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Mathis Report: VanTrust prepares for Imeson Park warehouse

July 2-8, 2020

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Record & Observer

THEN MARCH CAME Record & Observer JACKSONVILLE

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T

2020 has been a year of historic events - and we’re only halfway through. The Jacksonville economy and the world changed significantly since January. JACKSONVILLE

Record & Observer T BY MAX MARBUT

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

he first two months of 2020 generally were unremarkable. Then March came, and everything changed. It began in Northeast Florida the evening of March 12, when the PGA Tour canceled the final three rounds of The Players golf tournament because having thousands of spectators on the course wouldn’t allow for “social distancing” as COVID-19 began to spread. The next week, emergency orders took effect on the state and local levels that shut down business as we knew it. Nonessential retail, restaurants and bars, hotels and public buildings and entertainment venues were closed to slow the spread of the virus. That led to widespread unemployment in Northeast Florida, rising from 4.3% in March to 11.2% in April. Major retailers with a local presence declared bankruptcy For more as the pandemic stymied any 6-month attempt at survival. Some changes, see Jacksonville-based employPAGES 4-5 ers permanently reduced their workforces. People with access to technology began working from home, many with reduced paychecks and hours as their employers scrambled to adapt to the pandemic economy. With schools closed, education from elementary through college also went online. Parents had to juggle working at home and home-schooling their children. Hospitals braced for an anticipated flood of COVID-19 patients who would need critical care, although those numbers didn’t materialize to the degree feared. Then on May 25, George Floyd, a 46-yearold Black man, died in the custody of a white police officer in Minneapolis. That set off protests nationwide, including in Jacksonville, where a police officer was

JACKSONVILLE

Record & Observer THE JACKSONVILLE LANDING

FIRE STATION NO. 5

MAY 2019 VS. JUNE 2020

DECEMBER 2019 VS. JUNE 2020

HART BRIDGE RAMP

MARCH 2019 VS. JUNE 2020

SEE MARCH, PAGE 4

The Bar Bulletin: Building bridges and inclusion PAGE 10 Commercial development starting at eTown community PAGE 9 The Top 10 commercial sales of the week PAGE 7

THE BASCH REPORT

Lower buyout price for Advanced Disposal Plus: Cannae bids to buy CoreLogic

PAGE 6 VOLUME 3, NO. 5 • ONE SECTION

WHAT’S TRENDING

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JACKSONVILLE DAILY RECORD / JACKSONVILLE RECORD & OBSERVER 2, 2020 THURSDAY, JULY

Big news doesn’t break just on Thursday. Here’s a look at some of the top stories published over the past week online at JaxDailyRecord.com and in the Jacksonville Daily Record that you may have missed.

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AllianceFlorida at Cecil ComPhone: (904) 356-2466, Fax (904) 353-2628 merce Center developer Hillwood jaxdailyrecord.com told the city it spent March working on site layouts for a prospect interABOUT US ested in leasing a 500,000-squareJacksonville Daily Record and Jacksonville Record & Observer are a division of foot build-to-suit distribution Observer Media GroupF.Inc. facility on Parcel The report follows Hillwood’s acEstablished in 1912, thecivil Financial News & Daily Record, now the Jacksonville Daily tion in May to file engineering Record, is published Monday-Friday and is the Official Court Newspaper of the Circuit plans with the city to grade almost Court63 and publisher of public notices in Duval County. acres for a 517,510-square-foot distribution warehouse on that Jacksonville parcel. Record & Observer is a free weekly business newspaper available in Downtown Jacksonville key business Hillwood did notand identify a user nodes throughout Jacksonville. To find a location near you, jaxdailyrecord.com/rack-locations. or tenant for visit the building. The property is at southwest POW-MIA File image Editorial content focusesand on news and trends, a concentration development, Memorial Parkway Waterworks An with unidentified prospect on is interested in real estate, law, companies, and industry trendsbeand how local Street,construction, next to the JinkoSolar solar- economic leasing a building that would develand state affects business. panelgovernment manufacturing plant. The oped next to the JinkoSolar plant. city owns the land. Director of Advertising / Jay Lesowitz Ryan buys land for JEA headquarters jlesowitz@jaxdailyrecord.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

Imeson Park prepares for 1 million-square-foot center

Industrial centers across the city are positioning for what the developer says is “all about e-commerce.” Imeson Park is preparing for a 1,063,684-square-foot industrial facility, associated parking and utilities at 10501 Cold Storage Road, Unit 500, in North

Special to the Daily Record

England-Thims & Miller Inc. filed new plans with the city for a 1 millionsquare-foot warehouse at Imeson Park in North Jacksonville

Jacksonville England-Thims & Miller Inc. filed civil plans with the city June 18 after applying for a new city development number. Plans show the property would

DEVELOPMENT NOTES Tru by Hilton to Northwest Jacksonville: The city is reviewing final engineering plans for a four-story, 82-room Tru by Hilton hotel at Perimeter Industrial Parkway West at northeast Interstate-295 and Pritchard Road in Northwest Jacksonville. The 38,575-square-foot building is planned on 1.8 acres. Alliant Engineering Inc. is the civil engineer. The owner-developer is listed on plans as Amit Patel, who operates the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Yulee.

include 490 parking spaces for trailers and 1,542 spaces for cars, along with 32 accessible spaces and 16 motorcycle spaces. The developer of the 156-acre Imeson Park is JI Imeson Indus-

Summit Contracting in Deerwood: The city approved a permit June 2 for Jacksonville-based Summit Contracting Group Inc. to renovate an office building it bought in Deerwood. Summit is the contractor for the almost $1.7 million project to remodel the two-story, 47,421-square-foot building at 7595 Baymeadows Way. Leaders of Jacksonville-based Summit Contracting Group Inc. bought the building in June 2019. The Oak Grove Plaza structure, built in 1983, sits on 7.4 acres.

Church of Eleven22 to North Jacksonville: BBC Construction & Development and civil engineer Prosser Inc. submitted the 10-set construction engineering plans to the city for Church of Eleven22 along Starratt Road in North Jacksonville. Plans show a 37,125-squard-foot project. A spokeswoman said previously the The Church of Eleven22 is moving ahead with plans to open a North Jacksonville campus at Oceanway Crossing for opening in late 2020 or early 2021. The site is the former Food Lion grocery store at 418 Starratt Road.

Several 1 million-square-foot buildings that match the need for e-commerce centers are in review in Jacksonville, including one at northeast Interstate 95 and Pecan Park Road, also in North Jacksonville. Benderson Development Co. LLC of UniCarey versity Park plans to start work on two industrial buildings totaling 2 million square feet of space, comprising the 498,960-square-foot Building 100 and the almost 1.54 millionsquare-foot Building 200.

