley when slightly cooled.

7. In a separate pot, cook the pasta, until al dente. Drain thoroughly. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce together.

8. Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan. Pour in the pasta mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over top.

9. Bake 350º F for 30 minutes or until top is nicely browned. Serve immediately.

NOTE: This recipe is best served freshly made and straight from the oven. Serves 10 u

O-Ku Sushi

O-Ku offers upscale Japanese cuisine, a rooftop bar and patio and seafood from fish markets in Tokyo, Hawaii and here locally. Check out the chef specialties and small plates like tuna crudo, Agedashi tofu and O-Ku rock shrimp or just go straight for the rolls including Neptune’s Beard (shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy aioli, sweet soy, chive) and the Firecracker (crispy panko fried roll with spicy salmon, avocado, cucumber, goat cheese mousse, sweet soy). 502 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (694-2770, o-kusushi.com). D, $$$.

Restaurant Orsay

An upscale French bistro with local, Southern flavor, meals at Restaurant Orsay are the epitome of a high-end dining experience. The chef-owned restaurant offers an extensive drink selection and some of the best oysters in the city, having won Best in Jax multiple times. 3630 Park St., Avondale (381-0909; restaurantorsay.com). D, SB, $$$$.

Peony Asian Bistro

Known for their modern interpretations of classic Chinese dishes, their strip mall location belies the quality of their Cantonese-style plates and inviting atmosphere. Peony offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery. A must order is the peking duck. 10586 Old St. Augustine Rd., Mandarin (268-3889). L, D, $$.

Philly’s Finest

When you call yourself Philly’s Finest, you better bring the Cheesesteak magic. For the love of Pat’s and Geno’s, they’ve been doing just that for two decades at the Jax Beach sandwich institution. American, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses, sautéed onions, mushrooms, pickles, sweet peppers, black olives, Cheese Whiz—each order can be customized to one’s liking for about $15. Order a side of the Old Bay fries, too. 1527 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (241-7188, phillys-finest. com). L, D, $$.

Poe’s Tavern

Located at the end of Atlantic Blvd. in the heart of the Beaches lies a gourmet burger joint where you can experience an ample beer selection and the cool breeze of the ocean from their outside seating area. Each menu item is named after one of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous stories, including the Tell-Tale Heart, a half-pound bacon and cheddar burger topped off with a fried egg. 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic

Beach (241-7637; poestavern. com). L,D, $.

Ragtime Tavern

Open for more than 20 years, Ragtime is Northeast Florida’s oldest microbrewery. The menu is loaded with items like shrimp bruschetta, Louisiana crawfish and sautéed mussels. Try the bistro filet and crab-stuffed shrimp, Cajun fettuccine or the sesame tuna. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7877; ragtimetavern. com). L, D, SB, $$.

River & Post

Rooftop bars are popping up all over Northeast Florida. Arguably one of the best can be enjoyed at River & Post. The restaurant specializes in upscale American fare—seared hanger steak, shrimp and grits, grilled salmon almondine. Small plates, charcuterie, sushi rolls and flatbreads are available on the rooftop. 1000 Riverside Ave., Riverside (575-2366; riverandpostjax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.

RP’s Fine Food & Drink

RP’s serves local fish and fresh produce inside a casual beach setting. The menu features items such as conch fritters, a crab cake BLT, and Shrimp 308—sautéed local shrimp doused in spicy Cajun butter over rice with hushpuppies. 1183 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach (853-5094; rpsjaxbeach.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.

Rue Saint-Marc

Led by executive chef Scott Alters, Rue Saint-Marc strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort by serving decadent menu items like halibut meunière while maintaining exceptional service and a quaint atmosphere, all just steps from the heart of San Marco Square. 2103 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (619-0861; ruesaintmarc.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.

Safe Harbor Seafood

Fresh, locally caught seafood is the calling card for Safe Harbor. That’s not surprising, as customers can practically see the shrimp boats of Mayport from the restaurant’s front door. It’s easy to see why hungry diners have been drifting here for years. Sure, the menu is laden with clams, oysters, crab cakes and other seafood standards, but sometimes a basket of fried shrimp, slaw, fries and hush puppies is a little slice of heaven. 4378 Ocean St., Mayport (246 4911, safeharbor-seafood.com). L, D, $$.

Salt Life Food Shack

“Salt Life” is a ubiquitous phrase in Northeast Florida, and for

many represents a lifestyle of relaxing fun and, above all, love for our adjacent ocean. This restaurant channels that vibe in a dining experience and a seafood-heavy menu designed to appeal to all locals and beach-lovers who enter, ranging from tuna poke bowls to Boca-style grouper. 1018 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-4456; saltlifefoodshack.com); 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. L, D, $$.

Sliders Oyster Bar

With its open-air bar and broad covered patio, Sliders oozes beaches vibes and charm. A sister restaurant of Safe Harbor Seafood, diners rest assured the fish, shrimp, and shellfish are going to be the freshest around. The raw bar serves all the seafood staples like steamed clams, peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters on the half-shell. The oysters Rockefeller is baked with spinach, parmesan, provolone and breadcrumbs. The oysters “Godzilla” are served raw with seaweed salad, cucumber wasabi and the house “pirate” sauce. 218 1st St., Neptune Beach (246-0881, slidersoysterbar.com). L, D, $$.

