Tampa Style Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

TAMPA’S GOT STYLE - 9 YEARS & COUNTING...

®

THE CITY’S WHO’S WHO & WHAT TO DO©

F E AT U R I N G

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS

$3

.95 • S

/OC T 2019

o. 05. • •N

FALL FASHION

EP

VOL.I X ::

On stands until Nov. 15

OF THE YEAR

COOL SHOTS

Socialize

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY

813area.com

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

Seminole Hard Rock - St. Pete Pride Parade

Downtown Crawlers: Rompers & Mimosas

Seminole Hard Rock Guys 2019 Unveiling Photos

Metrocon 2019

81Bay Brewing: Buzzed Spelling Bee

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Martinis for Moffitt 2019

Instagram: @tampastylemag | Twitter: @tampastyle | Facebook: tampastyle

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA Tampa Bay Times Masterworks

Opening Night

Michael Francis conducts a melting pot of music that reflects Tampa Bay, with Cuban pianist Aldo Lopez-Gavilan on Grieg’s instantly identifiable Piano Concerto, Ravel’s Bolero, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Mason Bates’ Mothership and Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3.

Sept 27 - 29

© Copyright Beatles Book Photo Library (BBPL)

Raymond James Pops

REVOLUTION: Music of the Beatles - A Symphonic Experience Oct 4 - 6 All music under license from Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC and Harrisongs LTD. All photos under license from The Beatles Book Photo Library. The show is not endorsed by or connected to Apple Corps or The Beatles.

Tampa Bay Times Masterworks

Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony Oct 11 - 13

Raymond James Pops

Latin Pops Oct 25 & 26 TH E F LO R I DA ORCHESTRA

LISTEN LOCAL | Concerts in Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286

SVEN J. BODE Publisher Associate Publisher JONATHAN FRIESE jonathan@stylepublications.com Advertising TAMPA STYLE 321.281.4589 Proofreader COURTNEY CAGGIANO Human Resources APPLY NOW info@styletome.com

CATHLEEN K. BODE Editor-in-Chief CMO & National Sales SVEN J. BODE sven@styletome.com Executive Sales Director LOUISE KENNEDY louise@orlandostylemag.com Account Manager DAVID HARRIS david@stylepublications.com Graphic Designer ELIZABETH A. MEJIA liz@stylepublications.com

TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Circulation Manager JOEL D. J. Newsstand Distribution THE NEWS GROUP & ANC FASHION Fashion Director CATHLEEN K. BODE PHOTOGRAPHY Contributing Photographers MARLIESE CARMONA, BRION PRICE, SUSAN JEFFERS, NATASHA SMITH, BEN SCOTT, GREG ALEXANDER, KATE POWERS, KIMBERLY JEFCOAT JESSIE DEE, KIM MYERS ROBERTSON, SVEN J. BODE & JONATHAN FRIESE EDITORIAL Writers LOU MILANO, MARK NEJAME, CATHLEEN K. BODE, RIESA PASCAL, COURTNEY CAGGIANO, DANA DAMATO, ASSOCIATED PRESS + MANY OTHERS

Intern SARA CODY

Founder & CEO SVEN J. BODE

Advisory Board Sven J. Bode, Cathleen K. Bode, Julie Weintraub, Susan Jeffers, Michael Blitch, Rainer Scheer, Joe Sabatini, Edland Man, Greg Alexander, Eddie Baute, Lou Milano, Tammara Kohler, Martin Capristan, Mike Piper, Brandi L. Kamenar, Ken Walters, Josephine Schaaf , Natasha Nascimento...

ISSN: 1553-2011 Published monthly, TAMPA STYLE® is a registered Trademark. The City’s No. 1 Magazine of Style, Don’t Miss The Beat, In Case You Missed It, Dirty Laundry, Kitchen Talk, Life Line, Travel ‘N Style, Power Couple, T-Style, Our Town, Dining In Style, Tampa Now, Elite Doctors, Eye Care, Cool Shots, Best Cellars and Real World are © Copyrights 2015 by TAMPA STYLE®. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. TAMPA STYLE®, its officers, staff members or writers do not warrant the accuracy of or resume responsibility for any of the material contained herein. Freelance photographers are responsible for their copyrights. All photo materials, letters and text submitted to TAMPA STYLE® automatically become property of TAMPA STYLE MAGAZINE®. Email inquiries to: info@styletome.com. Subscriptions are available in the US $19.87 per year and Canada for $45 per year. To distribute Tampa Style Magazine at your business please email info@styletome.com TAMPA STYLE® is published bi-monthly by Style Magazines 9100 Conroy Windermere Rd. Ste. 200, Windermere, FL 34786 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tampa Style, 9100 Conroy Windermere Rd. Ste. 200, Windermere, FL 34786 PRINTED IN THE USA.

Printed on recycled paper.

Please recycle after use.

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C

ONTRIBUTORS

GREG ALEXANDER Greg Alexander is a world citizen who travels the planet to transmute all the quintessence of femininity on glazed paper. If he nourishes an atavistic passion for Greece, the ground of his ancestors, it’s in Paris that he has found his home port. As a photographer, he continues his dream of perfection because, according to him, “the photograph is a kind of plastic surgery which is able to modulate a face ad infinitum!” His vision of beauty is fragile, transitory, a little kitsch and inevitably fatal.

RIESA PASCAL Riesa was born in London, England and now resides in sunny Orlando, Florida. She is a proud graduate of Florida State University where she double majored in creative writing and communication. In addition to editorial writing, Riesa is also deeply passionate about broadcast journalism and currently freelances as a TV personality with various networks in Central Florida. You can learn more about Riesa at her website: RiesaPascal.com

COURTNEY CAGGIANO Courtney was born in Miami and currently resides in Orlando, Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BA degree in English Literature, where she developed her passion for the written word.

She pursues all forms of writing, including journalism, nonfiction, critical literary analysis, and songwriting. In her free time, Courtney also performs as a musician and guitarist in the Orlando area.

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YOUR DINING SET LIST

5223 N ORIENT RD, TAMPA FL 33610

SEMINOLEHARDROCKTAMPA.COM

#HARDROCKTAMPA

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Dear Readers, At Tampa Style, we are continuously dedicated in providing you with high quality selections of the best professionals and businesses for your needs. With your votes and recommendations, along with voting tools on our websites and research through their peers, we are showcasing in this issue as we always do in our Fall issue, our “Attorney’s of the Year” feature, which brings you profiles of this city’s most reputable attorneys who have exemplified a standard of excellence in their profession. You’ll also find helpful tips on how to find the right Lawyer/Attorney for your needs in this issue and on our websites. For your convenience, we created a special dedicated website that will bring you year around updates and new developments in this field. Check out: www.attorneysoftheyear.net Summer in Tampa is once again coming to a close, and after a long season of soaking up the Florida sun, fall is on its way. While it is often difficult to say goodbye to the warm summer days, with this change in weather comes all the wonderful new trends of fall fashion. Each year, September is the perfect time to explore our unique local shops and boutiques and start adding some fun additions to your wardrobe for the cooler months.

Our Fall Fashion issue of Tampa Style Magazine brings you a beautifully-curated collection of this season’s latest looks that will help you transition from weekends at the beach to elegant evenings out in the brisk fall air. With so many newly released styles from the finest designers making their way into your favorite stores, we hope that this Fall Fashion issue will serve as your own personal stylist for all of the events to come in the next few months. Our helpful and entertaining articles and fashion photo series will allow you to discover all that the top tastemakers and trendsetters are creating this season. You’ll also find simple, everyday tips for expressing your own personal style as you begin to reinvent your look for fall.

At Tampa Style, innovative fashion is one of our favorite parts of September, but this month’s issue additionally brings you inspiring ideas for you to enjoy all that our exciting city has to offer. With thrilling fall events at our world-class theme parks to seasonal happenings and highly anticipated music performances, Tampa is full of ways to make this fall a season to remember.

Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to you, our loyal readers, for being such a vital part of our publication, month after month. In addition to our talented writers, designers, and advertisers, our readers play a significant role in keeping Tampa Style Magazine the leading lifestyle publication in the Tampa Bay area. As always, we are so grateful to bring you an issue that will inspire, encourage, and inform you this month, and many months to come.

So, as we look forward to this coming fall, be sure to go out and enjoy those final few hot, humid summer nights before we begin the “cool” season.

Sincerely,

Sven J. Bode Publisher

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3800 ULMERTON ROAD CLEARWATER, FL 33762 727 - 573 - 9351 GOLDANDDIAMOND.COM

Visit your family jeweler...

Before you ask those 4 little words.

3800 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL 33762 727-573-2351 GoldandDiamond.com

FEATURES

22 BEST FRIENDS

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TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

TAMPA’S GOT STYLE - 16 YEARS & COUNTING...

®

THE CITY’S WHO’S WHO & WHAT TO DO©

F E AT U R I N G

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS

/OC T 2019

$3

.95 • S

EP

o. 05. • •N

FALL FASHION

VOL.I X ::

On stands until Nov. 15

OF THE YEAR

Cover: Elena Iv-skaya

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22

OFFSHORE SPEED

16 / OUR TOWN

22 / BEST FRIENDS

Offshore Speed

By Megan Miller

Beardie Buddies

By Alyssa Asaro

18 / OUR TOWN

24 / STYLE MD

Howl-O-Scream

By Emily Jensen

40 Is Sometimes the New 20, but Mostly, It’s Still 40

21/ EVENTS What’s Happening Tampa

26 / TOYS 2020 Range Rover Evoque & Mini Countryman SAV

By Dawn Harris Sherling. M.D., F.A.C.P.

CONTENTS

36

28 / ARTS & CULTURE Tampa Museum Of Art 36 / FASHION Fall-Winter 2019 Paris Fashion Week 48 / FASHION French Haute Couture Photography by Greg Alexander 56 / BEAUTY Restore Your Summer Skin

Fashion

57 / GROOMING Hot Iron for Beards

By Alyssa Asaro 58 / DON’T MISS THE BEAT

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56

Restore Your Summer Skin

J Balvin

By Courtney Caggiano 60 / CELEBRITY SOUP Celebs You Forgot Were Engaged

By Riesa Pascal 62 / DESIGN

BARFLY - YOUR NEW FAVORITE FALL DRINKS

5886 62 J Balvin

©Copyright 2019 by Tampa Style Magazine®. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography or illustration only with written permission of the publisher. Tampa Style Magazine, its officers, staff members or writers do not warrant the accuracy of or resume responsibility for any of the material contained herein.