THE MATHIS REPORT

KAREN BRUNE MATHIS EDITOR

trial LLC, part of VanTrust Real Estate LLC. VanTrust Executive Vice President John Carey said June 22 there is “no news at this time.” Imeson Park is at northeast North Main Street and Zoo Parkway, Carey said in April the industrial market is active, primarily because of one sector. “I think it’s pretty straightforward. It’s all about e-commerce,” Carey said. Along with internet retailer Amazon.com, a lot of large companies are expanding their e-commerce distribution, he said. “We participate in a number of calls with market experts to talk about various sectors and clearly the e-commerce distribution side of industrial appears to be the one sector that is poised to continue to grow,” he said in April.

KMATHIS@JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @MATHISKB (904) 356-2466

24/7 Pediatrics to Campfield: The city is reviewing civil engineering plans and a building permit application for 24/7 Pediatrics at 8990 RG Skinner Parkway in Campfield Commons in South Jacksonville. 24/7 Pediatric Care Centers LLC of Jacksonville Beach is the developer. The 5,500-square-foot building is planned on almost 0.7 acres at a construction cost estimated at $1.37 million. Tim Young Construction Inc. is the contractor.

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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

THEN MARCH CAME

JEA

JaxDailyRecord.com

CORPORATE IMPACT

JEA altered course New board and staff leadership took over amid investigations. BY MIKE MENDENHALL STAFF WRITER

JEA’s executive leadership team and board of directors have turned over since Jan. 1, as the city-owned utility copes with federal and city investigations into last year’s failed attempt to privatize. The latest JEA board, confirmed April 14, hired former JEA CEO Paul McElroy to return for a six-month transition after the former board voted Jan. 28 to fire CEO Aaron Zahn for cause. The last JEA board submitted to Mayor Lenny Curry its intent to resign en masse Jan. 28. Board member Kelly Flanagan’s term expired in February. The city has since filed a six-count lawsuit in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court in Duval County against Zahn, seeking damages for alleged fraud; breach of fiduciary duty; breach of the public trust; and fraudulent inducement. One of McElroy’s first actions was

to remove and replace the remaining 10 members of Zahn’s senior leadership team, including Chief Operating Officer Melissa Dykes and Chief Ad m i n i s t ra t ive Officer Herschel Vinyard. JEA is cooperating with a federal grand jury investigation into issues linked to McElroy the utility’s failed August 2019 invitation to negotiate a sale. Federal invest i ga to rs h ave subpoenaed JEA and the Curry a d m i n i s t ra t i o n Zahn for records and interviewed at least one of the mayor’s associates, former city Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa. A Council investigation into the ITN and a proposed employee bonus plan could conclude by Sept. 30.

File image

Fidelity National Information Services Inc. intends to join the Jacksonville skyline with a new headquarters.

Big changes for FIS, Stein Mart, CSX and TIAA

MMENDENHALL@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @MIMENDENHALL (904) 356-2466

Some of the city’s largest employers added or cut jobs.

There’s more to 2020 – so far – than just the COVID-19 pandemic.

BY MARK BASCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With much of the world in a COVID-19 lockdown, 95% of Fidelity National Information Services Inc.’s 55,000 global employees were working from home this spring. However, that didn’t slow the company’s plans to build a new headquarters on Riverside Avenue for its 1,200 Jacksonville employees and space to add 500 more. The company known as FIS received a building permit for the $145 million

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project last week. Other Jacksonville-based companies faced bigger impacts from the pandemic. Stein Mart Inc. closed its 281 stores in March and furloughed half of the 375 workers in its corporate offices before stores began reopening at the end of April. The economic fallout from the pandemic caused a private equity firm to call off its planned buyout of the retail fashion chain. While Stein Mart’s furloughs were temporary, some big companies had big permanent job cuts. CSX Corp. cut 86 jobs in a management realignment and TIAA is offering voluntary separation packages to 75% of its U.S. employees.

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stabbed by a demonstrator and some buildings Downtown were vandalized. Northeast Florida also experienced the demolition of The Jacksonville Landing and the Hart Bridge ramps near TIAA Bank Field, the removal of Confederate monuments, and the unexpected selection of Jacksonville as the site of President Donald Trump’s

nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in August. Jacksonville learned June 11 that it had 74 days to prepare for the Aug. 24-27 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Here’s more perspective: We’re only halfway through 2020. MMARBUT@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM (904) 356-2466

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JOBS

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

RETAIL

THEN MARCH CAME

Unemployment rate soars as jobs disappear BY MARK BASCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

METRO JACKSONVILLE

December May

Metro Jacksonville startNonfarm jobs 742,600 671,000 Unemployment rate 2.6% 11.2% ed the year at a record low Unemployed 20,512 81,954 unemployment rate, which soared into double-digits within months to rival its reach in 2010. numbers available. The number of jobs in Baker, Clay, The number of people looking for Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties work rose by 61,442 – a four-fold dropped by 71,600 – almost 10% - increase. from year-end 2019 to May, the latest

HEALTH CARE

Medical systems had to take care to adjust to the pandemic BY KATIE GARWOOD STAFF WRITER

At the start of 2020, Jacksonvillearea hospital systems were announcing and adding expansions to their campuses, taking advantage of solid financial footing and a strong economy. Less than three months later, they were preparing for the global pandemic. Medical facilities do not look like or operate as they did in January, and they may stay that way for some time. They deployed emergency response tactics for which they had hardly planned. Gov. Ron DeSantis then

banned elective surgeries, resulting in significant drops in revenue. Mayo Clinic furloughed employees and delayed construction on projects in response. At Baptist Health and Ascension St. Vincent’s, employees in slower areas of the hospital were asked to take vacation days or be cross-trained to help in areas where they were needed. While patient volumes slowly are returning to normal, pandemic protocols remain in place. Medical systems are prepared for a possible surge of COVID-19 patients and working to prevent the spread of the disease within their facilities.

File image

Sears closed its last area store in February in Orange Park Mall.

Retail goings and comings Retailers and restaurants left the landscape – some before COVID-19 – as the market changed and some filed bankruptcy. Others took the opposite approach and opened. Among those that closed in Jacksonville this year: n Brio Tuscan Grille – Closed in The Markets at Town Center on Jan. 25. n Sears – Closed its Orange Park Mall location, the final store in Northeast Florida, in February. n Earth Fare – Closed all locations Feb. 25. n Lucky’s Market – Closed all Florida stores Feb. 12. n Pier 1 Imports – Liquidation sales are underway at its three remaining

Jacksonville stores. n J.C. Penney – Will close its store at Regency Square Mall. Several companies opened stores: n Duck Donuts – Opened March 7 in the Shoppes at Bartram Park. n Sprouts Farmers Market – Opened April 29 in Tamaya Market. n GreenWise Market – Opened June 20 in Nocatee. n Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar – Under construction in St. Johns Town Center. n Lucky Goat Coffee Co. – July opening planned in the Kernan Square shopping center. KATIE GARWOOD

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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

