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Mathis Report: Florida Blue upgrades nearing $45M PAGE 3
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Record & Observer DUVAL TRIAL MAKES HISTORY Record & Observer JACKSONVILLE
Plaintiff awarded a nearly $355,000 verdict in the first remote jury proceeding in the U.S. since the COVID-19 shutdown.
Bankrupt Stein Mart to begin ‘wind down’
The Jacksonville-based retailer will close “a significant portion, if not all” of its 281 stores.
JACKSONVILLE
Record & Observer BY MARK BASCH
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
JACKSONVILLE
Struggling fashion retailer Stein Mart Inc. filed a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Aug. 12 and said it plans to close “a significant portion, if not all” of its 281 stores in 30 states. The company said it is continuing to operate the business for now but has launched a store closing and liquidation process. It did not give a timeline for when s to re s m ay close. The bankruptcy filing came a day after Stein Mart laid off about half of the 340 employees in Hawkins its Jacksonville headquarters office including President MaryAnne Morin. Stein Mart has a total of 7,950 employees, according to court documents. “We announced this morning that we have filed a motion seeking court approval to begin an orderly wind down of our operations as soon as reasonably possible,” CEO Hunt Hawkins said in an emailed statement. “In partnership with our finan-
Record & Observer TRIAL BY ZOOM Plaintiff Cayla Griffin, her attorney, Matthew Kachergus, and Circuit Judge Bruce Anderson take part in the first virtual trial in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic. The faces of the jurors are blurred.
BY MAX MARBUT ASSOCIATE EDITOR
T
he first civil trial with a jury and binding verdict in the U.S. since the pandemic began ended at about 5:45 p.m. Aug. 10 when the jury’s $354,833 award was read into the record at the Duval County Courthouse. Jury trials were suspended in midMarch to slow the spread of COVID-19. Through their service, the jurors in the
remote trial “brought the sound of justice back to the courthouse,” said presiding Circuit Judge Bruce Anderson. The case, Cayla Griffin v. Albanese Enterprise Inc., d/b/a/ Paradise, a gentleman’s club, was filed in February 2019. Griffin, a dancer at the now-closed club, claimed she was assaulted a year earlier by two club bouncers after a dispute over whether she had been fired the night before. She presented evidence of broken bones and teeth, lacerations and a con-
What’s Trending: Lowe’s to open Jacksonville warehouse PAGE 2 Restaurant Notes: Biggie’s Pizza coming to the Southside PAGE 3 People on the Move: Bishop joins Historical Society board PAGE 5
cussion and that she suffered pain and mental anguish. Griffin was represented by Matthew Kachergus with Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DiMaggio. A default judgment was entered against Paradise before Griffin’s case was heard and the defendant chose not to participate in the trial. The jury was empaneled solely to determine the award for damages. Of the 54 jurors examined Aug. 6-7,
SEE STEIN MART, PAGE 8
MORE INSIDE Reaction to the Stein Mart bankruptcy. Page 8.
SEE TRIAL, PAGE 6
THE BASCH REPORT
Rayonier CEO: Employees home for the rest of year Awaiting vaccine or big reduction in new cases. PAGE 4 VOLUME 3, NO. 11 • ONE SECTION
WHAT’S TRENDING
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Lowe’s plans terminal in Freebird
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
3
Florida Blue upgrades could reach $45M
The insurer is continuing to update its Deerwood campus with most of its 6,000 employees working remotely. Florida Blue continues to renovate the office buildings at its Deerwood Park campus in an investment that could top $45 million, although COVID-19 is delaying work on the remaining two structures. The city is reviewing a permit application for a $5.3 million renovation of Building 800 at the insurer’s 100-acre property at 4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway. Those plans call for interior renovations of the six-story
File image
Florida Blue developed seven office buildings and a conference center at its Deerwood Park campus.
building, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing work; drywall, paint, carpet and flooring; and casework and restroom repairs. The city issued a permit July 4 for the interior demolition at a cost of $300,000. Danis Builders LLC is the contractor. “The demolition on the interior of Building 800 at the Deerwood campus is part of our ongoing renovations of our 20-year-old buildings,” said Toni Woods, Florida Blue senior media relations consultant, although project completion is delayed. Woods said there typically
are about 6,000 employees at the Deerwood campus. Most are working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. “Prior to the current pandemic and most of our employees working remotely, we were able to spread teams out to floors in other buildings. We had a very detailed logistics plan for moving teams temporarily while their building was being renovated,” she said. Woods said some of the buildings are more than 20 years old and were in need of repairs in addition to updated interiors and workspaces. “As our workforce has grown
RESTAURANT NOTES
RETAIL NOTES
Biggie’s to Southside: Biggie’s Pizza intends to open its third area restaurant this month at 4160-2 Southside Blvd. in the Gates of Tinseltown to take part of the closed Tommy’s Brick Oven Pizza space. Blake Hakimian, senior vice president of leasing for landlord Hakimian Holdings Inc., said Biggie’s Pizza is waiting on the location’s final inspection and hopes to be open by the end of August. The first Biggie’s Pizza opened in Jacksonville Beach and the second opened in the Five Points area of Riverside.
Dollar General stores: Four 9,100-square-foot Dollar General Stores are in review. The city issued a mobility fee calculation certificate for Concept Development LLC, which develops Dollar General stores, to build on 0.90 acres at northeast Pritchard and Jones roads in West Jacksonville. Concept Development Inc. asked JEA about service availability for two locations – at 8422 Atlantic Blvd., east of Century 21 Drive in the Arlington-Southside area, and on vacant land at 1040 E. Eighth St. in the Eastside area. The city is reviewing civil engineering plans for a 1.35-acre site at southeast Main and East 50th streets in the Panama Park area.
Larry’s to Roosevelt: The city issued a mobility fee calculation certificate for Larry’s Giant Subs to open a 2,460-square-foot restaurant and drive-thru on 0.44 acres at 5857 Roosevelt Blvd. Popeyes to 103rd Street: The city issued a mobility fee calculation certificate for Popeyes to open a 2,107-square-foot restaurant with 28 seats and a drive-thru on 1.89 acres along 103rd Street, near Rockola Road west of Interstate 295.
Publix at Mandarin Oaks: The city issued a permit Aug. 11 for a $650,578 renovation of the Publix Super Markets Inc. store at 11406 San Jose Blvd. in the Mandarin Oaks Shopping Center. Elkins Construction LLC is the contractor. Mattress1One to Southside Square: Southside Square shopping center at 9041 Southside Blvd. asked JEA about service availability to re-lease space for a Mattress1One store.
and workspaces have evolved, we want all seven buildings to have similar designs, resources and work areas. Even before the pandemic the renovations included touchless faucets and toilets, something that other office complexes are now considering,” she said. Woods said in May 2017 the insurer is upgrading the 1.3 million-square-foot complex to include mechanical, electrical, plumbing and interior feature improvements. Of the seven office buildings on its campus, three opened in 1996, two in 1998 and two more plus a conference center
Gate Express Carwash at Max Leggett: The city issued a concurrency reservation certificate for a 5,100-square-foot Gate Express Carwash on 3.89 acres at 13916 Woodland Drive and Max Leggett Parkway in North Jacksonville.
DEVELOPMENT NOTES Flying W Plastics to Northwest Jacksonville: The city approved a foundation permit Aug. 5 for Flying W Plastics at 109 Stevens St. in Northwest Jacksonville at a cost of $127,150. Contractor Charles Perry Partners Inc. will remove asphalt paving and install a concrete foundation for new silos. FWP Real Estate Holdings LLC bought the property, including a 170,000-squarefoot building, Feb. 27 for $4.25 million. West Virginia-based Flying W Plastics will create its second plant there and invest $8 million to make piping products for water, gas, sewer and geothermal uses. It will renovate the building, off Beaver Street, and create 28 jobs. Jacksonville City Council approved a $100,000 grant from the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund for the project.