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Design

Scandinavian Mod 65 / TAMPA’S ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR Special Promotional Feature

All letters, text and photo material received become property of Tampa Style Magazine®. Subscriptions are available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico for $19.95 per year and Canada for $45 per year.

For more information go online or email info@StyleToMe.com

Instagram: @tampastylemag | Twitter: @tampastyle | Facebook: tampastyle

SEPTEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 24

©Disney

Calling all foodies—get ready for an irresistible weekend of mouthwatering gourmet tastings, exquisite wine pairings and an extra helping of magic.

Our epic Food & Wine Weekends event returns with an impressive menu of culinary treats and activities, and new Disney perks, including Disney’s Extra Magic Hours Benefit, Disney’s FastPass+ Service (up to 60 days in advance), and of course complimentary transportation to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and all Disney parks. Weekends never tasted so good.

For reservations, call 888-353-2009 or visit WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com/Fall HiltonBonnetCreek.com/Fall

OUR TOWN

OFFSHORE SPEED

Clearwater’s 11th Super Boat National Championship

On your mark, get set, go! In it’s 11th year, the annual Hooters Clearwater Super Boat National Championship returns to the beautiful Clearwater Beach Sept. 27-29. The restaurant chain that started in Clearwater presents a weekend of unforgettable watercraft competition with incredible drivers tackling the gulf waters at prestigious speeds of nearly 200 mph!

Spectators will line the beach’s powder white sand against the 2.5-mile-long race course, fully experiencing the fun and thrill of boat racing, awaiting the national title to be respectfully given away. However, the action doesn’t stop with the powerful boat races. Guests can go to meet and greets with the race teams, watch the super boat parade, and indulge in Clearwater’s delicious cuisine.

The featured super boats are some of the fastest and largest offshore power boats in the world.

Equipped with F-16 jet canopies, these boats are controlled by a two-man team, a driver who steers the direction, and a throttleman responsible for operating up to four engines with the capability of producing more than 6,000 horsepower. The partnership and connection needed to race these monstrous boats has been perfected down to a science to reach maximum speeds.

Clearwater’s high energy event is thrilling whether a boat race enthusiast or not. The event is free, but there are VIP packages for those seeking vantage viewing points including race day cruises where you can watch the race on the water.

A variety of appreciated sponsors will help optimize this action-packed weekend. Host

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hotels include the Sandpearl Resort, Wyndham Grand, and the Sheraton. Along with the host hotels, partnering hotels such as the Hilton, the Hampton, Edge, Hyatt Regency, and the Marriott will offer VIP watch parties and special deals and offers.

Help is needed! If you want to help make the magic happen, willing volunteers are encouraged and can receive more information at www.clearwatersuperboat.com.

The action comes off water with various dining specials and race day activities held by local businesses. Many events and activities will lead up to race day on Sunday, Sept. 29.

On Friday, Sept. 27, the green flag will drop at the Baystar Race Village at Coachman Park, where the famous super boats will be lined up ready for wide-eyed guests to take in. Attendees can also get up close and personal with the talent behind the super speed. Racer meet and greets offer autograph and photo opportunities.

The excitement continues Saturday with the Rock the Block Party in front of Tony’s Pizza & Bar with free admission. From 6-9pm at Pier 60, there will be fireworks, vendors, and live entertainment. Not to mention if you have a VIP pass, you get a free ice cream cone! And at 7pm, the Calendar Girls of Hooters will be introduced, followed by a performance by The Romantics presented by Hooters. Ending the night Shepards Beach Resort VIP party starts at 8pm, those with VIP passes get free entry.

The party doesn’t stop after the races on Sunday! So don’t forget to stick around for after parties and awards!

Race Day Schedule Sunday, September 29th 9 am - Pier 60 Race Viewing Opens (No coolers or chairs permitted) 12 pm - SUPER BOAT RACE HEAT 1 Super Boat Stock, Super Boat Vee, Production 3 & 4

1:30 pm - SUPER BOAT RACE HEAT 2 Super Boat Unlimited, Super Boat Extreme

3 pm - SUPER BOAT RACE HEAT 3 Super Boat

OUR TOWN

BY MEGAN MILLER

TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM | 17

OUR TOWN

“TAKE ON TERRIFYING HOUSES AND HAUNTED HORDES...

ONCE YOU’RE IN THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR BUT EVERYTHING.” Photo Courtesy of Busch Gardens

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OUR TOWN

HOWL-O-SCREAM Fear the Unexpected B Y E M I LY J E N S E N

Behold, fall is fast approaching with tidings of cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, as well as ghosts, goblins and ghouls. Tampa Bay Busch Gardens’ very own Howl-O-Scream is returning in the fall of 2019 as a separately ticketed event set to frighten crowds as the holiday season begins. The very title of this event will send shivers down the spine of the most daring of thrill seekers. Howl-O-Scream is recommended for 18+ adults, where children under the age of 13 are allowed admittance into the park for the hair raising extravaganza, but be warned that Howl-O-Scream is not for the faint-hearted. In the past, this terrifying event has been known to challenge the barriers of what is expected for the Halloween season.

With content ranging from violence and gore to mind-warping experiences, past haunted houses set within Howl-O-Scream have been known to include, but are not limited to, asylums, cannibalistic meat markets and life-size dolls houses. These thrilling adventures are set up in a fashion of excitement and bewilderment set to frighted the participants who walk along its walls. Mazes can also be seen as a common occurrence throughout the park packed with Hollywood-envied sets containing strobe lights, fog machines, and other heart-racing accessories with one goal in mind: to confuse and thrill guests.

Unlike any other fall season of Howl-O-Scream, there are no proclaimed “safe zones” littering throughout the entirety of the property. Park-goers are susceptible to being frightened along every twist and turn Howl-OScream has to offer. Thrill seekers can attend Howl-O-Scream from September 20, 2019, through November 2, 2019. Additional dates, closure times and tickets can be found on Busch Gardens’ official website. During daylight hours, the rides and encounters unique to Busch Gardens will maintain availability for pass holders throughout the fall months, but when night approaches, so do the creatures of the dark within Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Adventure.

TAMPASTYLEMAGAZINE.COM | 19

COOL SHOTS

Socialize

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY

813area.com

Seminole Hard Rock Guys 2019 Unveiling Photos

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

Downtown Crawlers: Rompers & Mimosas

81Bay Brewing: Buzzed Spelling Bee

Metrocon 2019

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

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Seminole Hard Rock - St. Pete Pride Parade

Instagram: @tampastylemag | Twitter: @tampastyle | Facebook: tampastyle

WHAT’S HAPPENING TAMPA SEPTEMBER 6 / The Producers

8pm / Carrollwood Players Theatre www.813area.com SEPTEMBER 6-8 / Tampa

SEPTEMBER 11-12 / Digital Summit

Tampa 2019 1pm / Tampa Convention Center www.813area.com

Boat Show 2019 TBD / Tampa Convention Center www.tampaboatshow.com

10pm / The Ritz Ybor www.seetickets.us

SEPTEMBER 7 / Labor Day Bash

SEP 20-NOV 2 / Busch Gardens

Beach Volleyball Tournament 9am / The Tiki Cove www.813area.com

SEPTEMBER 8 / Taste of Latino:

Empanada Festival 11am / Centennial Park www.visittampabay.com

SEPTEMBER 10 / Lizzo

8:30pm / Yuengling Center www.ticketmaster.com

SEPTEMBER 14 / Pauly D

Howl-O-Scream www.buschgardens.com

SEPTEMBER 20-22 / Tampa Bay

Fall Boat Show TBD / Florida State Fair Grounds www.festivalnet.com SEPTEMBER 22 / The Who

7:30pm / Amalie Arena www.amaliearena.com

SEPTEMBER 26 / Phil Collins

8pm / Amalie Arena www.amaliearena.com

OCTOBER 11-13 / Oktoberfest

Tampa 2019 TBD / Curtis Hixon Park www.oktoberfesttampa.com

SEPTEMBER 28 / Tampa Glow Run

5pm / Downtown Tampa www.813area.com

SEPTEMBER 28 / Tyler the Creator

7pm / Yuengling Center www.ticketmaster.com

SEPTEMBER 28 / Brantley Gilbert

7pm/ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre www.livenation.com OCTOBER 9 / Twenty One Pilots

8pm / Amalie Arena www.amaliearena.com

OCTOBER 12-13 / 30th Annual

Hyde Park Village Art Fair 10am / Hyde Park Village www.artfestival.com

OCTOBER 19 / Tampa Bay Pizza

Festival 2019 11am / Water Works Park www.unation.com

OCTOBER 24 / Post Malone

8pm / Amalie Arena www.amaliearena.com

OCTOBER 25 / The Chainsmokers

7pm / Amalie Arena www.vividseats.com

REACH TAMPA’S

HIGH NET WORTH RESIDENTS. ADVERTISE IN STYLE!

Contact: jonathan@StylePublications.com

BEST FRIENDS

BEARDIE BUDDIES Who wouldn’t want a pet dragon?

B Y A LY S S A A S A R O

They will show off by waving their arms, bobbing their heads and moving their “beards”.

Bearded Dragons are one of the most

commonly sought after lizards, but the question still stands: do they make good pets? Many admire them for their name and appearance alone. In the age of Game of Thrones and Harry Potter, there are few people who wouldn’t find the prospect of an animal even remotely dragonlike to be fascinating. However, its name does not come from its fire-breathing talents, which unfortunately do not exist. Rather, it is a product of the spikes, or spines, that go down a line on their necks. Native to Australia, the “beardies” have been bred in a series of beautiful colors.

Many of these so-called-looks remain within the realm of sandy or sunset colors with reds, yellows and oranges.

They can grow up to 24 inches and can live for up to a decade, which means that they mark a serious commitment. However, unlike cats and dogs, they are low maintenance. Sociable and naturally tame, these pets have been domesticated, unlike their wild counterparts in

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Australia who become aggressive if provoked.

These behaviors are rare in the United States animals to the point where it is encouraged that they explore their owners home on a weekly basis and can even be leashed and taken on walks.

Special attention is needed only in the equipment that must be bought upon purchase.