JaxDailyRecord.com

MARK BASCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Ponte Vedra-based company agrees with Waste Management on revised terms Fourteen months after signing the deal, Advanced Disposal Services Inc. last week agreed to a lower buyout price from Waste Management Inc. The two waste services companies said Waste Management now will pay $30.30 per Advanced Disposal share to buy the Ponte Vedra-based company. The companies had agreed to a $33.15 per-share price in April 2019. The new agreement lowers the total value of the deal from $4.9 billion to $4.6 billion. The companies had expected a lengthy merger process because of antitrust issues that needed to be resolved, and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process even more. The deal now is targeted for completion at the end of the third quarter. As they announced the lower price, the companies also announced a deal to sell some assets to GFL Environmental Inc. for $835 million, which they hope will satisfy U.S. Justice Department antitrust concerns. “We believe the revised agreement with Waste Management, coupled with our joint agreement to sell substantially all of the divestitures to GFL Environmental, delivers significant value and certainty of closing to Advanced Disposal stockholders,” Advanced Disposal CEO Richard Burke said in a news release. “We continue to work hand in hand with the Waste Management team, GFL Environmental, and the U.S. Department of Justice to gain regulatory clearance and com-

plete the transaction,” he said. Advanced Disposal shareholders approved the original agreement in June 2019, and a special meeting will need to be scheduled for shareholders to vote on the lower price. No date has been set for that meeting. A lot has happened since the original agreement was approved, including pandemic-related turmoil in the stock market. Advanced Disposal’s stock price remained trading close to $33 when the market collapsed in late February, indicating Wall Street expected the merger price to hold up. However, as the process dragged on, the price fell below $32 in late May, showing doubts were creeping in. The stock fell 99 cents to $30.17 on June 24 after the revised deal was announced. “We believe a ‘re-cut’ of the deal was long anticipated, particularly given that Advanced Disposal’s stock price had meandered down from its prior takeout price as the market felt like it was clearly anticipating an event like this to take place, in our view,” Raymond James analyst Patrick Tyler Brown said in a research report last week. “While we stress the deal has not yet been cleared by regulatory bodies and Advanced Disposal shareholders still must approve the deal, we do feel there’s a high likelihood Waste Management will be able to (finally) cross the finish line,” he said. Waste Management and Advanced Disposal did not announce specific assets that will be divested, but Canadabased GFL said the deal consists of operations in 10 states that are expected to generate $345 million in annual revenue. “While the $345 million of divestitures were even higher than we originally anticipated (we felt it could be $200-300 million), in our view, recutting the price and having a bidder in tow for the divested assets (GFL) reduces risk around Waste Management being able to close this deal and should incrementally quell speculation around ‘what if’ scenarios,” Brown said. “Given the bevy of developments over the past 14 months including languishing

File image

Ponte Vedra-based Advanced Disposal agreed to a $30.30 per share buyout from Waste Management Inc.

Advanced Disposal results, the largest pandemic in 100 years driving unprecedented dynamics across the garbage space, and materially more divestitures required than originally anticipated, we view the ‘re-cut’ deal as a winwin-win to all parties involved (Waste Management, GFL and Advanced Disposal),” he said.

Cannae targets $7 billion acquisition Cannae Holdings Inc., the investment company spun off from Jacksonville-based Fidelity National Financial Inc., has its sights on another major acquisition target. Cannae and hedge fund Senator Investment Group LP last week announced an unsolicited $7 billion bid to buy housing market data firm CoreLogic Inc. In a letter to CoreLogic’s board of directors, the two companies touted the expertise of Cannae and Fidelity Chairman Bill Foley, “a preeminent operator and investor with an established track record of successful acquisitions and value creation.” The letter said under Foley’s leadership, “we would seek to reignite growth at CoreLogic, increase operating efficiency, and improve overall allocation of scarce capital resources.” Cannae and Senator are offering to buy CoreLogic for $65 a share, which the letter said is 34% higher than the stock’s 30-day average before the offer was announced. News of the offer sent the

WHERE RESOLUTION IS THE SOLUTION

stock up $15.02 to $67.95 on June 26, indicating investors expect to see a higher buyout price. Wells Fargo analyst William Warmington disagrees, downgrading his rating on CoreLogic from “overweight” to “equal weight” on June 29. “While Friday’s $67.95 closing price implies a higher bid is coming, we view $65 as attractive, having a high probability of occurring, and unlikely to draw bids materially above the $65 level,” Warmington said in his research note. Cannae and Senator said they own or have a combined economic interest of 15% of CoreLogic, but the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings do not show either firm as a significant stockholder. Their letter said CoreLogic had “knowledge of our interest in the Company.” However, CoreLogic issued a statement saying “Cannae and Senator had not previously expressed acquisition interest to the Company.” CoreLogic said its board would review the proposal.

Dun & Bradstreet launches IPO The offer for CoreLogic comes 16 months after Cannae led a group that bought business data firm Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc. for $6.9 billion. Dun & Bradstreet went public again June 30 with an offering of 78.3 million shares of stock at $22 each.

The company revealed more details of its IPO in an updated SEC filing last week. In addition to the shares sold to the public, Cannae will invest another $200 million in Dun & Bradstreet. Jacksonville-based mortgage technology firm Black Knight Inc., another Fidelity spinoff, will invest an additional $100 million. Cannae currently owns 21.5% and Black Knight owns 16% of Dun & Bradstreet, according to the filing. Although they are increasing their investments, Cannae’s stake will fall to 19% and Black Knight’s will drop to 13.5% after the IPO. Black Knight CEO Anthony Jabbour took on the additional role of CEO of Dun & Bradstreet after the buyout. Affiliates of investment firm Thomas H. Lee Partners will remain the largest Dun & Bradstreet stockholders with 25.4% of the company after the IPO.

Shoe Carnival sales jump Shoe Carnival Inc. said last week that sales jumped as its stores reopened across the country after pandemic-related closures. The footwear chain controlled by former Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver said all but one of its 390 stores were open as of June 22 and comparable-store sales at those stores (sales at stores open for more than one year) were up 4% so far in the second quarter. Online sales also were strong, with e-commerce comparable sales up 470%. “As we have slowly reemerged with heightened safety procedures, we have welcomed back our customers to stores, and as a result, fiscal second quarter-to-date sales have exceeded our expectations,” CEO Cliff Sifford said in a news release. Weaver is chairman of Shoe Carnival and his family is the largest shareholder, controlling more than 30% of the stock. MBASCH@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM

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Advanced Disposal buyout price lowered

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

Top commercial sales of the week BY SCOTT SAILER • STAFF WRITER

Here are the top 10 commercial real estate sales in Northeast Florida, comprising Baker, Clay, Duval and St. Johns counties. The sales were recorded June 22-28. ST. JOHNS

ST. JOHNS

$52,625,000

655 W. Marina Cove Drive, St. Augustine Type: Isla Antigua apartments Parcel size: 16.03 acres Number of units: 249 Buyer: West Shore Antigua LLC Seller: CRP/CDP St. Augustine Owners LLC

$8,425,571

Longleaf Pine Parkway, County Road 223 and County Road 244, Saint Johns Type: Undeveloped mixeduse Parcel size: 571.93 acres Buyer: ICI Crossroads Holdings LLC Seller: Raydient LLC

File image

The Isla Antigua apartments at 655 W. Marina Cove Drive in St. Augustine sold for $52.6 million.