THE MATHIS REPORT
KAREN BRUNE MATHIS EDITOR
and four-story parking garage in 2008. Woods said previously Florida Blue would upgrade five office buildings and now intends to renovate the remaining two – 800 and 900, both built in 2008. It has completed renovations on Buildings 100, 200, 300, 400 and 600. The basic construction costs for those total $35.1 million. The pending permit boosts that to more than $40 million. Renovations of the seventh building could increase that to at least $45 million. Woods said that by renovating each building, Florida Blue was able to increase its workforce capacity by 40% at a lower cost than constructing an eighth office building, which would have increased capacity by 15%. In case you wondered, there are no buildings 500 and 700 because of the office building configuration on the site, with even-numbered buildings on one side and odd-numbered structures on the other. KMATHIS@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @MATHISKB (904) 356-2466
Tradeport project: The St. Johns River Water Management District is reviewing plans by RM Domus Developers Corp. of Miami for a 45,434-square-foot warehouse on 3.91 acres at Vantage Way South and International Airport Boulevard. Goodson Bergen & Associates is the civil engineer. RM Domus filed civil plans with the city July 8. Ebert Norman Brady Architects is the architect. No tenant is identified. NAI Hallmark Vice President Jason Purdy respresents the developer. Wells Fargo to Lenox: The city issued a permit July 27 for Wells Fargo to convert a former tire shop at 5175 Lenox Ave. for a bank. FLC Contracting LLC is the contractor for the $1.17 million project to remodel the almost 8,000-square-foot tire shop that will include the expansion of air conditioned space. Tru by Hilton in Southside: The St. Johns River Water Management District is reviewing plans for a proposed 98room Tru by Hilton hotel at 4945 Lenoir Ave. in South Jacksonville. Dhimant Soni of Lake City is the developer. He is manager of OMSHIV JAX LLC. William E. Tully III Inc. is the civil engineer.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
JaxDailyRecord.com
THE BASCH REPORT
Rayonier employees are staying home Rayonier is able to operate with workers out of the office but its adjusted secondquarter earnings fell to 11 cents a share, from 14 cents in the second quarter of 2019. “While we are very Nunes encouraged by the resiliency that our business has exhibited over the past several months, we also expect some continued volatility in end markets as the pandemic evolves,” Nunes said.
MARK BASCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
CEO doesn’t see offices reopening by year-end. Rayonier Inc. relocated its offices three years ago from Downtown Jacksonville to a new 55,000-square-foot building at the company’s Wildlight mixed-use development in Nassau County. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there isn’t much need for that headquarters building these days. During Rayonier’s quarterly conference call last week, CEO David Nunes said the timber and real estate company put all U.S. office employees on a work-from-home model in March. “Given the current state of the pandemic, we anticipate remaining in this mode in many of our locations through at least the end of the year and will likely not fully reopen our offices until a vaccine has been implemented or the number of new cases has dramatically subsided,” he said.
A sixth straight loss at Rayonier AM Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., which split up with Rayonier Inc. in 2014, reported a second-quarter loss from continuing operations of $13 million, or 20 cents a share, its sixth straight quarterly loss. “Second quarter results were below expectations primarily driven by the impacts of COVID-19,” CEO Paul Boynton said in a news release. “High Purity Cellulose was impacted from reduced demand for textile, automotive and construction related products and ocean carrier delays, while newsprint demand was adversely affected, severely impacting price realizations and volumes,” he said.
Regency Centers tenants returning Jacksonville-based shopping center developer Regency Centers Corp. reported lower second-quarter earnings as its retail tenants reopen and try to get back to business as usual. Regency’s 415 properties across the country were 93.9% leased as of June 30 and at the end of July, about 95% of its tenants were open. “We’ve seen firsthand that as tenants have been able to reopen, consumers are eager to return to some sense of what was once normal and Palmer that means resuming some of their prior shopping behaviors,” CEO Lisa Palmer said in Regency’s conference call last week. Regency said it had collected 72% of rents due in the second quarter as of July 31. Regency’s funds from operations (earnings excluding noncash charges) fell to 61 cents in the second quarter, from 95 cents the previous year.