A large gallon tank is needed to suit their eventual growth. For younger lizards, sand substitutes such as papers are encouraged.

However, when they are older, play sand is best to imitate their natural environment. An additional bonus is that sand is similar enough to cat litter that it makes cleaning a lot easier.

Logs and branches are also encouraged for sunbathing, climbing and hiding. Finally, UVA and UVB radiation exposure is incredibly important for these lizards, and heating lamps are sold specifically for reptiles to fulfill this need. The tricky part is making sure that the tank is not in a position where it can overheat.

Sun exposure is important, but too much can cause damage. Therefore, it’s best to take them out of the tank when wanting to put them outdoors. This may seem to contradict my previous notion of the pets being lowmaintenance. But in comparison to the strenuous daily efforts you have to put into more traditional pets, buying these amenities only upon purchase is considered way less expensive than continuous upkeep.

A common misconception about reptiles is that they lack the personality of other pets. This could not be further from the truth, as bearded dragons have certain behaviors that are deemed entertaining and fun. They will show off by waving their arms, bobbing their heads and moving their “beards”. Considered “happy”, they can interact with others and are very calming, which make them good companions and even better pets.

COOL SHOTS

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY

Metrocon 2019

Socialize

813area.com

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

81Bay Brewing: Buzzed Spelling Bee

Downtown Crawlers: Rompers & Mimosas

Martinis for Moffitt 2019

Food For The Poor’s

Event Chair

An elegant evening featuring live entertainment, cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, auction and memorable philanthropy.

SAT U RDAY, OCTOB ER 5 , 2019 RO SEN SH IN G L E CREE K 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL For more information, tickets or sponsorship inquiries, please call 888-404-4248 or visit www.FoorForThePoor.org/orlando

Dr. Lynne Nasrallah

2019 Committee Members Linda Bonnewitz Paula & Bruny Compas Kim & George del Campo Nicole & Ben del Campo Viviana & Jacob del Campo Tammie T. Cooper Cynthia Hawkins Luz & Yani Jusakos

6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

•

888-404-4248

•

Kathy Kinchla Nicole Nasrallah Joanne & George Olson Nancy Padilla Lisa & Dwight Saathoff Liliane Santana & Family Donna & Jean Wilson Holly Wilson

www.FoodForThePoor.org/orlando

STYLE MD

IS SOMETIMES THE NEW 20, BUT MOSTLY, IT’S STILL 40

B Y D AW N H A R R I S S H E R L I N G , M . D . , F. A . C . P.

In the past week you have probably come

across an article about a Hollywood star having kids in her 40s. You may have a friend who headed back to school and changed careers in their 40s, or at the very least, know of a friend of a friend. In the era of Botox and Viagra, you can look and perform like a 20-year old well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond. It is getting hard to tell who’s 40 anymore. However, it is often said that you are the age that you feel you are. In that vein, I have compiled a helpful list to determine your “real” age: If you wake up with back pain for no reason… you might be 40.

If you develop sudden knee pain while doing nothing more strenuous than climbing the stairs…you might be 40.

If you eat pretty healthfully, exercise occasionally, and still gain 2-5 pounds a year… you might be 40.

If you start finding hairs in places you didn’t know hair usually grew…you might be 40.

If you are wide awake at 2 a.m. after having an extra glass of wine at dinner…you might be 40.

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I’ll stop here, but this list could be a lot longer.

The truth is, the body ages. There are things like smoking, heavy drinking, drug use, leading a sedentary life, and being obese that age the blood vessels, brain, lungs, and joints faster, but we all age. I am prone to remind people that this is better than the alternative, but as a patient once retorted, I can’t really say that for sure.

Mostly, and most challenging, we need to fight weight gain. Metabolism starts to really slow down in our 40s and continues to slow as we get older. That means we need to do more physical activity and eat less than we did in our 20s just to maintain the same weight. (Please don’t send me hate mail—I don’t make the rules, just trying to live with them).

Now in my 40s, I can safely say that I expected these symptoms to appear later. Maybe in my 50s or 60s? I’m not sure when, but certainly, not in my 40s—in my prime! The truth is, I find myself saying the same words I heard from patients for many years, “Why is _____ happening? I’m not doing anything different!”

There are magic creams for wrinkles, my hair colorist is a genius, and Spanx is one of the greatest inventions of the 21st century. I think I look younger than my 42 years. But if I miss a week of yoga or have an extra glass of wine or two, my aches and insomnia will be there to remind me to get back on track. 40 can be the new 20, but, sadly, only sometimes.

And therein lies the problem. It turns out that when you are 40 (or older), when you have reached the point in life where you have finally become comfortable with who you are, you will have to change if you want things to stay the same (or as close to the same as possible). That means doing a lot more core work if you want to stave off back pain and keeping the muscles toned. You need to get strong and stay flexible.

Yoga works for many people, but there are lots of exercise programs out there that target strength and flexibility as well.

Dr. Sherling is a general internist and assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine. She is the author of several academic articles, a book chapter on diabetes prevention, and a medical thriller, Not Quite Dead.

Website: dawnharrissherling.com Twitter: @dharrissherling

THE NEW GENERATION OF LUXURY

2901 COLLINS AVENUE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33140 RESERVATIONS +800 466 9695 WWW.EDITIONHOTELS.COM

TOYS

It’s time to make a statement in the new Range Rover Evoque. With a high level of precision, the Range Rover Evoque introduces modernity and sophistication. It’s exterior illuminates an undoubted presence with fewer lines and cleaner surfaces. Exterior features include flush deployable door handles, optional 21” wheels and Premium LED headlights with Signature Daytime Running Lights.

2020

RANGE ROVER

EVOQUE

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The Range Rover Evoque recognizes where personalization and technology meet. With the Learning function, Smart Settings can learn and automate your preferences, based on your habits and routines using the key fob and your smartphone. With the Activity Key, you don’t need to worry about taking your keys.

The Activity Key is a fully waterproof wearable wristband that you can use to lock and unlock your Range Rover Evoque. Equipped with Land Rover InControl infotainment system, the luxury of entertainment and information links both you and your vehicle to the wider world. With the Touch Pro Duo, the Evoque is bringing increased flexibility and efficiency. You can effortlessly view navigation on the upper screen while simultaneously interaction with additional features such as climate or media. The Evoque brings a new level of confidence with ClearSight interior rear-view mirror and Ground View, that provide clear lines of sight for normally obstructed views.

The Range Rover Evoque has enhanced the exhilarating ride with comfort and convenience.

New seating comes with personalized options with a range of materials including grained leather, Windsor leather, Kvadrat premium owl blends with Dynamic suede cloth and eucalyptus-fiber textiles. Seats are available with electric movement, memory, heating, cooling and massage options. Storage options suit all your needs. The front door bins now have a combined capacity of 4.8 liters. Hands full? The Powered Gesture Tailgate enables you to open and close the tailgate without physical touch. A panoramic roof, split armrest, and configureable ambient interior lighting all cater to your comfort and driving preferences.

The Range Rover Evoque uses the latest safety technologies, including Brake-force Distribution, that automatically varies the braking force to each axle to reduce stopping distance while still maintaining stability and the ability to steer.

LATCH attachment points in the rear seats make it simple to securely install child safety seats.

Off-road capability is improved with a phenomenal ground clearance of 8.35 inches and a 30.6 degree departure angle. Precise dynamics are delivered through optional Adaptive Dynamics by monitored wheel position and body movements. Suspension settings are optimized and provide the perfect balance between comfort, refinement and agility.

TOYS

MINI introduces the fearless crossover, the Countryman SAV. Expedition ready, the Countryman is available with ALL4 allwheel drive with all-weather capabilities. The daring MINI crossover swiftly tames rugged roads, while you can sit back and relax with optimum comfort. The largest model yet, the Countryman SAV comfortably seats five in premium interior including generous storage space.

Performance features push for thrilling adventure. For the first time ever, every MINI Countryman now features the world-class engineering of precision TwinPower Turbo engines. The optional ALL4 system has allweather capability and traction so navigating tricky city streets, or rough country roads is effortless. On the sportier side, Cooper S models have six-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmissions that include paddle shifters. For maximum balanced performance, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models include driving modes which allow you to choose from Sport, Green, or Mid settings.

MINI’s Countryman enhances your ride with new and improved technology. CarPlay brings you access to Apple Music, Maps, phone calls, and messaging all through your car’s onboard interface or your voice through Siri.

Touchscreen navigation will even provide you

real-time traffic updates to maximize your time. An on-board camera helps you maintain a consistent distance between you and the car ahead. If your hands are full, the Countryman’s power tailgate allows you to open the trunk with a foot activated motion sensor.

Safety features include the active driving assistant. This camera includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. Crisp LED headlights can sense rain and darkness, lighting the road ahead and illuminating turns with cornering lights. With an ultra rigid body, the MINI Countryman SAV has a strong frame that enhances suspension and can withstand strong forces.

The Countryman’s masculine design is brand new for MINI. Compelling interiors offer top-shelf surface furnishes and five high-end leather upholstery options such as Chesterfield Leather with diamond pattern stitching.

The aluminum-alloy roof rails allow carrier systems to be mounted on the roof of the car, ideal for transporting goods such as bicycles.

For quick stops to enjoy scenery, or even impromptu tailgates, the MINI Countryman supplies a Picnic Cushion, a plush seat that folds into the trunk. The perfect getaway is awaiting you with the MINI Countryman SAV. What are you waiting for?

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COUNTRYMAN SAV

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE ARTS The Sacred Art of the Caribbean Sacred Diagrams: Haitian Vodou Flags from the Gessen Collection is the final element of the Ordinary/ Extraordinary: Assemblage in Three Acts series. This collection synthesizes flags from the Vodou religion that are often associated with Caribbean countries, specifically that of Haiti, in the three-part series. These are ritual flags utilized for ceremonial use. Each flag is created from silky fabrics inlaid with beading and sequins, so elaborate it can take up to 10 days to create a flag with 20,000 beads that form into figures representing religious figures and deities of the island religion, Vodou.