DUVAL

$6,714,738

DUVAL

$5,361,134

$4,231,164

4990 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville

3107 Edgewood Ave. W., Jacksonville

1211 St. Johns Bluff Road N., Jacksonville

Type: Chase Bank

Type: Fresenius Kidney Care Trout River Parcel size: 1.64 acres Building size: 8,315 square feet Buyer: NS Retail Holdings LLC Seller: Triangle Capital Group LLC Previous sale: $4,092,400 in 2016

Type: Fresenius Kidney Care Regency Parcel size: 1.5 acres Building size: 7,131 square feet Buyer: NS Retail Holdings LLC Seller: Triangle Capital Group LLC Previous sale: $3,482,500 in 2017

Parcel size: 0.2 acres Building size: 3,971 square feet Buyer: The Charles H. Goldberg Family Trust Seller: CT018 Jacksonville FL LLC, CTO Realty Growth Inc. and Indigo Group Ltd.

DUVAL

BAKER

DUVAL

$3,000,000

$2,970,000

$2,804,000

$2,318,573

$1,672,956

Type: Best USA Inn Parcel size: 8.65 acres Building size: Five buildings totaling 82,442 square feet No. of rooms: 150 Buyer: JAX 1057 Broward LLC Seller: 11 Properties LLC Previous sale: $1,962,700 in 2018

Type: Undeveloped multifamily Parcel size: 23.28 acres Buyer: SydneyTrace Ltd. Seller: Chimney Lakes Investment Co.

Type: Burger King Parcel size: 0.95 acres Building size: 2,820 square feet Buyer: Steven and Robyn Vizvary Seller: VRE New Kings LLC

Type: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Parcel size: 1.31 acres Building size: 2,265 square feet Buyer: 13565 Cypress LLC Seller: VRE MacClenny LLC

1057 Broward Road, Jacksonville

Argyle Forest Boulevard, Jacksonville

6014 New Kings Road, Jacksonville

812 Sixth St. S., Macclenny

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

JACKSONVILLE DAILY RECORD / JACKSONVILLE RECORD & OBSERVER

JaxDailyRecord.com

Jacksonville

Type: Seven single-family rental homes Parcel size: 1.97 acres Buyer: CPI/Amherst SFR Program Owner LLC Seller: Trans AM SFE II LLC

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MAX MARBUT ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Federal judges adapt to social distancing and administer oaths out of the courthouse. BY MAX MARBUT ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Beginning in March, safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 caused the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse to limit the number of people coming into the building. The monthly naturalization oath ceremonies presided over by district and magistrate judges of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, were postponed. As restrictions relating to the spread of COVID-19 eased, the court found a way to resume the judicial ceremonies. In accordance with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a period of two weeks in June, federal judges went to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Jacksonville field office to preside over about 30 abbreviated open-air ceremonies. They administered the oath of citizenship to small groups of applicants at each ceremony with the presiding judge, immigration personnel and applicants maintaining social distance. The typical ceremony at the courthouse would involve 50 people. The judges swore in 291 applicants who had completed the requirements for citizenship except for taking the oath of citizenship. The abbreviated ceremonies made it possible for the judges to improvise and accommodate special requirements while maintaining the safety of those participating in the ceremonies.

While social distancing and other safety guidelines prevented the families and guests of the new citizens from attending the ceremonies, U.S. Magistrate Judge James Klindt agreed to preside over a private ceremony for a husband and wife whose three children were waiting in their car, but who wanted to witness their parents become U.S. citizens. Klindt also swore in an applicant as she sat in her car. “Being sworn in as a United States citizen after meeting all the requirements for citizenship is an important, meaningful, and special occasion for these new citizens,” said U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan in a news release. “These ceremonies also are meaningful occasions for the judges of the Jacksonville Division who recognize the effort and hard work required to become United States citizens. During this difficult time for our nation it was inspiring to see the innovation and cooperation that made these abbreviated ceremonies possible.” In addition to Corrigan and Klindt, U.S. District Judges Marcia Morales Howard and Brian Davis and U.S. Magistrate Judges Patricia Barksdale and Joel Toomey also administered the oath of citizenship to qualified applicants.

JBA presents annual awards At the Jacksonville Bar Association’s virtual meeting June 24, Elizabeth Ferguson presented the association’s annual awards during her final meeting as the 2019-20 president. Raymond Reid, a trial attorney and partner with the Pajcic & Pajcic law firm, received the Professionalism Award. Reid is a member of The Florida Bar Foundation board of directors. He served on the city Ethics Commission and chaired the Jacksonville Community Council Inc. study that analyzed the city’s homicide rate. “This is a statement to his hard work,” Ferguson said. The Chair of the Year award was presented to Kasey Wagner, chair of the JBA Mental Health & Wellness Committee. She practices with Morgan & Morgan in Jacksonville, specializing in nursing home and

Photo by Edward Fernandez, Executive Video & Photographic Services Inc.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Klindt performed drive-thru naturalization ceremonies at the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service Jacksonville office. The Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse is closed for COVID-19.

elder abuse litigation. “She took a new committee and turned it into something amazing,” Ferguson said. The President’s Award was presented to Mike Smith, court technology officer for the 4th Judicial Circuit. Smith and his staff at the Duval County Courthouse are responsible for designing and maintaining the electronic infrastructure used by judges, attorneys and staff that serve all court functions. Ferguson said Smith was selected for the award in recognition of his department’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the courthouse closing to the public and transitioning court functions from in-person to online. “I’m lucky to work in this circuit. The judges and attorneys are always there when I need them. My job is easy with all of you working together,” Smith said.

Edwards honored for lifetime achievement

Edwards & Ragatz partner Tom Edwards was unanimously elected by the Florida Justice Association to receive the Al J. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Clay County Clerk of the Circuit Court Tara Green is the 2020-21 president of Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers. She was sworn in June 23 by 4th Circuit Judge Don Lester during the organization’s annual summer conference, conducted virtually because of concerns about COVID-19. Green unveiled the theme that will guide initiatives during her presidency: “Leading the Drive for Excellence.” “I want to focus this year on how clerks can drive innovations in efficiency, service and technology to serve this state and our constituents,” Green said in a news release. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers is a statewide nonprofit association comprising Florida’s clerks of the circuit court and comptrollers. It provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for members of the association.