Publix sales surge in pandemic One of Regency’s largest tenants, Publix Super Markets Inc., is thriving in the pandemic as consumers eat more
at home. The Lakeland-based supermarket chain last week reported total sales jumped 21.8% to $11.4 billion in the second quarter and comparable-store sales (sales at stores open for more than one year) rose 19.9% Earnings doubled to $1.4 billion, or $1.94 a share. Publix also said the company’s stock price increased from $50.10 a share May 1 to $54.35 as of Aug. 1. The company’s stock is made available for sale only to employees and its price is determined by an appraisal five times a year.
Lack of baseball fans hurts FRP Jacksonville-based real estate developer FRP Holdings Inc. has two key residential and retail projects near Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and the lack of fans at baseball games is affecting them. One project, called Dock 79, is completed and occupied and the other, the Maren, is under construction. “A shortened baseball season without fans compounds a difficult situation for our retail tenants and consequently Dock 79. However, all three businesses have been able to resume operating to the extent that they can,” FRP said in its quarterly earnings news release. As for the Maren, “beyond the economic headwinds
caused by the pandemic, there are the necessary but still problematic logistical issues with trying to lease up a building during this unusual situation — virtual tours, an inability to showcase the property with events, no baseball, etc.,” it said. FRP reported second-quarter earnings of 43 cents a share, down from 99 cents last year.
Refinance activity lifts Fidelity Fidelity National Financial Inc. reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.09 a share, up from 92 cents last year, as the Jacksonville-based title insurance company benefited from strong mortgage refinancing activity. Revenue rose 12.9% to $2.42 billion.
FIS organic revenue falls Fidelity National Information Services Inc., or FIS, reported a big increase in second-quarter revenue to $2.96 billion after its acquisition of Worldpay Inc. a year ago. However, the financial technology company said on an organic basis, revenue fell 7% due to reduced consumer spending in the pandemic. Adjusted earnings fell by 15 cents a share to $1.15. MBASCH@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM
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The University of North Florida named Kara Barber as assistant director of UNF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Before joining UNF, she served in the development office for
the North Florida American Diabetes Association. Barber also managed the Orientation and Student Solutions Center at Jacksonville University, where she increased student success and the rate toward graduation, specifically with second-year students. Barber is a graduate of UNF’s educational leadership master’s program and received her bachelor’s in communication from Florida State University.
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These are the largest commercial building permits by job cost issued Aug. 11 by the city of Jacksonville. AMUSEMENT RECREATION Brooks Family YMCA, 10423 Centurion Parkway N., contractor is Emerald C’s Development Inc., 790 square feet, expansion and shower repair, $94,589. HOSPITAL, INSTITUTIONAL Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital, 1 Shircliff Way, contractor is Batson-Cook Co., 500 square feet, mechanical renovation for equipment replacement, $382,000. OTHER Meadows at Oakleaf Townhomes, 7865 Merchants Way, contractor is Vatos Inc., install mail kiosk, $15,975. RESTAURANTS Green Papaya, 12675 Beach Blvd., No. 306, contractor is JLO Builder Inc., 3,088 square feet, tenant build-out, $89,000. SIGNS Annie’s Walk, 13140 Annies Walk Drive, contractor is Carlton Construction Inc., $10,000.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Architect Bill Bishop joined the Jacksonville Historical Society board of directors. Bishop has served as vice president and chief operating officer for Akel Logan Shafer for the past 28 years and has been a practicing architect since 1983. His projects include the rehabilitation of the historic Main Post Office building in downtown Fernandina and renovation of the Florida State College at Jacksonville Downtown Campus Main Street Building. He served on the Jacksonville City Council from 2007-15.