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

Ordinary/Extraordinary: Assemblage in Three Acts

On view from September 12, 2019, through January 26, 2020. Jean-Michel Basquiat is brought back to life through the Tampa Museum of Arts exhibition, Jean-Michel Basquiat: One Master Artist/One Masterpiece, which focuses on his works of art “untitled” consisting of “word on wood”. This exhibition is part of the exhibition series, Ordinary/Extraordinary: Assemblage in Three Acts, showcasing fellow 20th-century artist Purvis Young, as well as 20th- and 21st-century Haitian Vodou flags. The abstraction showcased within the Tampa Museum of Art consists of works of art primarily created by those of African descent.

Basquiat, well-known for his vaguely humanoid

PURVIS YOUNG

Iconography of the South

Purvis Young, one of three exhibitions in the Ordinary/Extraordinary: Assemblage in Three Acts series, consists of 91 works of art gifted to the Tampa Museum of Art in 2004 by the Rubell

Family Foundation. Young, an artist from Overtown, Miami, creates self-taught works of art, drawing inspiration from history and folklore showcased on wooden surfaces covered in paint and collage giving way to iconography in the form of holy men, angels and warriors, as well as erotica, musicians and sports.

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abstract figures, can be compared to that of Vodou culture from which Basquiat’s heritage correlates to, given by clues concealed within his works of art. These work of arts portray an African Diaspora, defined as “the term commonly used to describe the mass dispersion of peoples from Africa during the Transatlantic Slave Trades, from the 1500s to the 1800s,” as an expression of emotional and physical turmoil conducted upon African peoples.

A statement from the Tampa Museum of Art says, “Although each is a stand-alone show, viewed together, the series explores provocative portrayals of race, identity, spirituality, survival, and hope in a range of assemblage objects and compositions.”

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TAMPA’S ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

The lawyers profiled here exemplify a standard of excellence in their profession and by so doing have garnered respect and esteem of their colleagues.

There are a multitude of specialties in the practice of law, each requiring expertise gleaned through formal education, personal experience and prior court established procedures often referred to as case law.

Lawyers and readers have been asked to name attorneys whom they hold in the highest regard or would recommend to others. The reality is that there are a variety of factors that determine the qualifications of a great attorney. Objective factors include trial experience and results in past cases, but most factors are subjective such as the quality or persuasiveness of an argument in court, skill at negotiating or giving legal advice.

Do your due diligence when choosing an attorney that’s right for you; making sure the attorney being considered has a good reputation in the legal community and the community at large, in the location where your case will be heard.

The attorneys being showcased in the following profile pages are specialized in areas of law practice and are considered to be excellent in their field.

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

BROWN & ASSOCIATES LAW & TITLE, P.A. The Success Of Our Clients Is Our Commitment Each client is unique with a different story and different legal issue. Brown & Associates Law & Title, P.A., is committed to the success of our clients. Our law firm is dedicated to providing tailored legal representation to fit the respective needs of our clients by a knowledgeable and trusted team of attorneys.

Brown & Associates Law & Title, P.A., advises and advocates for clients on a variety of civil matters in the areas of real estate, business and contractual disputes, and bankruptcy.

OUR ATTORNEYS: Attorney, Barbara M. Brown, is admitted to practice law in Florida and Texas and has been practicing locally in the Tampa Bay Area since 2002. Barbara is recognized by her peers in the legal community as one of the TopLawyers© in the Tampa Bay Area by Tampa Bay Magazine. With a passion toward real estate law, Barbara sits as a Director on the Bay Area Real Estate Counsel. She is also a Member of the Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, LLC, providing residential and commercial real estate closing, title insurance, and escrow services. Barbara has chosen to surround herself with top qualified attorneys and legal staff.

Attorney, Kenneth R. Case, a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, has been practicing bankruptcy and foreclosure defense for ten years. His has focused his work on helping Floridians resolve their creditor issues, with an emphasis on mortgage loss mitigation strategies such as loan modifications and short sales. Kenny has been recognized by the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court and the Supreme Court of Florida for his outstanding pro bono and volunteer work. Outside of court, Attorney Case also supports the Florida English Bulldog Rescue by providing a foster home for rescue dogs.

Attorney, Athanasios “Thanasi” Poulakidas, is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Law. His practice areas include real estate law with an emphasis on litigation, negotiating commercial and residential leases, business and contract disputes, and alternative dispute resolution.

Thanasi is actively involved in the legal community as an Adjunct Professor with the Paralegal Studies Program of St. Petersburg College and he sits on the Clearwater Bar Foundation Board of Trustees.

11373 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626 | P: 813-528-4044 www.BrownLawAndTitle.com

Attorney, Kevin Paul, is a former Assistant State Attorney who has focused his practice on defending homeowners in residential mortgage foreclosure actions for the past five years. He has been involved in bankruptcy actions for the past thirteen. Kevin is licensed in the Middle, Northern and Southern U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts.

Brown & Associates Law & Title P.A., is proud to have earned the respect from our peers in the legal community and the trust of our clients over the past two decades. Our firm remains committed to the success of our clients within the Tampa Bay community and beyond.

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

“The firm is committed to providing dedicated, timely and professional service to their clients.”

VISIT OUR SOUTH TAMPA OFFICE

South Tampa Office

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience.

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

CURRY LAW GROUP Know Your Rights

FAMILY LAW, PERSONAL INJURY & BUSINESS LAW

Curry Law Group, P.A. wants you to “Know Your Rights”.

At one time or another most people need legal advice. Whether it concerns personal injury, divorce, family law issues, business matters or simply the guidance from someone that you can trust, Curry Law Group will advocate for you.

As one of the most high-profile and experienced law firms in Hillsborough County, Curry Law Group advises clients on the likely outcome of their cases. Clifton C. Curry Jr. is recognized by his peers as being one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Top 10 American Institute of Family Law Attorney’s and he’s recognized as part of the Lawyers of Distinction. He is surrounded by some of the area’s most qualified attorneys and paralegals.

Dan King has more than 20 years experience handling personal injury cases. Clifton C. Curry and Dan King are recognized by other Lawyers and Judges as AV rated PREEMINENT Lawyers by Martindale Lawyer reviews. Louis Lazaro has practiced civil-family law and government cases for more than 20 years. Richard Ervin has practiced in Civil and Family Law Cases for the past 4 years and Robin S. Trupp has practiced Civil Trial Commercial Litigation for the past 37 years.

Curry Law Group attorneys possess high credentials, maintain strong community ties and are committed to the pursuit of excellence. They communicate effectively and demonstrate the utmost concern for clients. The firm is committed to providing dedicated, timely and professional service to their clients.

Brandon Office 750 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon, FL 33511 813-653-2500 www.currylawgroup.com

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Clifton C. Curry, Jr., Daniel W. King, Louis D. Lazaro, Robin S. Trupp & Richard W. Ervin

South Tampa Office 2909 West Bay to Bay, Suite 404 Tampa, FL 33629 813-653-2500 www.currylawgroup.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

GIASI LAW Melissa A. Giasi, Esq. & Michael A. Giasi, Esq. Giasi Law is a dynamic boutique law firm that was created to provide superior and aggressive legal representation and counsel to each of its clients. Giasi Law has over thirty years combined experience behind it and avidly represents clients in all Florida and Federal jurisdictions.

Mike is both a skilled civil litigator and a seasoned criminal defense attorney who uses his trial talents to help clients in both arenas.

Mike zealously defends clients charged with violating Federal or state crimes. In doing so, Mike takes his role as counselor seriously and firmly believes that part of his representation is to help each client navigate the formidable and intimidating process of defending against criminal charges. This means that Mike remains accessible to his clients and also that he makes it a priority to explain each step of the process and making sure his clients have all the information they need to make these difficult decisions. Mike focuses on defending clients charged with insurance fraud and other financial crimes, but he has extensive experience defending RICO, trafficking and other drug crimes and has tried over one hundred cases to verdict. Most of his time in civil court is spent acting as an advocate for policyholders wronged by insurance companies but Mike has had much success for clients involved in business and contract disputes. Mike is also frequently hired by clients named in personal injury lawsuits to supervise the attorneys hired by the insurance carrier.

Melissa is board certified by the Florida Bar in Appellate Practice and Real Estate Law. Most of her time is spent prosecuting and defending appeals in Florida’s district courts of appeal and the Florida Supreme Court but Melissa also handles Federal appellate cases as well as select commercial litigation cases at the trial court level. Melissa is an expert in appellate practice and her clients rely on Melissa to navigate the obstacles that frequently arise during jury trials as well as the minefields of appellate preservation. Melissa does not just step in after a case is over. As appellate counsel, she is often actively involved in cases far before the case goes to trial. Melissa frequently appeals adverse rulings prior to trial with the goal of giving her client the best possible chance to prevail at trial while simultaneously preserving her client’s right to challenge an unfavorable outcome.

Both Mike and Melissa completed their undergraduate education at the University of Florida, earned their law degrees from Stetson and started their careers at the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office as Assistant State Attorneys. However, the true glue that unites the talent at Giasi Law is the passion that both Melissa and Mike have for helping their clients get the benefits they are entitled to from insurance companies. At the trial court level, Mike determinedly litigates all matters pertaining to the rights of an insured in all first-party actions, including undervaluation and underpayment of a claim, denial of coverage, and insurer bad

faith. At the appellate level, Melissa is working tirelessly to level the playing field for insureds who are forced to sue their insurance companies. Melissa is determined to change the insurance company’s ability to arbitrarily deny valid claims and then hide behind the invented “claims file” privilege. She is also tenaciously trying to convince appellate courts to severely limit the instances where an insurance company can deny a valid claim on a technicality.

Giasi Law is proud to be featured in this issue of Tampa Style Magazine.

400 N. Ashley Dr., Ste. 1900, Tampa, FL 33602 | P: 813-816-1880 | www.giasilaw.com

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

REGINA HUNTER

Hunter Law, P.A. Regina Hunter is the founding partner and managing attorney at Hunter Law, P.A., a boutique law firm focusing on Family Law and Personal Injury. Originally from Dayton Ohio, Regina moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1995 to attend Stetson University College of Law. Regina has been a proud member of the Florida Bar since April 1998 and is also a member of US District Court, Middle District of Florida. Regina established her firm in 1999 and 20 years later Hunter Law, P.A. is dedicated to representing clients for any Family Law and Personal Injury needs.