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The award is presented for lifetime achievement in protecting consumer rights and the justice system. His career includes past presidency of the association, Jacksonville Bar Association and Jacksonville chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Edwards has served in leadership roles including the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Management Council, The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, Florida Supreme Court Civil Jury Instructions and Florida Supreme Court Business Jury Instructions. Edwards also was chair of the 4th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, National Board for the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Executive Committee for the Florida Bar Trial Lawyer’s Section. The Al J. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award is named for the founding president of the Florida Justice Association (formerly the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) who dedicated nearly 50 years to protecting civil justice and the rights of working people. Edwards will accept the award later this year at the Founder’s Day Banquet of the Florida Justice Association.

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THE MARBUT REPORT

New citizens sworn in despite COVID-19

JACKSONVILLE DAILY RECORD / JACKSONVILLE RECORD & OBSERVER

JaxDailyRecord.com

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

Commercial projects starting at eTown Baptist Health and Gate Petroleum Co. are the first identified to bring services to the Southside community. BY KAREN BRUNE MATHIS EDITOR

growth doesn’t mean CONSTANT CHANGE CONSTANT

Photo by Karen Brune Mathis

The eTown monument sign anchors the property off Florida 9B at E-Town Parkway in South Jacksonville.

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dential parcels for development in the northeast property. There are plans for southeast E-Town Parkway and Florida 9B, with Exchange Street, Square Street and Bold City Street and development sites. That is not part of the current project. ETown and the parkway also extend west of Florida 9B, where additional acreage is targeted for nonresidential development. Roger O’Steen, The PARC Group chairman and founder, said June 25 he had no additional information to share. ETown’s residential neighborhoods include the Del Webb, Nobel, Kettering, Marconi and Edison single-family home communities; the Newton townhouses; and the Menlo apartments. ETown markets itself as a smart-living community built around technology connections. Neighborhoods are named after inventors. Homebuilders include Pulte Homes, Toll Brothers, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes.

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ETown, the master-planned Southside community designed for up to 2,000 homes off Florida 9B, is launching commercial development. Baptist Health kicked it off in February when it said it bought 3½ acres in The Exchange at eTown, the commercial element of the project at northeast E-Town Parkway and Florida 9B. Baptist will start with primary care at the site, which includes digital health and wellness services. Gate Petroleum Co. comes next. It proposes a 6,500-square-foot gas station and convenience store with 20 fueling positions on 2.16 acres near the Baptist Health site. When Baptist announced, it said about 100 families had moved into eTown in the previous several months. ETown plans an amenity center and a village center with retail uses. The Hub, eTown’s welcome center, opened in October. The St. Johns River Water Management District issued a permit June 25 for the eTown nonresidential north section. It authorized a stormwater management system for landowner Eastland Timber LLC and developer E-Town Development Inc., part of The PARC Group. Jed Davis leads Eastland Timber. He is president and CEO of DDI Inc./Davis Family Office England-Thims & Miller Inc. is the civil engineer. The nonresidential road system includes Meeting Street, Exchange Street and Assembly Street at northeast Florida 9B and E-Town Parkway. Plans show at least eight nonresi-

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THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

Bar Bulletin The

PROTECTING RIGHTS • PURSUING JUSTICE • PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM

PRO BONO FROM THEPRESIDENT PRESIDENT THE

WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD BRIDGES The Jacksonville Bar Association will rise to this challenge. BY MICHELLE BEDOYA BARNETT

INSIDE

COMMENTARY

Preserving the jury trial As Americans pull together to repair the damage, our legal community has turned to technology to restore the Constitution. Finding a way to conduct jury trials without placing participants’ health at risk is at the forefront. PAGE 12

COMMENTARY

JBA PRESIDENT

What employers need to know

here are those inconsequential conversations that we push to the back of our minds. There also are memories that stay with us forever, that shape our world view and our view of ourselves. For me, one of those formative memories occurred in the first grade when a classmate asked, “Are you black or are you Indian? Because if you’re black, we can’t be friends.” As it turns out, I was neither. As a 6-year-old, I did not understand the impact of her words, I merely informed her that I am Hispanic. But what if my answer had been yes? Would I have been disregarded or deemed unworthy? In recent weeks, I have replayed this conversation in my mind and wondered how my life might be different if I was Black. The recent protests for racial justice have called many of us to challenge the things we always have accepted and the way we conduct our lives personally and professionally. I want you to know that, as the

Stop Work Orders can be a costly and confusing headache. Here are five tips for avoiding them. PAGE 13

COMMENTARY

The most important marital assets Too often, divorcing couples fail to consider the two most important familial assets: The post-divorce family dynamic and the future well-being of their children. PAGE 14

Jacksonville Bar Association President Michelle Bedoya Barnett.

SEE BARNETT, PAGE 15

YOUNG PRO LAWYERS FROMBONO THE PRESIDENT

Striving for inclusion in this ever-changing time You can move mountains with simple acts of kindness.

ASHLEA EDWARDS JBA YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION PRESIDENT

When I was younger, I created a bucket list of items that I wanted to accomplish in my life. The first on my list was to make a difference in at least one person’s life. As a part of achieving that goal, I have strived to make those around me always feel included. Since creating my bucket list,

my definition of inclusion has changed. While it may have started out by standing up for a classmate being teased, as a young lawyer it means much more. It means ensuring access to justice. It means never rejecting the cause of the defenseless or oppressed. It means advocating and addressing the needs of your fellow young lawyers. As a young lawyer, inclusion is imperative. In the past six months, young

lawyers have had to adjust to twists and turns that we never saw coming. First, it was the threat of the novel coronavirus challenging our economy, our social constructs and our legal landscape. During that time and even still, many young lawyers learned to work remotely, juggling job duties, parenthood and other responsibilities all at once. To fight feelings of isolation, people had to learn to connect with each other in different

ways. Next, it was protests against racial injustice that took and continue to take an emotional toll on young lawyers. Throughout the protests, young lawyers accepted the call to action to represent those arrested during protests, to write their state or local representatives and to be more introspective about their own actions. Still, feelings of isolation exist. SEE EDWARDS, PAGE 15

THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

PRO BONO

Attorney helps client obtain safe and secure housing MISSY DAVENPORT JBA PRO BONO COMMITTEE CHAIR

After watching a report on WJXT TV-4 news, longtime pro bono volunteer Rob Ellis was motivated to act. In these difficult times, it is easy to focus on negative headlines and feel helpless or discouraged. Local attorney and longtime pro bono volunteer Rob Ellis recently saw a troubling story in the news and decided to do something about it. His efforts made a difference in the life of his client, Jordan Whitty, and helped his client obtain safe and habitable housing. “He is a very good man and a very good attorney,” Whitty said of his volunteer lawyer. Ellis describes the experience: What were the basic facts of your case? My client, who is deaf, was jumped by a group of men while walking home from work. Two days later, his apartment was burglarized. The case caught my attention after it was reported by Vic Micolucci on WJXT TV-4. It was interesting to me because the victim was a cook at a restaurant in the Lakewood area where I am a fairly frequent diner. My client’s apartment complex made some temporary repairs to correct the damage from the burglary, but not enough to make much of a difference. There also were serious problems due to roaches and rats and there had been a water leak that was causing mold issues. It was a bad situation and my client wanted to find a new place to live without having to worry about an eviction on his record. What were you able to accomplish for your client? It was truly a community