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Alta Equipment Company, 8750 Philips Highway, contractor is Taylor Sign & Design Inc., wall sign, $5,000. DCI Dialysis Clinic Inc., 615 Park St., contractor is Harbinger LLC, two permits for wall signs, $4,800. Tiny Hands, 4301 University Blvd. S., contractor is Nine Enterprises Inc., wall sign, $1,897. Indian Grocery, 9978 Old Baymeadows Road, No. 5, contractor is Liberty Lighting Inc., wall sign, $1,800. Yoga, 8540 Argyle Forest Blvd., No. 7, contractor is Advanced Electrical Contractors Inc., wall sign, $1,650.
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WE’D LIKE TO REMOVE THE WORD ‘STRESS’ FROM YOUR VOCABULARY.
STORES, MERCANTILE Publix, 11406 San Jose Blvd., contractor is Elkins Construction LLC, renovation, $650,578. The UPS Store, 7749 Normandy Blvd., No. 121, contractor is LTL Construction Inc., 1,392 square feet, tenant build-out, $56,228.
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Compiled by Scott Sailer
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Trial
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
WATCH REPLAY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
six were selected along with two alternates. The one-day trial began at 9 a.m. Aug. 10. After the opening argument, hearing testimony from two witnesses and the closing argument, the verdict was read shortly before 6 p.m. PREPARING FOR TRIAL
The key to making the remote trial process work was adapting the Florida Rules of Court Procedure to meet the specific challenges involved in the virtual environment. That began in May, when the state Supreme Court established a task force to develop a pilot program to help transition the courts to the online space. The 4th Judicial Circuit was one of five selected to participate. While the other participating circuits considered a hybrid format – selecting a jury remotely but having the trial in the courthouse – Anderson said that he and Circuit Judge Waddell Wallace decided to pursue a purely virtual proceeding. The concept duplicates the atmosphere of the courtroom even though only the judge is in the courthouse. Attorneys and their clients may appear via Zoom from their law offices and the jurors are at their homes or where they work. The 4th Circuit’s technology team, led by Chief Technology Officer Mike Smith, created virtual versions of all aspects of a trial, from the jury box and jury room to sidebar conferences. Paper forms were converted into electronic documents that
Visit Courtroom View Network at https://pages. cvn.com/duval-countyflorida-remote-trialprogram to view archived videos of jury selection and the trial.
could be signed and submitted to Anderson, who printed them on the bench to be filed in the record. After the format was established, mock jury selections and trials began in June with the assistance of the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Chester Bedell Inn of Court. Jacksonville ABOTA President Corrine Hodak worked on the mock proceedings and served as special magistrate for the remote jury selection and trial. “We wanted to try to push Zoom until it broke and then find a workaround. We overcame the issues that came up during the mock trials,” Anderson said. A NEW WAY TO PROCEED
Having remote participants on a computer screen instead of in the courtroom meant making some changes while preserving every aspect of an in-person trial. During jury selection and the trial, Anderson asked each party numerous times if they could see and hear him. Each was provided a telephone number for direct communication with court technology specialists designated as remote bailiffs in case jurors experienced issues with access to the proceedings. The bailiffs moved the jurors in and out of the remote jury room,
just as they would in court. Sidebar conferences were conducted, just as in court. The remote trial also provided some lighthearted historic courtroom moments. Before a recess during jury selection, Anderson told the prospective jurors they had 10 minutes to “get a cup of coffee or put a load of laundry in the dryer.” AFTER THE VERDICT
“It’s a brave new world for me,” Kachergus said after the trial. He said working with the technical elements of the trial while advocating for his client made the process “a little cumbersome,” but until COVID-19 is no longer an issue, remote proceedings will be necessary. Anderson said the trial would not have been possible without the work of Smith and the court technology staff. He also cited the integrated technology in Duval County’s courthouse and described it as “built to take us into the 21st century.” “We’re learning as we go along, but it felt like a real trial. It looked like a real trial,” Anderson said. The recording of the trial will be reviewed by the state Supreme Court. Each juror will fill out a survey questionnaire about their remote trial experience that also will be reviewed by the Supreme Court. Anderson said attorneys have become used to using Zoom for depositions and even certain hearings, but some may be skeptical about remote trials. “My hope is that many lawyers will watch the free broadcast on CVN,” he said.