Regina has achieved the prestigious “AV Preeminent® Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell for Family Law. This honor is granted to only small percentage of lawyers. It is the highest rating available for any lawyer or law firm in the United States. The AV Preeminent® rating reflects that an attorney has reached the height of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of ethical standards and legal ability. Regina has also been selected for inclusion among Florida’s Legal Elite and recognized as one of Florida SuperLawyers for Marital and Family Law. Regina has been involved in several legal organizations including Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice (Formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America- ATLA), Motor Vehicle Highway and Premises Liability Section member of the American Association for Justice, National Association of Professional Women, Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers, Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Family Law Section member of the Florida Bar,

Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law Section member of the Hillsborough County Bar, and the American Inns of Court.

With over 21 years of experience representing clients, Regina approaches every case and every client with a holistic philosophy addressing the entire individual client and all factors relating to their life. Regina believes that an attorney must address the client’s emotional, physical, financial and social needs when counseling that client regarding their case. Legal representation must encompass many aspects of a client’s life to be effective and complete. Regina and her team at Hunter Law, P.A. are personally involved with every client during representation and believe that developing an interactive relationship with each client is crucial to a successful outcome of any case.

Hunter Law, P.A. was established to serve the needs of individuals in and around Tampa Bay who needed Family Law representation.

However, as Regina built relationships with people and helped them with life after divorce, Regina observed that a single act of negligence by a 3rd party could cause clients irreparable harm due to unforeseen injury or loss. Therefore, Hunter Law evolved into a staunch ally for family law and an indispensable resource for victims of accidents. Continuing to advocate for her clients, Regina added personal injury legal services for clients who did not know where to turn. Regina and her team at Hunter Law, P.A. bring tenacity, compassion and a holistic approach to clients injured due to the negligence of others. The team helps people who have been injured in automobile accidents or

due to the negligence of corporations or 3rd parties, people who have suffered due to the inappropriate care of medical professionals, and individuals who have suffered grave brain injuries.

Regina’s marital and family law practices includes dissolution of marriage, paternity, timesharing disputes, child support, alimony of all types, division of assets, division of liabilities, complex marital and family law cases including high net worth individuals, division of business interests, valuation of business interests, commingling and tracing of assets, enhancement of non-marital assets, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, collaborative law and mediation.

5025 W. Lemon St., Tampa, FL 33609 | P: 813-287-2227 | www.hunterlawgroup.com

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

Photo by Alicia Johnson Photography

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

BRETT KURLAND

Culpepper Kurland Brett Kurland is a prominent personal injury attorney and a founding partner of the high profile law firm Culpepper Kurland.

Kurland is a former Scholar Athlete from the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Finance and Marketing. He obtained his Juris Doctor and Master in Business Administration from Stetson University College of Law/Stetson University in 1997.

Kurland’s career is devoted to fighting for victims and those who have been injured. He began his career as an Assistant State Attorney representing victims of crime and has spent the last 18 years as a personal injury attorney representing injured victims. His practice areas include automobile, motorcycle, trucking, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, wrongful death

claims, personal injury matters, and premises accidents.

Kurland has been selected for inclusion among America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys (2019), the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (2019), The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2019), Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Top 25 (2019), Lawyers of Distinction (2019), and is a Lifetime Charter Member of the renowned Best Attorneys of America.

Additionally, Kurland was awarded the prestigious Martindale Hubbell Client Champion Platinum Award (2019), which is awarded for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service as affirmed by his clients. Kurland also maintains the coveted “Superb” 10/10 rating from AVVO, the highest rating an attorney can receive.

Bank of America Plaza | 101 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 2300 | Tampa, FL 33602 | 813.228.8600 | CKFIRM.com

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

KEVIN P. MCCOY

Carlton Fields, P.A. Kevin McCoy has spent his career defending businesses in Florida and abroad. A tested trial lawyer, he has earned certification by The Florida Bar as a specialist in business litigation. He prosecutes and defends an array of business and product liability claims. His matters range from defending small business owners to handling bet-the-business class actions on behalf of major corporations.

Kevin practices under the mantra that “the best way to resolve a case is to prepare it for trial from the start.” He handles cases in all phases of litigation, from early negotiated resolutions through bench and jury trials and appellate review. He also is experienced in handling late engagements to triage cases when the original case plan has taken the case off track for resolution, or trial, and the case needs to be repositioned in a short time frame. He has been called upon to provide a fresh set of eyes to cases with high-exposure risk and to participate in mock trials on key issues that will control case outcomes. Clients rely on him to tell their stories to juries in courtrooms across the state.

Kevin dedicates a considerable amount of his practice to developing legal solutions for new industries that are trying to navigate legal issues when the law has been slow to catch up. He develops strategies responsive

to the litany of legal challenges directed at new technologies.

As part of his product liability defense practice, Kevin has significant experience litigating product liability and toxic tort cases for clients in the automotive, tobacco, and asbestos industries. This experience includes managing mass tort litigation across multiple jurisdictions, developing trial themes, and taking discovery of fact and expert witnesses.

More recently, Kevin has developed a practice in cannabis law. He helps shape corporate policy and guide businesses through the developing legal landscape surrounding this industry.

Outside of his legal practice, Kevin has held leadership positions in local and state organizations committed to the advancement of pro bono legal services to the less fortunate. He has been deeply involved with Bay Area Legal Services for more than a decade, including serving as the youngest Chair of the Board in the organization’s 50-year history. He is presently a Trustee of the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation and on the Board of The Florida Bar Foundation. Kevin is also a devoted member of the Copperheads, a nonprofit organization that puts on the Valspar Championship PGA event held at

Innisbrook each year. The organization raises millions of dollars each year for local charities in the Tampa Bay region.

When not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, their two children, Abigail and John Grady, and their dog, Cody. Most Sundays he can be found with both kids on a golf cart loaded with snacks playing golf. He is also an avid Gators fan.

4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000, Tampa, FL 33607 | P: 813-229-4272 | kmccoy@carltonfields.com

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

DALE SWOPE & ANGELA RODANTE Swope, Rodante P.A. Dynamic duos are often celebrated in business, and the partnership of Dale Swope and Angela Rodante is no exception. Their working relationship commenced in 1984 and over the decades the nationally recognized and highly sought-after civil litigators have grown an award-winning law firm with a reputation built upon integrity and excellence. Located in the heart of Ybor City, in a six-story, 19th-century red-brick building, Swope, Rodante P.A. has become known for taking on challenging, catastrophic personal injury and insurance bad faith cases—fighting for the underdog in cases involving large and powerful opponents.

Together Dale Swope and Angela Rodante have received virtually every professional recognition imaginable to lawyers in their field, including Best Lawyers in America, a Superb rating from AVVO, and an AV® Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dale has been named for inclusion among Florida’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame, and Angela has received the Insurance Lawyer of the Year Award from Best Lawyers and is a top rated lawyer in Insurance Law by Martindale Hubbell. Dale served as President of the Florida Justice Association, an organization dedicated to strengthening and upholding Florida’s civil justice system and protecting the rights of Florida’s citizens.

Angela was recently elected to serve as a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel.

While these prestigious recognitions are flattering, both would be quick to tell you that none of these ‘credentials’ compare to a simple ‘thanks’ from a client or family that has been helped by the law firm.

That same spirit of service has been woven into the fabric of Swope, Rodante. Repeatedly voted one of the best places to work in Tampa, it is not uncommon to find team members who have been a part of the organization for 10, 20, or even 30 years. The partners’ success has in large part been due to having a deeply motivated, committed and compassionate workforce, as well as a symphony of different personalities and skills.

Partners Dale Swope and Angela Rodante share a few fundamental cornerstones: both are dedicated, detail-oriented, and forwardthinking leaders sharing deep roots in the Tampa community (both born at the original St. Joseph’s Hospital, and graduated from Tampa high schools and USF). Yet while the pair share much in common, they’re also wildly different.

Dale is recognized for his visionary, big-picture thinking, while Angela has an uncanny gift for navigating acute details.

Dale and Angela’s partnership dynamic provides the foundation for the firm’s Battle Flag. The flag is artfully comprised of two equal parts red and blue—two right angle triangles combined to make a perfect square (Swope red; Rodante blue), that is waved proudly over the tallest building in Ybor City when the firm has made an exceptional recovery on behalf of one of their clients. The flag is a symbol of the firm’s pride and commitment to ensuring that justice prevails.

community. Together the pair have co-founded numerous initiatives that significantly impact the Tampa Bay community—from restoring historic buildings and creating affordable housing in Ybor City to creating the Swope, Rodante Vanguard Award which, founded in 2011, has poured close to $100,000 back into Hillsborough County Public Schools by recognizing outstanding student athletes who have overcome adversity. The pair also founded the Swope, Rodante P.A. Award for Service to the Catastrophic Injury Community which grants two award recipients $2,500 each year.

The number of lives they have touched is staggering, but what’s perhaps even more remarkable is the truly unique friendship and loyalty the pair have cultivated over the course of more than 35 years that extends to fellow partners, team members, clients and community. With a shared passion for positively impacting the community and a deep emotional investment in improving the lives of clients who have been wrongfully injured, together the team continue to build upon a strong and inspiring legacy.

Despite the contrast, one thing Dale and Angela undoubtedly agree upon is the necessity of giving back and bolstering the

1234 5th Ave. E., Tampa, FL 33605 | P: 813-273-0017

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

LILLIAN REYES-JOYCE & BOB JOYCE Personal Injury Attorneys Lillian Reyes and Bob Joyce are partners in life and in the practice of law. It was a different time for women when Lillian went to University of Florida law school in 1977. She was asked why would a college cheerleader and homecoming queen want to go to law school. She graduated with honors, served on Law Review and won awards for her writing. After graduation in 1980 Lillian joined the Carlton Fields law firm in Tampa which had a handful of outstanding women attorneys. A few years later there were many more wonderful women attorneys in Tampa.

Bob had also graduated in 1980 from Stetson Law School and the two met at a seminar for young attorneys.

Bob was practicing insurance defense work with the Barr and Murman law firm. Bob started his own firm in 1984, they married in 1986, and in 1987 Lillian joined Bob to form Joyce and Reyes Law Firm. The firm has always specialized in personal injury. It has been a wonderful 32 year partnership. The couple have three children Jillian, Jamison and Jacqueline and for many years when the kids were young they had a complete nursery play room in the office.