TacoLu

In a style described as Baja Mexicana, this uber popular restaurant serves nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and about any kind of taco you desire, with fish tacos being their specialty. TacoLu fulfills their niche well, and it’s what earned them the designation of “Best Tacos” in the city in our Best In Jax reader’s poll. Oh, and they have over 100 types of tequila and mezcal. 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (249-TACO; tacolu.com). L, D, SB, $.

Taqueria Cinco

mozzarella are house-made, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood oven at the back of the dining room. 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; taverna.restaurant). L, D, SB, $$.

Taverna Oceana

The recently opened next door neighbor to sister eatery Taverna, Sam and Kiley Efron’s latest specializes in fruits of the sea. The raw bar serves classics like oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail and caviar. Dinner features lobster thermador, hot-smoked salmon and pasta primavera. 1988 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; oceana. restaurant). L, D, $$

Town Hall

Sourcing produce from local farms, Town Hall brings American fare with a West Coast influence to Florida. They encourage a sense of community in their dining experience, emphasized by comfy couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches such as outlets in the bar area. 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax. com). D, SB, $$$.

Vernon’s First Coast Kitchen & Bar

Located at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, this restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and seafood, and provides an exceptional wine list. Sunday brunch features farm-to-table classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits with gravy. 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-7777). B, D, $$$.

Whitey’s Fish Camp

Located in funky Five Points, this restaurant focuses on providing top-notch hospitality while serving authentic Mexican eats. If you come on a Friday or Saturday, be sure to try their Al Pastor. Happy hour food and drink specials available Mon.-Fri. from 3-6:30. Closed Sundays. 809 Lomax St., Riverside (312-9113; taqueria5points.com). L, D, $$.

Taverna

Taverna offers authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Its focused menu brings out the best in Mediterranean flavors, producing dishes like antipasto and orecchiette. All of their pasta and

Not many restaurants double as an RV park. That hospitality, combined with homespun ultra casual décor produces a Southern atmosphere at Whitey’s Fish Camp that is, above all, authentic. The seafood is fresh and specialities include beer-battered fried grouper, North-of-the-border steamed snow crab legs, a shrimp boil, and all-you-can-eat catfish. Check out the deck, tiki bar and dock, where you can even arrive by boat. 2032 C.R. 220, Orange Park (269-4198; whiteysfish-camp. com). L, D, $$. u

Send food and restaurant news, ideas or questions to mail@ jacksonvillemag.com.

Only in Florida

Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State

Late last year, a Florida man was pulled over by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office for driving a truck with an exterior that was painted to look similar to a law enforcement vehicle, the U.S. Border Patrol, specifically. The truck, adorned with red and blue lights, had the words “Booty Patrol” painted on the back. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle and driver, who had been spotted across Southeast Florida, was cited under a law that prohibits vehicle lights that resemble those of law enforcement or other government agencies.

“Until you’ve got your hands around one like this, it’s hard to comprehend,” wrote Mike Elfenbein on Facebook following the capture of a 17-foot, 198-pound Burmese python at Big Cypress National Preserve in November. At 17 feet, two inches long and nearly 200 pounds, the snake was the second-heaviest ever caught in Florida. In total, it took five people to subdue the python, a species that is actively hunted in the Everglades because it threatens native wildlife. The largest invasive snake ever caught in Florida was a 215-pound python trapped in June of 2023.

It likely wasn’t much of a merry Christmas for Pennsylvanian Michael Lessa, 23. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Lessa was arrested in December and charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly intoxication. His arrest report states that, while drunk and shoeless, he “sexually molested” a manatee statue at

Rick’s Reef, a St. Pete Beach bar and restaurant. In addition, Lessa was observed throwing alligator nuggets, got into a physical altercation with an employee and went into an obscenity-laced tirade at the nearby Postcard Inn hotel. During his arrest, officers discovered additional gator nuggets in Lessa's pockets.

“ No alligators were harmed or removed from the area, as result of this investigation.” So began a November statement from the U.S. Forest Service following an incident when a scuba diver at the Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest was bitten on the head by a nine-foot alligator. The Forest Service’s statement included a reminder that the nature park is home to many species of native wildlife. “Please watch your step and be aware of your environment, for your safety and those around you.” A few days later, a second scuba diver was bitten by a gator, also on the head.

Some residents in the Tampa Bay area are having trouble falling asleep of late, reportedly kept awake at night because of a “drumming” sound vibrating through their homes. One local scientist, Dr. James Locascio of Mote Marine, believes the noises are coming from boisterous mating fish. Black drum, which can grow to more than 60 inches in length, are capable of emitting low-frequency drumming sounds by flexing certain muscles. In January, researchers were planning to place microphones in the Bay to determine the cause of the sounds. u