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NEW RULES FOR A REMOTE TRIAL During jury selection, Circuit Judge Bruce Anderson provided the prospective panel members with instructions specific to the remote trial format. n The jurors were to treat the trial just as if it was happening in the courthouse. n Jurors were prohibited from turning off the Zoom video. n They could not leave their seats in front of their device when court was in session. n Jurors were required to focus their attention on the video and audio coming from the court. n They were not allowed to use televisions, radios or any other devices while court was in session. n Jurors could not speak to anyone, in person or with a device, while court was in session.
n No Zoom chat messages were permitted, except to court staff who were assisting the jurors. n Except during recesses when they were allowed to check email and social media, they were required to turn off all devices within their sight other than the one they were using to participate in the trial. n Jurors were prohibited from setting up a split screen on their monitor to keep an eye on work, school or email. n They were not allowed to read or watch any news coverage of the trial until they were discharged as jurors.
On the screen: The judge, plaintiff’s attorney, plaintiff, special magistrate and two remote bailiffs take part in the virtual trial. Only the judge is in the Duval County Courthouse, the rest of the backgrounds are simulated.
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Shoppers surprised by news of Stein Mart’s bankruptcy Signs offering discounts with all sales final already in place. BY KATIE GARWOOD STAFF WRITER
As shoppers came into the Mandarin Stein Mart the morning of Aug. 12, many were surprised to find the discount fashion store was going out of business, and liquidation sales already had started. Signs were posted that merchandise is 10% to 30% off and all sales are final at the store just a few hours after the Jacksonville-based chain announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The Mandarin store is in the Riverplace Shopping Center at
Stein Mart CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
cial and legal advisors, we engaged in a thorough analysis of all available alternatives before deciding on this course of action. Ultimately, due to the combination of a challenging retail environment and the impact of COVID-19, we and our advisors determined that we will wind down the business,” he said. The pandemic forced the company to close all of its stores in March. It began reopening stores April 23 and had all stores back open by June 15. “Following the reopening of the stores, revenues and store cus-
11111 San Jose Blvd. Penny Hurst was leaving the Mandarin store with a bag full of clothing. She said she did not know the store was closing until she checked out and was told all sales would be final. “I am so sad about it,” she said. Hurst said she visits Stein Mart once or twice a week and has been shopping there for around 40 years. Peck & Peck, a clothing brand the store carries, is one of her favorites, and she has not been able to find it elsewhere. Hurst said she also will miss the convenience of shopping at Stein Mart, since it’s in a neighborhood retail center near her home. “They were always pleasant and they carry what I like,” she said. “I knew the fit that I could
wear, so I stick to that.” Hurst said she will shop at Bealls or Dillard’s once Stein Mart closes. She plans to return to the store to take advantage of liquidation sales. Stein Mart said it would close most of not all of its 281 stores in 30 states. It operates six Jacksonville area locations. Angel Wilson was leaving the Mandarin store Wednesday morning after purchasing a gift. She said she doesn’t usually shop there, but knows that she can find certain brands cheaper there than at other stores. “I didn’t even know it was closing,” she said. KGARWOOD@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM (904) 356-2466
A ground sign announces a “huge sale” at the Mandarin Stein Mart at 11111 San Jose Blvd. in the Riverplace Shopping Center.