Their oldest daughter has special needs which has given the couple such a personal understanding of the difficulties that many of their clients encounter after an injury. The

office has always been a family affair and now their son Jamison Joyce is an outstanding attorney practicing with them. Their other outstanding attorney Kevin Boucher was one of their special needs daughter’s friends growing up so they knew Kevin was compassionate. The couple says family and friends are most important and their clients usually become both. They both love practicing law. Lillian says she knows that Bob Joyce, her partner in life and law, is one of the best litigators anywhere.

Bob is Board Certified as a Civil Trail Lawyer and has been awarded Trial Lawyer of the Year by both Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers and

by Tampa Bay Chapter of ABOTA (American Board Of Trail Advocates). They take on fewer cases than many firms but they litigate more than most to get maximum compensation for their clients. They are both AV rated by Martindale Hubbell which is the highest rating for attorneys. They have both served their community and profession on many boards and committees.

Everyone in the business knows they will take a case to court and not give in until they have received full compensation for their client. Most of all they love representing their clients who have been injured and need their help. Their motto is to treat each case as it was their own.

307 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, FL 33606 | P: 813-251-2007 | www.joyceandreyespa.com

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

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Special Promotional Feature

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

MICHAEL J. .TRENTALANGE .

Tampa Medical Malpractice Attorney Mike Trentalange focuses his practice exclusively on medical malpractice and civil litigation. For almost 30 years, Mr. Trentalange has helped hundreds of clients secure the compensation and benefits they need following catastrophic injury or death of a loved one. In 2018, Mr. Trentalange obtained a verdict in excess of $41 million in an obstetrical malpractice case. Mr. Trentalange also obtained verdicts in excess of $10 million in 2016, 2014, and 2013, as well as many other settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million dollars over the course of his career.

Mr. Trentalange is uniquely qualified to handle medical negligence cases. In addition to graduating near the top of his class at Stetson Law School, Mr. Trentalange holds a Master’s degree from Harvard Medical School, where he spent two years examining issues arising at the intersection of law and medicine with a particular interest in clinical ethics, reproductive medicine and women’s health. He has written and lectured on medical topics including maternal mortality, work hours for medical residents, and physician aid in dying, and on legal topics including controversies in evidence and civil procedure.

But what sets him apart are his commitment to excellence and his unparalleled work ethic, two things he credits to his time spent before law school in the U.S. Army. “I learned how to

handle stress at a fairly young age as well as the importance of getting things right the first time.” Mr. Trentalange has vowed to never be outworked by any of his opponents. One of his favorite quotes is from the late Coach Vince Lombardi: “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

Mr. Trentalange is deeply committed to his practice and is active in many professional legal organizations including the Florida Justice Association and the American Association for Justice. He is also a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association and the NAACP. As a result of his success obtaining substantial settlements and awards on behalf of his clients, Mr. Trentalange is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has received numerous awards and honors for his service and professionalism. Mr. Trentalange received an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognition in Florida Trend Magazine as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite, and is a ten-time honoree as a Florida Super Lawyer.

For the past 20 years, Mr. Trentalange has practiced alongside his partner, Elizabeth Kelley – the Kelley of Trentalange & Kelley. Kelley joined the firm in 1999; the two married in 2001 and together have five children.

218 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 | P: 813-226-1080 | www.TKtampa.com

Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

SCOTT DAVIS

Tampa Divorce Attorney & Tampa Family Law Attorney Scott Davis is dedicated to helping his clients navigate the difficult family law process. He maintains a high level of proficiency and knowledge of the law in order to offer his clients the best in cutting edge representation. As a family law practitioner, business owner, divorced parent, and father of four children, Scott fully understands the complex issues involved in family law litigation.

Scott is a former state prosecutor with over two decades of trial experience and has practiced in the area of marital and family law since 2001. He earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1997 after receiving his B.S.B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1994.

Scott has been designated as a Board Certified Specialist in Marital Family Law by The Florida Bar. As such, he has received the highest level of recognition by the Bar concerning competency and experience as a marital and family law practitioner. There are more than 100,000 attorneys licensed to practice law in the state of Florida and as of August 1, 2019, only 278 family law attorneys are Board Certified. Scott is also AV® Rated

by Martindale-Hubbell. The AV® Peer Review Rating serves as an objective indicator that a lawyer has demonstrated ethical standards and professional ability. This honor is a reflection of an attorney’s skill, experience, integrity, and overall

professional excellence. By earning an AV® rating by MartindaleHubbell, Scott is part of a select group of Tampa lawyers recognized for their legal abilities and professional ethical standards. Scott has also been designated as a “Top Rated Divorce Lawyer” for 2019 by Super Lawyer’s Magazine, a “Top Marital and Family Law Attorney”

by Best Lawyers, a “Top Lawyer” by The Tampa Tribune, one of the “20 Best Divorce Lawyers in Tampa” for 2019 by Expertise.com, and one of the “10 Best Divorce Lawyers in Tampa” by WFTS/ABC Action News.

Scott is also listed in the “Top 100 Lawyers” by The National Advocates, and listed in the “Nation’s Top One Percent” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

“It is my privilege to help people during a challenging time in their lives. I listen carefully to my client’s problems. We then determine the best course of action and we pursue it. Every family is different and each case presents its own unique set of facts and circumstances. It is my practice to use every resource at my disposal to place my clients in the best position possible at the conclusion of their case.”

Scott’s practice areas include dissolution of marriage, military divorces, paternity matters, custody and time-sharing litigation, division of assets and liabilities to include business ownerships and high networth divorces, child support, and alimony.

217 N. Howard Ave., Ste. 201, Tampa, FL 33606 | P: 813-251-6222 | www.davislawtampa.com

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ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

SCOTT W. DUTTON

Dutton Law Group, P.A. Scott W. Dutton is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial attorney with the Dutton Law Group, a statewide law firm with offices in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Florida Keys. For the past 35 years, his practice has included the areas of casualty and liability insurance defense, insurance fraud investigation, insurance coverage disputes, personal injury, and appellate law. As a dedicated attorney, committed to the practice of law, Mr. Dutton has sat on the Insurance Consumer Advocate’s Roundtable in Tallahassee where he provided insight and contributed to improvements in Florida’s automobile insurance statutes and law. He is also a member of professional organizations including the Defense Research Institute and the Florida Defense Lawyers Association where he served on its Board of Directors as well as its Continuing Legal Education (CLE) chair. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Florida Claims Defense Network.

of the editorial staff of the Ohio Northern University Law Review and published an article on constitutional law. He also served as a justice on the law school’s Moot Court Executive Board, and was the justice in charge of the First Year Appellate Advocacy Program. While in law school he received a diploma from the Institute of Comparative and International Law located at Oxford University in England.

Prior to attending school and pursuing his law degree, he was a firefighter and paramedic with the City of Deerfield Beach and later the City of Miami Beach, Florida. While serving as a paramedic, Mr. Dutton was selected to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for the City of Miami Beach Police Department where he received training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Army Special Forces in Urban Warfare, and the Navy Seals. Additionally, he was also a lifeguard lieutenant with Miami-Dade Beach and Marine Safety.

Born in Miami, Florida, Mr. Dutton obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree and commenced graduate work in the field of international relations and international affairs at Florida International University in Miami.

He obtained his doctorate of law in 1984 from Ohio Northern University as a member of the law school’s 100th graduating class. Amongst his achievements, he was a member

Scott has been married to Kathleen Marie Perez, a third generation Tampa native, for 34 years. They have three children (Dr. Clayton Dutton, a veterinarian; Christopher Dutton, an attorney with Dutton Law Group; and Courtney Dutton Watson, an account representative with Brown & Brown specializing in employee benefits).

They are also the proud grandparents of three beautiful grandchildren.

Photo by Alicia Johnson Photography

4921 Memorial Highway, Ste. 110 Tampa, FL 33634 | P: 813-247-2222 | www.duttonlawgroup.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

WILLIAM FRANCHI

Managing Partner and Civil Trial Lawyer Over the past 13 years, William Franchi has devoted his career to the law, both as a deputy with the Pinellas County and Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Offices and as an attorney.

William’s legal career has been focused on helping those that have been hurt due to someone else. More specifically, William focuses on representing those hurt in car crashes and slip and falls.

William has tried car crash cases, injury cases, contract cases, and criminal cases. In one car crash case, William successively argued for the addition of punitive damages, which led to a settlement of more than a million dollars.

In 2017, William started Franchi Injury Law in the vision of making sure every client felt like family during and after his or her case.

“Welcome to the Family” isn’t just the motto for the law firm, it is the philosophy and the expectation that clients will be family.

In 2018, William was awarded the University of Tampa’s Alumni Achievement Award for exceptional career accomplishments. In 2003, William transferred to the University of Tampa from Western Carolina University to continue his baseball career, but an elbow injury and Tommy John surgery forced him to turn to the academic side of college. William and his family

have been in Tampa ever since.

In addition, William is a certified agent with the NFL Players Association. He has negotiated contracts and signing bonuses for NFL players and the MLB draft.

William has made numerous college speaking, radio, and TV appearances. Currently, William appears every other Friday on the show Daytime on WFLA NBC to play the game Case or No Case. William gives three case scenarios and the hosts have to guess which person has an actual case. In addition, William is the Legal Advisor for WFLA NBC.

217 N. Howard Ave., Suite 104, Tampa, FL 33606 | P: 813-314-7964 | www.FranchiLaw.com

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ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

IGNACIO J. GARCIA Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. Mr. Garcia focuses his practice exclusively on representing employers with their labor and employment needs. He has extensive experience in both federal and state courts representing employers. He has defended both individual and collective actions under numerous state and federal employment laws, including Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Florida’s private whistle blower statute, and all manner of retaliation claims. Mr. Garcia has also defended employment related torts such as defamation, negligent retention, negligent hiring, assault, battery and fraud, as well as all manner of breach of contract claims.

Mr. Garcia has handled numerous trials and administrative hearings.

Mr. Garcia has been featured as a speaker at numerous human resources and legal conferences throughout Florida.

Mr. Garcia also represents employers in front of numerous administrative agencies such as the EEOC and the Florida Commission On Human Relations.

Mr. Garcia regularly advises employers on numerous day to day matters related to their employees both domestically and internationally.

He emphasizes a practical approach to problem solving while decreasing an employer’s exposure to potential

liabilities. Mr. Garcia’s fluency in Spanish further allows him to address employee issues where language barriers would otherwise prevent such.