WJXT TV-4

A news report about Jordan Whitty on WJXT TV-4 spurred attorney and longtime pro bono volunteer Rob Ellis to help.

new place to live where he now feels safe and happy. Why was the outcome important to your client? He was truly overwhelmed by the support of his community. What did you gain from the experience? It felt good to be a part of a larger effort to help someone that really needed it. I was glad to use my law license to address the lease issue and see things through. What is the name of your firm? Murphy & Ellis PLLC. We practice in the areas of business and commercial transactions, business litigation, business formation and civil litigation. Special to the Daily Record

Pro bono volunteer Rob Ellis of Murphy & Ellis PLLC practices in the areas of business and commercial transactions, business litigation, business formation and civil litigation.

effort. With my client’s help, the reporting by Micolucci, generous community contributions to a GoFundme account, the support of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (especially Suzanne Gar-

THE JACKSONVILLE BAR ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP President Michelle Bedoya Barnett, Alexander DeGance Barnett President-elect Michael Fox Orr, Orr | Cook Treasurer Fraz Ahmed, Coker Law

Secretary Blane McCarthy, Blane McCarthy Young Lawyers Section President Ashlea Edwards, Akerman Executive Director Craig Shoup

row, coordinator of the Eviction Defense Self Help Project) and the cooperation of my client’s landlord, we reached an agreement where my client was able to terminate his lease and find a

What advice do you have for attorneys considering pro bono involvement? This was an opportunity for me because of my personal connection to the case. When you stumble upon an opportunity like this, it is especially rewarding when you are able to help in a place, “Where everybody knows your name, And they’re always glad you came . . .” (For the

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEMBERS Brian T. Coughlin Bedell Firm

Shannon Schott Plata Schott

Christian P. George Akerman

Asghar A. Syed Gunster

Jamie Karpman U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Cyndy Trimmer Driver McAfee Hawthorne & Diebenow

Adina Pollan, Pollan Legal

Lindsay L. Tygart Coker Law

younger folks, that’s part of the theme song from the television show “Cheers”). Sincere appreciation is extended to Ellis and to all attorneys involved in the many pro bono case, clinic and project opportunities. The 4th Judicial Circuit offers many pro bono opportunities serving low-income residents that provide professional development and are personally rewarding. Volunteer attorneys are provided with support resources including CLE courses, expert resource attorneys, sign language interpreters and language translators, access to Westlaw for pro bono case research, professional liability insurance for representation and meeting spaces. To review cases in need of placement, go to floridaprobonomatters.org, and type your county in the general search field. For information on projects and clinics, contact Missy Davenport at missy. davenport@jaxlegalaid.org

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Editor-in-chief Iana Benjamin Cordell & Cordell Editors Ashlea Edwards Akerman Kirsten Oliver Law Offices of William W. Kurtz, Jr.

THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

COMMENTARY

We can help the court preserve the jury trial MICHAEL FOX ORR JBA PRESIDENT-ELECT AND FLORIDA BAR BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The 4th Circuit is part of a virtual format pilot program.

I have tried cases from business and real estate disputes to those in which screeching tires altered lives in a split second, but I never imagined I would see the entire world screech to a stop. In early March, I tried a case just like all the others. The jurors sat close to one another in the box. They listened. They adjourned to a private room, staying close together. And they decided. When the verdict was read, I thought of the next trial on my calendar, ready to do it all again. That changed. In the blink of an eye, COVID-19 crashed the world. It sequestered us in our homes, closed our businesses and eliminated one of our most sacred Constitutional rights: trial by jury. As Americans pull together

to repair the damage, our legal community has turned to technology to restore the Constitution. Finding a way to conduct jury trials without placing participants’ health at risk is at the forefront. On March 13, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady entered an administrative order suspending criminal and civil jury trials. For the next several weeks, I corresponded with colleagues about whether our May trials were going forward - then it was June, and then July. The court appointed a workgroup to seek protective measures that would allow the safe return of justice stakeholders, including jurors, to court facilities. Everyone guessed about what might happen next as the jury trial suspension continued.

LEGAL BRIEFS

In May, several groups started investigating and testing virtual jury trials. The 17th Judicial Circuit hosted a mock Zoom jury trial in partnership with the Fort Lauderdale chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. An insurance dispute in Collin County, Texas, was tried via Zoom and streamed live on YouTube. The jury’s verdict was nonbinding. In Arizona, that state’s Supreme Court began to modify civil procedure rules to accommodate changes, such as one reducing the number of peremptory strikes. While Zoom tests began in many states, Oregon became one of the first to reinstitute in-person jury trials with the judge, witnesses, and jurors wearing masks. In Portland, where only 121 jurors out of 500 summoned

appeared for duty (half the usual appearance rate), jurors demonstrated their understandable apprehension. Earlier this month, Canady issued an administrative order creating a remote jury trial pilot program to evaluate the feasibility of conducting jury trials through remote means. A work group was charged with developing requirements for participation in the program and selecting five judicial circuits to participate. Those judicial circuits are to report by Oct. 2 to present findings and recommendations. The 4th Judicial Circuit was one of those selected to test remote civil jury trials. Circuit Judge Bruce Anderson leads the pilot program in Jacksonville. This is an opportunity to make history and be on the front end of an evolving phenomena. Anyone seeking a remote civil jury trial between July 20 and Sept. 25 should contact Judicial Assistant Paula Fields at pfields@coj.net. More recently, Canady approved the recommendations of the work group’s phase 2 report and noted that the work group is developing benchmarks to govern the court system’s transition from phase 2 to phase 3. Phase 3 involves more broadly authorized “in-person contact” and “protective measures are relaxed.” Still, COVID-19 cases are spiking and we continue to learn what might be next. In a June 18 meeting, Canady said the court is “intently focused” on getting jury trials up and running again. The court has the right focus and should be commended for its effort during this unprecedented pandemic. There is nothing more important to our system of justice than an independent judiciary and the jury trial. John Adams wrote, “Representative government and trial by jury are the heart and lungs of liberty.” Thomas Jefferson remarked that, “I consider (trial by jury) as the only anchor yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” How we protect this civic duty and honored privilege will shape and preserve the future of our legal system. If you have an idea or if you want to help, now is the time to make a difference. A vital and indispensable right in this country needs preservation. Michael Fox Orr is a shareholder at Orr | Cook, focusing on complex business, civil trial and appellate work.

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Keep involved in the JBA

The Jacksonville Bar Association has a CLE video library where you can purchase online CLE presentations and get those CLE credits you need in the convenience of your home or office. You may choose from as few as 0.5 CLER hours to as many as 8.0 CLER hours, including various certification hours. Just select the videos that correspond with the CLE credits you need, purchase them, watch online and submit for credit. Topics include family law, technology law, transactional law and professionalism for new practitioners. Visit jaxbar.org/store

The driving force behind this organization is the active participation of its members. Please give the association the benefit of your ideas and talents by volunteering to serve on one or more of the committees shown on the JBA website. With your active involvement, this association will flourish. To join or change your committee preferences, open your web profile at jaxbar.org and click on “Join a Committee.”