tomer traffic was initially positive, but were substantially below pre-shutdown levels,” Stein Mart said in a bankruptcy court filing. Sales got worse in July as a resurgence of COVID-19 cases affected key Stein Mart markets in Texas, Arizona and California, it said. Stein Mart was founded in Mississippi more than a century ago by the grandfather of Chairman Jay Stein. It was a one-store operation until Stein took over executive leadership in 1977 and began expanding the company into a national chain. Stein moved the headquarters to Jacksonville in 1984, a year after the first Stein Mart store in Jacksonville opened. He took the company public
in 1992 but remained in control of the business. Stein’s family still controls 35.7% of the stock, according to the Chapter 11 petition. Stein Mart’s stock has been trading below $1 since May 19 as the company’s finances sagged. The company said in its Aug. 12 news release that securities holders will likely receive no value for their interests in the bankruptcy process. A court filing projected liquidation of Stein Mart assets could bring in proceeds of about $250 million, which would be enough to pay off secured creditors but no other creditors. Stein Mart reported a net loss of $65.7 million for the first quarter ended May 2, resulting in the company having a negative
shareholders equity on its balance sheet. “The Company lacks sufficient liquidity to continue operating in the ordinary course of business,” Hawkins said in the news release. Stein Mart had been struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting a net loss of $10.5 million for fiscal 2019. “From 2016 through the present, the Company’s sales generally declined and the Company faced the difficult task of growing sales while significantly reducing expenses in a difficult retail environment,” Stein Mart said in a court filing. It said apparel and accessories retailers like Stein Mart have been affected by declines in store traffic in recent years. Apparel retailers such as Brooks
Photo by Katie Garwood
Brothers, Lord & Taylor and Ascena (Ann Taylor) also have recently filed for bankruptcy, the filing said. Stein Mart had been hoping an increase in online sales could point the company in a positive direction. As it filed for Chapter 11, Stein Mart said it is looking at a potential sale of its e-commerce business and related intellectual property. Stein Mart filed its Chapter 11 petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. The case was assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jerry Funk. Jacksonville attorney Gardner Davis of Foley & Lardner is the company’s lead attorney. MBASCH@JAXDAILYRECORD.COM
GRAND OPENING
Celebration
Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Taylor Morrison’s beautiful new townhome community, Annie’s Walk. Be among the first to tour our new model townhomes, plus enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card and ask about our limited time Grand Opening incentives!*
1,116 – 1,555 sq. ft. | 2 – 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath 0-1 Car Garage | Priced from the high $100s
Planned Amenities: • Resort-style pool with cabana • Tot lot and small dog park
• Mail kiosk at amenity campus • Sidewalks throughout
Location:
Dates:
13122 Annie’s Walk Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32218
Saturday, Sep. 19 | Noon–6pm Sunday, Sep. 20 | Noon–6pm
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE CHANCE OF WINNING. Eligible Entrants must register at the Annie’s Walk sales model as of 12pm - 6pm on 9/19/20 or 12pm - 6pm on 9/20/20 (“Promotion Period”) to be eligible to enter the drawing for a chance to win (each participant, an “Eligible Entrant”) a total of one American Express® gift card. American Express® is the registered mark of the respective owner with all rights reserved and is not a participant in or sponsor, which Prize remains subject to America Express’s® own terms and conditions for card holders. Need not be present at time of drawing in order to win. Drawing is open to U.S. Legal Residents only who are at least 21 at time of entry. Winner will be randomly selected by 9/30/20 from those who registered during the Promotion Period. If not present, Potential Winner has forty-eight hours to respond to Sponsor’s voicemail or email notice or an alternative Winner will be randomly selected from all other Eligible Entrants. Odds of winning dependent on total number of entries. Not responsible for lost, stolen or expired cards. No cash equivalent or substitutions. Taxes and purchases greater than the value of the Prize are the sole responsibility of Winner. Complete official rules available at event. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings, tax rates and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, or delay without notice. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. As-Built Condition will control. Community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options. Photos are for illustration only and do not necessarily represent actual community. Images do not reflect a racial or ethnic preference. This is not an offering in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager, an Internet Home Consultant or visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional information. © September 2020, AVH North Florida, LLC, Avatar Properties Inc. & Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. CBC1254089, CRC1332128. All rights reserved.07/31/20 2385
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