Mr. Garcia has been practicing employment law for 19 years and represents employers throughout the United States and the world. He has spent the vast majority of his career at the law firm of Ogletree Deakins. Ogletree Deakins is one of the premier employment law firms in the United States, representing most of the Fortune 500 companies, all the way down to small, privately owned employers. The firm handles all aspects of employment law, including immigration, union avoidance, benefits, employment litigation under all discrimination and wage/hour laws, workplace safety, affirmative action, non-compete claims, and day to day employment advice. What Iggy most enjoys about the practice is the relationships he has built with his clients. Employment law is a practice where you have regular communications with your clients and really get to be a strategic partner with them. It is a wonderful area in which to practice law.

In his free time, Mr. Garcia enjoys spending time with Kristin, his wife of 15 years, and his three sons, 13 year old twins Jake and Tyler and 11 year old Wes.

100 N. Tampa St., Ste. 3600, Tampa, FL 33602 | P: 813-289-1247 | www.ogletree.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

MICHELLE GERVAIS

Blank Rome LLP

Commercial, Real Estate & Business Litigation

• Dissolutions, fraud, misrepresentation, and civil conspiracy • Violation of non-competes, trade secrets • Contract negotiation/litigation • Insurance disputes, violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices and Whistleblower’s Acts Consumer Finance • Represents financial institutions in contested foreclosures, quiet title, TILA, RESPA, FDUTPA, FCCPA, TCPA, title and lien priority disputes, and eminent domain Recognitions

Michelle Gervais advises high-profile individuals, athletes, and celebrities, as well as businesses and financial institutions, in the areas of sports, entertainment, matrimonial and domestic relations, commercial and business litigation, and consumer finance involving: Sports, Entertainment, & Matrimonial Law

• Collaborative and litigate dissolutions of marriage and domestic violence, paternity, custody, support, and modification • Pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, • International kidnapping, jurisdictional disputes, and relocation • Contract negotiation and litigation, breach of fiduciary duty, violations of Fair Labor Standards Act, and Florida Whistleblower Act

• 2018 Blank Rome Office corecipient for top Pro Bono Hours in Firm • Hillsborough County Pro Bono Recognition for Service 2016 • “Rising Star”, Super Lawyers 20092011; 2014 • 2013 Top 40 Attorneys Under 40 and “Rising Star” by Daily Business Journal Inaugural Edition • 2013, “Future Star” in Florida, listed by Benchmark Litigation • 2013, Commendation from Dade County Bar for long-term dedication to pro bono • 2011 Florida’s Outstanding Young Lawyers in Business Litigation from American Registry • 2007, Dade County Bar Domestic Violence Award • 2005 Board Member of the Year— Drug Free Youth in Town • 2000–2001, 2004–2006 Dade County Bar Recognition for Service Award ACTIVITIES Professional

• 2018–2019 NCAA Women’s Final Four Tampa Bay Local Advisory Committee • Women in Sports and Events (“WISE”) Tampa Bay Executive Board and Director; VP

Communications • Sports Lawyers Association; Central Florida Outreach Captain 2017–present • EspnW’s “Women in Leadership” Committee 2017 & 2018 • Sports Club of Tampa Bay; • Dade County Bar; prior Visiting Committee and Chair of Family Courts Committee; 2015 Dade Legal Aid Advisory Board • 2013 Miami-Dade Pro Bono Round Table Committee member and facilitator • Hillsborough County Bar • Next Generation of Divorce and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals • Court-Appointed Guardian Ad Litem for children involved in domestic violence and custody disputes • University of Miami Law School Alumni Select Charitable/Civic

• AdventHealth Tampa Foundation Board of Trustees 2016–present • AdventHealth Tampa 2017 CoChair for inaugural Fashion for Hope showcasing breast cancer survivors benefiting the Kay Meyer Breast Care Center; 2019 Co-Chair wherein over $100,000 was raised for women who cannot afford mammograms along with other medical equipment • AdventHealth Tampa’s Women of Influence Executive Board 2017–2018 • Georgette’s Holiday Fashion Show committee 2017 benefiting St. Joseph’s Hospital • 2004-2006 Board Member, Children’s Psychiatric Center, Inc. • 2004-2006 Vice-President and President-Elect, Drug Free Youth in Town • Represented Holocaust survivors to collect foreign settlements • 2013-2015 supervised attorneys representing indigent immigrant children through deportation and dependency proceedings.

Fifth Third Center 201 E. Kennedy Blvd., Ste. 520, Tampa, FL 33602 | P: 813.255.2323

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ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

JEFFREY “JACK” GORDON Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death & Personal Injury Jeffrey “Jack” Gordon is a highly skilled trial attorney who has been profiled among the TopLawyers© in the Bay Area by Tampa Bay Magazine and has twice been selected a Leading Attorney of the Southeastern United States in Forbes magazine. He has been selected for inclusion among Florida’s Legal Elite and recognized as one of the Top 100 SuperLawyers® in the state of Florida, and one of the Top 50 SuperLawyers® of Tampa Bay. Mr. Gordon concentrates on prosecuting claims of medical negligence and he was named the #1 Medical Malpractice Lawyer by his peers in Tampa Magazine in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Four times Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, Mr. Gordon is also twice certified by The National Board of Trial Advocacy as an expert in both Civil Trial Law and Civil Pre-trial Litigation. He is AV® rated Preeminent

by Martindale-Hubbell.

In 2017, Mr. Gordon earned National Board Certification as an expert in Medical Malpractice law by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. He is 1 of merely 17 lawyers in the State of Florida to have achieved this distinction.

Mr. Gordon garnered a 2014 and 2015 National Litigator Award from the Trial Lawyers Board of Regents and is a Lifetime Member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum having achieved multiple seven-figure jury verdicts and settlements.

Mr. Gordon was honored in Florida Top

Verdicts for having obtained the largest award in a lawsuit against a Dram Shop in 2011 (8.25 Million Dollars).

Mr. Gordon prosecutes these claims individually and continues to serve as co-counsel throughout Florida for the purpose of assisting fellow lawyers to represent individuals injured as a result of the improper service of alcohol by bars, stores and restaurants.

Most recently he obtained the largest award in a lawsuit involving a motorcycle accident in December of 2017 (14.95 Million Dollars). After jury selection and merely four days of testimony in what was expected to be a 10-day trial, GEICO executives at the corporate headquarters in Maryland authorized consent judgment before verdict.

Mr. Gordon has been elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2018 Edition).

Mr. Gordon has also achieved national recognition for his efforts in seeking to overcome tribal sovereign immunity on behalf of critically injured clients in multiple lawsuits filed against the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Mr. Gordon remains committed to representing individuals who have been injured, and families of relatives who have been killed, as a result of medical malpractice, motor vehicle negligence, and dram shop violations.

Photo by Alicia Johnson Photography

101 E. Kennedy Blvd. 17th Floor, Ste. 1700, Tampa, FL 33602 | P: 866-344-LAWS | FightNegligence.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

HARRIS, HUNT & DERR, P.A.

A Team Ready to Take Action for You!

Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A. is a Marital and Family Law Firm that will protect your family and financial future when you need it most. Ranked as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News Best Lawyers®, our strong and experienced team practices exclusively in family law and will guide you through one of life’s most difficult challenges.

There is no substitute for experience when it comes to developing the legal strategy for your divorce or other family law matter. At Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A., our experienced attorneys and staff have a wealth of knowledge based on many decades of handling court hearings, trials, mediations, collaborative cases, and drafting prenuptial agreements. We value diligence, effectiveness, and problem-solving, and take a multi-faceted approach in formulating a winning legal strategy to achieve your goals.

Partner Nancy Hutcheson Harris, Tampa’s #1 divorce lawyer in 2017-2019 by Tampa Magazine and named Family Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® in 2017, is a pioneer in the field of collaborative divorce and has helped make it a top choice for many couples choosing to end their marriages.

Partner Joseph D. Hunt, one of the Tampa Bay area’s top family law litigators and named Family Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® for 2020, is both Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital & Family Law and a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an achievement attained by very few attorneys. Partner Christine L. Derr, rated in the Top 50: 2019 Women Florida Super Lawyers®, is Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital & Family Law and brings tremendous strength to our firm with powerful, dynamic representation across all aspects of family law. Partner Katherine C. Scott, recognized by Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers®, is Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital & Family Law and is a strong litigator, shrewd negotiator, and adept collaborative practitioner.

Front, left to right: Nancy Hutcheson Harris, Christine L. Derr Back, left to right: Cory A. Brandfon, Joseph D. Hunt, Nicole M. Gehringer, Katherine C. Scott

Tampa Office: Wells Fargo Center 100 S. Ashley Drive, Ste. 300 Tampa, FL 33602 813-223-5421

St. Petersburg Office: BB&T Building 360 Central Avenue, 8th Floor St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-310-3017

Nicole M. Gehringer is one of our associate attorneys that works together with the partners, providing clients with excellent service and research into the complex issues of many family law cases. Cory A. Brandfon is our newest associate attorney, experienced and prepared to handle all aspects of your family law needs.

Let our team stand up for what matters most to you. Call for a consultation today!

www.HarrisHuntDerr.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

SENATOR ARTHENIA L. JOYNER Attorney Senator Arthenia L. Joyner is a dynamic individual whose personal life reads like a chronicle of the struggle for equal justice. She has not just lived history, she made it. Senator Joyner is Of Counsel at Vanguard Attorneys in Tampa, FL, practicing in the area of personal injury. Born in Lakeland FL and reared in Tampa, she grew up in a time of segregation and has always been determined to end it. Senator Joyner began her long march for equality as a high school student in Tampa protesting for change. That journey took her to jail cells in Tallahassee during her undergraduate years at Florida A&M University when she was twice arrested for demonstrating against segregation. When president of the National Bar Association, she was arrested for protesting apartheid outside of the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. A graduate of the FAMU College of Law, she was Florida’s fifth black woman lawyer, the first black female lawyer in Hillsborough County, the first black lawyer in Polk County and the first black female lawyer in the Florida Senate. Upon graduation, she could not find anyone willing to hire a black woman lawyer so she hired herself, opening her own successful practice. Joyner has practiced law for fifty (50) years – longer than any black woman in the history of Florida.

Joyner entered politics in the early ‘70s when she chaired the Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign, and Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, and cocoordinator of Lawton Chiles’ 1990 gubernatorial campaign, and Bill

Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign in Tampa.