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY 7 Professionalism & Mentoring Committee Noon, format/location to be determined

JULY 7 A Community Conversation Noon, virtual event

JULY 8 Mentor/MenteeRoundtableBreakfast 8 a.m., format/location to be determined JULY 14 Judicial Relations Committee Noon, format/location to be determined JULY 16 Veteran & Military Affairs Committee Noon, format/location to be determined

JULY 16 Noon in June in July Time & location to be determined JULY 29 Jacksonville Bar Association Member Luncheon Time & location to be determined

THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

COMMENTARY

TIPS FOR AVOIDING STOP-WORK ORDERS KELLY SCIFRES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Here’s what employers – and lawyers – need to know. Florida Statutes Chapter 440 grants authority to the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation, to enforce the workers’ compensation laws in the state of Florida. This typically involves random job site inspections by the DWC’s auditors, who have the ability to interview everyone on-site regarding their employment and workers’ compensation coverage status, issue a Stop Work Order on one or all of an employer’s job sites until proof of coverage is obtained, and issue business records requests. The DWC uses the business records to audit the employer’s workers’ compensation compliance not only on the date of the site inspection, but also during a two-year look back period. If noncompliance is found at any point during the audit period, the DWC can issue penalties and impute wages for an employer’s failure to respond to business records requests. However, financial penalties are not an employer’s only concern, as enforcement actions can carry criminal implications. If an employer is deemed noncompliant for a second time within a five-year period, the employer is subject to third-degree felony charges for insurance fraud per Chapter 440. Between the possibility of a hefty penalty assessment and potential criminal charges, there is a lot at stake for Florida’s employers. Stop Work Orders, business record audits and penalty assessments can be a costly and confusing headache for employers and their attorneys seeking to maintain compliance with the Florida workers’ compensation laws. Here are five tips for avoiding them: Employers should be honest with their insurance agents/ brokers when obtaining or renewing their workers’ compensation policy. Workers’ compensation coverage can be costly, and this often is an area where employers attempt to cut costs. However,

that can result in more expensive problems down the road and poses other risks and exposure to the employer. The agent/broker should know the type of work the employees perform, amount of payroll wages and the nature of the business. Communicate frequently with agents/brokers for ongoing compliance as business needs change. Ensure subcontractors or independent contractors have workers’ compensation coverage or exemptions in place. Employers should inform their agent/broker if they use subcontractors or independent contractors and whether their policy covers, or should cover, them. An employer will be penalized during a DWC compliance audit for wages paid to subcontractors without proper coverage or an exemption in place. Maintain up-to-date subcontractor and independent contractor agreements that include specific terms regarding which party is responsible for maintaining workers’ compensation coverage for each entity and its employees. A construction employer can be held responsible for work injuries sustained by a subcontractor and/or its employees that

are uninsured for the purposes of workers’ compensation. Do not misclassify employees. During an audit, the DWC will assess a $5,000 penalty per employee misclassified as a subcontractor or independent contractor. Misclassifying employees exposes employers to other potential liabilities and penalties. Employers will be required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers misclassified as subcontractors or independent contractors. Do not commingle business and personal assets, or assets from different businesses. During an audit and penalty assessment, penalties will be calculated using the highest-class code of all the businesses involved. This results in significantly higher penalties for the business that would have been assigned a lower-class code if the funds were separate and distinguishable for each entity. The employer has the burden to prove disbursements from the business bank account were paid to individuals/entities with proper workers’ compensation coverage or valid exemptions in place. The commingling of personal and business assets is com-

mon in small businesses, but these should be kept separate. Discrepancies in the employer’s business records will be construed against the employer. The statute allows DWC compliance auditors to impute unexplained disbursements as wages and assess penalties accordingly. Keep a detailed general ledger and an organized system for all business records. Do not use cash. This can be hard for busy business owners. However, the statute requires employers to maintain complete records. Stop Work Orders and compliance audits always involve a business records request that can go back two years. If an employer does not have any records, or complete records, the DWC will impute wages, which are typically higher than actual wages. All unexplained disbursements (including cash withdrawals) from an employer’s business account lacking supporting records will be considered uninsured wages for the purposes of the penalty assessment. Kelly Scifres is a workers’ compensation defense attorney in Marshall Dennehy Warner Coleman & Goggin’s Jacksonville office.

Between the possibility of a hefty penalty assessment and potential criminal charges, there is a lot at stake for Florida’s employers.

THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

COMMENTARY

Family law valuations:

The often-forgotten marital assets

JOHN GUY 4TH CIRCUIT JUDGE

It’s about more than just money and property. As every family law practitioner knows, divorcing couples spend a lot of time and money on valuations. Experts are retained to value businesses, vocational abilities and individual assets. But too often, divorcing couples fail to consider the two most important familial assets: The post-divorce family dynamic and the future well-being of their children. The dollar value of marital assets will not matter if the parents can’t create a safe, civil and respectful post-divorce coparenting relationship. Children need, and in the eyes of many are entitled to, an amicable, efficient and effective relationship between their parents. Divorced parents don’t need to love each other, but they do need to respect one another and appreciate the impact on their children of their new, post-separation relationship. Our youth crisis centers are filled with children whose parents have failed in this regard. Foremost for consideration is the nature and means of communication between the parents. The value in this cannot be overstated. The level of civility between divorced parents is the most important factor in a healthy coparenting relationship. The parents must be able to consider and appreciate the circumstances and position of the other parent. They have to be able to express themselves in a calm and measured manner. They have to be willing to compromise, and often, forgive. A violent, or even disrespectful, coparenting relationship produces stress and lasting harm to young children. In its most severe form this is known as

toxic stress, which can lead to lifelong physical and emotional problems. The animus between parents robs children of comfort and safety and a sense of security. Conversely, civil, patient and understanding communication between parents allows children to find a safe harbor at the home of each parent. Divorcing parents think long and hard about the “parenting plan” for their children, which is to say, how much time (and what time) the children will spend with each parent. They consider what they believe is best for their children and what they believe their children desire. They consider schedules, schools, extracurricular activities and finances. But the num-

ber and nature of overnights won’t matter if the parents can’t communicate civilly and respectfully. The other undervalued, and often forgotten, asset of the divorcing couple is the family unit itself. It has long been noted that while divorce is the end of the marriage, it is not the end of the family. The link between children and their biological parents remains forever. Parents go their separate ways, move on, and often remarry. But that core unit, those two adults and their biological children, must be recognized, appreciated and reconciled. That’s not for the sake of the parents, but because it really matters to the development of the lives they together created.