Joyner was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, and the Florida Senate in 2008. In 2014, her colleagues elected her to serve as the first black woman to lead the Senate Democratic Caucus.

As a state lawmaker, she passed legislation requiring the state to compensate wrongfully incarcerated persons, the unshackling of pregnant female inmates when giving birth, requiring a study on black-infant mortality and prohibiting the mutilation of female genitals. She was also at the forefront of the drive to restore civil rights for ex-felons, and assisted those needing help navigating the often-difficult process.

Senator Joyner is the recipient of numerous awards, including appointments by President Clinton to the U.S. Delegation to the Population Conference in Cairo, Egypt (1994) and the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China (1995). Other awards include the Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame, the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Hall of Fame, Florida Justice Association’s Perry Nichols Award, Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award, League of Women Voters Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior League Luminaries Award, Aaron’s House Legend Award and the Florida Bar Legislative Award.

The Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa-Hillsborough Library Board recently celebrated her many contributions to Florida and the community by naming its new $9.3 million library in her honor.

www.vanguardattorneys.com | P: 813-471-4444

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

KATHLEEN V. LOGAN Logan Legal, P.A. Kathleen, “Katie” Logan, born in Alabama, moved to sunny Florida when she was 10 years old where she was privileged to grow up in a town deemed “the World’s luckiest fishing village.” For college, Ms. Logan attended the University of Alabama during what she calls “the dynasty years,” studying family financial planning and liberal arts.

Prior to moving to St. Petersburg, in 2013, Ms. Logan and her Mother founded Logan Financial Planning, LLC, where they provided Family Financial Planning Services to clients in Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Shortly after, Ms. Logan attended Stetson University College of Law, where her fire ignited for litigation. While she was a student, Ms. Logan was one of few given the opportunity to compete for Stetson’s Nationally ranked Trial Team, wherein Ms. Logan and her teams were victorious.

Photo By Emily Panakos

Following her success in law school, Ms. Logan’s advocacy strengths and superior execution of evidence lead her to securing positions as a Clerk at the Federal Defender Program of Chicago, Illinois, the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Florida, and the Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Before practicing family law, Ms. Logan practiced in South Florida specializing in plaintiff ’s personal injury litigation. It was there where a mentor gave Ms. Logan the inspiration for her firm’s now logo, the rhinoceros, that reminds us that when a door doesn’t open, we

can always kick it in instead. With that mantra in her head, Ms. Logan became Logan Legal, P.A., on January 1, 2019.

Logan Legal, P.A. is a boutique Family Law firm that was born from a dream to provide a unique law firm experience. Headquartered in Station House, a trendy coworking ecosystem in Downtown St. Petersburg, this firm was founded with one objective: to become the “neighborhood firm” in the hearts of the community and to provide accessible, affordable, and aggressive advocacy. The firm has grown to include a formidable team, always using transparency with clients and considering the wellbeing of the family as a whole. Logan Legal prides themselves on their brand of zealous representation, which often incorporates very creative tactics you will not find elsewhere.

Ms. Logan believes, “we are here to hold our clients’ hands but also to give that tough love when needed, too.” The mission of the firm is the empowerment of people so that they can move confidently into the next chapter of their lives. Logan Legal handles all family matters including divorce, child support, and child custody, pre-marital, post-marital, or partnership agreements, injunctions, and the enforcement, modification or appeal of existing orders or judgments. Whatever your family needs, Logan Legal, P.A. is always ready to fight for you.

260 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | P: 727-342-0548 | www.loganlegalfirm.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

JAMES L. MAGAZINE Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney James (Jim) L. Magazine is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Mr. Magazine has been licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and has a national practice. He is admitted to practice before the United States Middle and Southern District Courts in Florida, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Jim is a board member of the Florida Justice Association with nearly 30 years of personal injury litigation experience.

He specializes in personal injury, wrongful death and insurance bad faith claims nationwide. Mr. Magazine is passionate about helping fight the epidemic against the manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.

He is member of one of the national opiate teams, as well as litigates individual prescription opioid overdose cases.

James L. Magazine The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine, PLLC 8606 Government Dr., New Port Richey, FL 34654 P: 727-849-5353 www.lucasmagazine.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

ELIANE I. PROBASCO

Probasco Marital & Family Law

Having dedicated her entire career to assisting individuals through the family law process, Eliane (“Ellie”) Probasco has a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of what it takes to be successful in her field.

Ellie has practiced exclusively in the area of marital and family law in the Tampa Bay area since her admission to the Florida Bar in 2002. She earned her J.D. from Florida State University in 2002 after receiving her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1999. Ellie has been involved in several legal organizations, including the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, the Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the Stann W. Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa, the Collaborative Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the Tampa Bay Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers.

Ellie understands that family law is unlike any other area of the law.

For most people, family law court is their first experience with the legal system.

“My objective is to help clients understand the process and provide relief from the stress and anxiety that can come from navigating the unfamiliar legal system,” says Ellie. “Family law cases are like snowflakes. No two relationships are alike, so no two cases are alike.

That is why it is important to me to get to know my clients and to get to know their goals and objectives. At the outset of the case, I meet with my client to formulate a strategy that best meets those goals and objectives.”

In 2016, Ellie was honored to receive the Stann W. Givens Family Law Inn of Tampa’s Theodore Millison Professionalism Award. This honor is given annually to an Inn member in recognition of exceptional professionalism in the practice of family law.

“I try to leave my clients in a better position than when they first come to see me. That is no easy task considering that most people leave with half of their assets and less time with their children. But, if I can help someone through this difficult time, if I can help someone see there is life after family law litigation, I have done my job.”

Ellie’s practice includes dissolution of marriage, paternity, timesharing disputes, child support, division of assets and liabilities including business interests, real estate, and enhancement of non-marital assets, and alimony.

TAMPA’S

SPOTLIGHT ON THE LAW

Photo by Sabrina Hendley Photography

415 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, FL 33606 | P: 813-254-3735 | www.probascolawfirm.com

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

Photo by Alicia Johnson Photography

LOREN RHOTON Loren Rhoton, P.A.

Loren Rhoton is an experienced and skilled criminal appeals and post conviction attorney who fights for those wrongfully convicted of criminal offenses. His practice consists exclusively of criminal appeals and post conviction relief, in both state and federal courts. As an expert post conviction attorney, Mr. Rhoton seeks constitutional relief for his clients such as acquittals, new trials, and resentencing. Mr. Rhoton has 24 years of experience in federal and state criminal appeals and specializes in post conviction relief. His state-wide practice handles a multitude of criminal matters and inmate issues and regularly helps clients with complex criminal charges.

Mr. Rhoton is a member of Florida Bar Appellate Division. He is also a member of the United States District Court, in and for the Middle, Southern, and Northern Districts of Florida. Mr. Rhoton practices before the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and is also certified to practice before the United States Supreme Court. ​ As a post conviction specialist Mr. Rhoton has been called on for consultation by judges, attorneys, and the Florida Bar for his expertise in post conviction law. Due to the nature of his work, Mr. Rhoton typically deals with clients who have lengthy prison sentences. Mr. Rhoton has investigated and pursued thousands of post conviction cases on behalf of inmates in Florida. He has practiced in all phases of the Florida Judicial

System, from misdemeanor county courts up to the Florida Supreme Court, and takes on cases across the state. Additionally, Mr. Rhoton has been directly responsible for amendments to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 (the main vehicle for most post conviction actions).

Mr. Rhoton was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to the Florida Criminal Rules Steering Committee, Subcommittee on Post Conviction Relief, which focused on rewriting Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850. Mr. Rhoton worked on the subcommittee with judges and other governmental officials in an effort to improve the administration and execution of post conviction proceedings.

Mr. Rhoton served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Prisoner’s Legal Aid Organization, Inc. Mr. Rhoton now publishes the Florida Postconviction Journal, a quarterly newsletter provided free of charge to Florida prisoners. Selected articles from Mr. Rhoton have been compiled and printed in the book Postconviction Relief for the Florida Prisoner. Mr. Rhoton also wrote the Post Conviction Forms for the Florida Prisoner form book.

In 2017, Mr. Rhoton was named in the Best of Tampa Bay Profile series published in the Tampa Bay Times.

412 E. Madison St., Ste. 1111, Tampa, FL 33602 | P: 813-226-3138

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Tampa’s

ATTORNEYS OF THE YEAR

CANDICE ROJAS-COLUCCI Colucci Law Group Candice Rojas-Colucci is an accomplished trial lawyer who most recently was awarded, the Association of American Trial Attorneys’, “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and National Trial Attorneys’, “Top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyer”.

Candice dedicates her practice to relentlessly fighting for others who are being exploited by insurance companies. Candice represents home and commercial property owners against their insurance companies when they deny, delay, or underpay their insurance claim. Candice equips her clients with powerful knowledge and brings a sophisticated analysis to each case.

She understands the sensitive nature of many issues she litigates, bringing compassion, dedication, and aggressive advocacy.

Candice was raised in South Tampa and attended Plant High school and University of South Florida. Candice graduated from Stetson College School of Law and was an advocacy board member and a member of Stetson’s highly competitive and world-renowned Trial Team, which for 21 years in a row has been ranked first in the Nation for Trial Advocacy.

Most recently, after Hurricane Michael devastated the Panhandle of Florida, Candice and her team of experts provided hands-on assistance by, volunteering their time, giving free advice, and representing homeowners that are being forced to live in tents and mold-infested homes due to their insurance companies’ failures.

Candice is selfless in her endeavor to prevent the revictimization of others and to give back to the community. When Candice takes on a case, her clients reap the benefit of her considerable knowledge, experience, and intense personal investment, as well as her ability to effectively negotiate settlements but ever-ready for trial.

The National Alliance of Women in Law honored Candice as a “Top Attorney.” Candice is also recognized as a “Lawyer of Distinction” in Insurance Law. Other awards Candice has received include, the American Institute of Legal Advocates, “Rising Star” for having the highest ethical standards and providing top-tier advocacy for her clients and the American Academy of Attorneys, “Top 40 under 40”; having been recognized as an attorney who exemplifies excellence.

“I strive to be GREAT, not because of the power but because of the ability to EMPOWER others, and for that, I am willing to fight each day for.”

499 Patricia Ave., Ste. B, Dunedin, FL 34698 | P: 727-733-9438 | www.coluccilawgroup.com 96

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