Parents should give great thought to how their new relationship will exist in the real world. Take, for example, their child’s extracurricular activities. Where will newly divorced mom and dad sit at the soccer game or dance recital? Are they even capable of attending the same event? Where should they sit relative to each other if they do attend the same event? If the parents decide to sit at opposite ends of a soccer field and their child scores a goal, which parent should that child look to first? The one who is physically closer? The one who cares more? The one who brought them to the game? Neither? Would it not be better for the

child if the parents could bring themselves to sit relatively close – if not next to – each other? Wouldn’t it be healthier for the child if at the end of the event the parents were in the same place to greet and congratulate and celebrate with their child? How much is that worth to a child struggling to carry all the baggage associated with divorce and separation? When family law attorneys and their clients set out to value marital assets, perhaps they should begin with those assets that are invaluable. Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge John Guy was appointed to the bench in 2015 after 22 years in the State Attorney’s Office.

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THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

Barnett: Consider becoming a mentor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

leader of this organization, I am devoted to identifying ways to generate discussion and understanding on race-related issues. I assure you that the Jacksonville Bar Association will rise to this challenge. I am proud of the work the JBA is already doing for race relations. When I look back at my growth opportunities it has been through conversations with many of you at Bar events that have helped me grow in my understanding of the disparities that have been and that continue to be. The JBA Diversity Committee, with the leadership of Christen Luikart and Joni Poitier, is working on programming to build on our study circles that have been facilitating discussions on the issues of race. If you are looking for a safe outlet to have an intellectual and respectful discussion, I encourage you to reach out to JBA

Executive Director Craig Shoup and express your interest in participating in a study circle. As attorneys, what binds us is not our skin color, socioeconomic background or ethnicity, but our shared education, our character and our dedication to utilizing the practice of law to give voice to the voiceless. If you are looking for a way to positively influence young people, consider becoming a mentor through the Ribault Mentoring Program. Through this program, students at Ribault High School are paired with members of the Jacksonville legal community. Students learn to conduct a mock trial, visit local universities and the Duval County Courthouse, City Hall and other sites. It is our hope that underprivileged youth may be exposed to careers in the law and achieve their dreams to practice law and that the legal profession benefits from becoming a more inclusive

Students from Raines and Ribault high schools participating in the JBA Young Lawyers Section Future Lawyers and Leaders program toured the Duval County Courthouse on Nov. 1. File image

and diverse environment. Most of us can identify a lawyer we knew in our youth who sparked our interest in the law. I recently read a statistic that 3% of lawyers in the United States are African American despite the fact that 13% of our population is African American. This needs to change and we can serve as a catalyst for this change. The JBA Diversity Committee recently published a list of action items for our members:

n Speak up publicly. n Talk with your children and

other young people about racism. n Challenge your own stereotypical beliefs. n Mentor someone who doesn’t look like you. n Participate in a study circle. n Join the JBA Diversity Committee. Let’s work together to build bridges, spread love and bring our community together to heal

and make needed changes. To my Black colleagues, on behalf of the Jacksonville Bar Association, know that we hear you. While we do not know your pain, we stand with you. We respect you. We are better because of you. We will do better because of you. Michelle Bedoya Barnett is a founding partner of Alexander DeGance Barnett, focusing on labor and employment law.

Edwards: Join me in my inclusion quest CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

While young lawyers have been adept and resilient in responding to recent events, inclusion proves to be more important than ever. Amid the pandemic and recent protests, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision which found that discrimination

on the basis of sex prohibited under Title VII includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Whether intended or not, the decision sent a message of inclusion. The opinion begins: “Sometimes small gestures can have unexpected consequences.” As I read these words, I think

about their meaning outside of the case. The language seems to justify my bucket list item from so many years ago and the thought that you can move mountains with simple acts of kindness. But the longer I looked at the words, they also seemed to signify that what we say and do has meaning. That through

small acts, we can have a profound impact on someone’s life, whether good or bad. With inclusion at the forefront of our minds, I challenge you to join me in my inclusion quest, whatever that means to you. Whether it is listening to a colleague impacted by recent events or simply checking up on

a friend who has had a hard day, each makes a positive difference in someone’s life and is a step toward inclusion. Ashlea Edwards is an attorney at Akerman LLP focusing on management-side labor and employment law as well as commercial litigation.

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THE BAR BULLETIN

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

JAMIE IBRAHIM

JAMIE IBRAHIM General magistrate Age: 40

BY MAX MARBUT • ASSOCIATE EDITOR

General Magistrate Jamie Ibrahim was selected a 2020 “Leader in the Law” by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer? I took a law class in high school and got hooked immediately. As a lazy kid who hated homework, willingly doing hours of extra work made me think this may be a good career for me. My mother may have suggested it to me as a teenager since I liked to argue with – I mean debate – her.

Hometown: Born in Louisville, Kentucky, but raised in Jacksonville. Family: Mother, brother and sisterin-law, husband, stepdaughter and a few dozen aunts, uncles and cousins. We Arabs tend to have big families.

Someone who inspires me: My mother is the smartest and strongest person I know. As a single mom, she worked incredibly hard to give me and my brother the best in life and make sure we valued education, kindness and equality. Turning into her as I get older will be my greatest accomplishment. How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice of law? I was a political science major. The coursework exposed me to different systems of government and the U.S. political and legal systems. That helped me learn how to look at issues from many different viewpoints. How did you decide your practice area? And why have you chosen that? I interned with the family law unit at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid while in law school. That led to a job offer, a passion for helping families in crisis and lifelong friendships with wonderful people.

Education: University of North Florida, bachelor’s in political science; Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D.

Favorite book: I love too many books to pick just one favorite.

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hearings given the COVID-19 pandemic. I think we’ll start to see more telephonic and video hearings for uncontested matters even after life has returned to normal.

What has been the biggest change in your practice area since you passed the Bar? Over the years there has been a migration toward equal parenting and timesharing and an end to automatically assuming kids should be with mom.

If I could change anything in the legal system, I would: Make pro bono hours mandatory and increase funding for legal aid. There is a huge need that cannot be met without everyone, including those outside of the legal community, recognizing and supporting civil legal services.

What do you think will be the next biggest change in your area of law? Our circuit has done a great job quickly moving to virtual

What community service have you pursued and why that? My family has been blessed

and I’m always looking for ways to give back to the community. I’ve volunteered with St. George Orthodox Church, the Ramallah Club of Jacksonville, Duval County Teen Court, the Ribault Future Lawyers and Leaders program and the joint Bar Legal CommUNITY Days. What’s your advice for new lawyers? Find a mentor. Law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer, not how to actually practice. You need someone for those questions you’re embarrassed to ask. If interested, all of the voluntary Bar associations and Inns of Court have mentoring programs. Or call me and I’ll help you find someone.

Book I’m reading now: I recently finished “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owen. Websites or apps I can’t live without: Facebook. It’s old people Snapchat. Favorite nonwork activities: Baking, traveling and playing Tetris, the best video game ever.

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