Jacksonville Magazine, April 2019, Best Lawyers Issue

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SPECIAL SECTION: ATTORNEY PROFILES

500 NAMES TO KNOW WHEN IN A LEGAL BIND

Best

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Women attorneys ARE FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE

Lawyers SEE YOU LATER

FLORIDA MAN STRIKES AGAIN April 2019 $3.95 JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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Contents 44

IN EVERY ISSUE: 8

Click The latest from Jacksonville Magazine online

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THE BEST OF JACKSONVILLE EVERY MONTH // APRIL 2019

Publisher’s Letter Allow us a few words of introduction

14

Seen People, parties & pictures

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JaxLife Hot trends, culture, travel and local style

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Agenda Looking for something to do in April?

87

Flavor The city’s premier monthly roundup of local food and fine dining.

Plus, a visit to True Food Kitchen

98

Backstory When cash was

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king, keeping it safe was no small job

DEPARTMENTS: 32

Home How to expertly select—and care for— indoor plants

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Health Vegan diets are gaining steam among fitness fanatics

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History Remembering the golden days of the Jacksonville Landing and considering what comes next

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Family Caring for aging parents, from a distance

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Money Simple steps to protect your assets via proper estate planning

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FEATURES: 44

Law & Order Lists of Jacksonville’s Best Lawyers, Board-certified attorneys, and a few legal stories that made headlines locally

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

The Coast is Clear A new coastal farmhouse with postcard views of the Intracoastal waterway

PRESENTS

For Brrooks Adaptive Sporrts

Y 11, 2019 AY TURDAY, MA ATU SA

tion and Recreati

P.M. 5:30-9:30 P.

Come rock th he nightt aaw way!

TOPGOLF JACKSONVILLE 10531 Brightman Blvd., Jaccksonville, FL 32246

Live Band B d andd Dancing D i 3 Hours of Unlimited Golf Coocktail Hour Dinner Buffet

Open Bar O B Mobile Auction tion Photo Booth Special Appearances pearances

R E S E R V E YO U R S P O T T O D AY A T W W W . T H E PA R T E E . O R G

TIX

[ SERVICE ]

CLICK The latest from Jacksonville Magazine online MOST LIKED MARCH INSTAGRAM POST

PET OF THE MONTH

SPONSORED BY

쑽 904TIX.COM FEATURED 904TIX.COM EVENTS Jax Mag’s source for admission to fundraisers and special events.

Look for the above logo and visit 904TIX.com to get your tickets!

4/5: The Pine Box Dwellers Blue Jay Listening Room

4/10: Grazing Board Workshop Southern Swells Brewing

4/26: Distillers’ Tour Manifest Distilling

쑽 EXPLORER’S CLUB

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

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With more than 25,000 subscribers, Jax Mag’s e-newsletters are your links to the latest happenings across Northeast Florida. The Ticket focuses on concerts, theatre shows and other happenings. The Dish is all about food festivals, restaurant openings, reviews and recipes. The Digs covers home décor. And The Trip is a guide to regional destinations: where to go, what to do and what to pack.

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• NOMINATIONS for Pet of the Month can be made via a form on our website, under the heading ReAdeR PollS. Past Pets of the Month may be viewed there, too.

쑽 SECRET SUPPER CLUB JACK

쑽 NEWSLETTERS

Jacksonville Magazine’s Pet of the Month for April is five-month-old cavapoo, Bunker. Bunker enjoys going the beach, where he runs up the dunes and rolls down over and over. His favorite snack is ice cubes because he can play with them for awhile before actually eating them. He is very good at winking and not so good at stairs. “We taught Bunker how to climb up the stairs when he was pretty young because we live in a three story townhouse, but he was too scared to go down. So for the longest time he thought that when I walked down the stairs from the second floor, that he could run upstairs to the third and I would be there.

As soon as I disappeared from view going down I could hear his little feet bouncing up to the top floor.

Then he would look around in all the rooms confused why I wasn't there!” laughs his mom.

Join Jax Mag as we journey to the region’s most interesting destinations for exclusive insider tours of historic sites and other must-see attractions such as the Jekyll Island historic district, White Oak Conservation and aboard the Schooner Freedom.

904TIX.com

Every month, Jax Mag partners with a local chef/restaurateur to host a special 50-person meal with a twist. Upcoming Secret Suppers will be at: South Kitchen + Spirits on April 9 Town Hall on May 21 904TIX.com

Jacksonville Magazine’s 904 Paper Co. is an online store specializing in Jax-themed greeting cards, historical maps and frameable prints. Visit us at our website and click “shop,” or look for the 904 Paper Co. logo.

WELCOME Last year, Jacksonville Magazine debuted our Explorers Club. In a nutshell, the idea was to have the publication host a series of group excursions to interesting points across the region. Our readers are people who, regardless of what part of the city they call home, generally have an expansive curiosity about the places and happenings that make Northeast Florida unique and special.

Writing about these topics is something we’ve been doing for 35 years. Inviting readers to venture off of the printed page and join us for an excursion in the real world seemed like a natural complement to the mission of the magazine, namely helping them better enjoy Jacksonville and her surrounding communities. Reading is wonderful. Experiencing is even better.

So, this spring we hit the ground running with three Explorers Club outings already planned. And more are on the way.

JOSEPH WHITE PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF joe@jacksonvillemag.com

This month, we set sail (for a couple of hours, at least) aboard the schooner Freedom on Sunday, April 14. A group of 40 will be treated to a private sunset cruise on a 76-foot replica of a 19th Century blockade runner. In addition to soaking in the beauty of the St. Augustine waterfront and historic downtown skyline, participants will enjoy a melange of tasty eats and libations, all included with your ticket. Ask nicely, and the captain may even let you steer the vessel for a minute or two.

A few short weeks after sailing (May 1, to be exact), the Explorers Club travels to White Oak Conservation for the second annual Crafts & Giraffes, an exclusive guided tour featuring up-close encounters with White Oak’s resident giraffes and a few other magnificent but endangered creatures. Plus, guests are treated to cold brews from Bold City Brewery and a discussion from the world renowned Giraffe Conservation Foundation. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

In June, we head north of the border to Jekyll Island for a peek inside the historic district’s new museum and a pair of restored Gilded Age cottages—the word “cottage” fitting only for tycoons with names like Carnegie and Vanderbilt. Like all Explorers Club excursions, the trip includes delicious eats and plenty of refreshing drinks. Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8 for this one.

For details on these and many other upcoming local happenings, I encourage you to visit our proprietary events website, 904TIX.com. I hope you can join us for at least one adventure.

SAVE THE DATE The Great Chefs of Jacksonville culinary competition returns this month with a four-course, eight-plate fundraising dinner set for Thursday, April 18 at the Lexington Hotel on the Southbank Riverwalk. Eight of the city’s top chefs (aligned on two dueling teams) square off in a plate-versus-plate contest where the night’s patrons decide whose cuisine reigns supreme. And the winning team goes on to compete in the inaugural grand championship event—against teams of chefs from St. Augustine and Amelia Island—in the fall. Less than 150 seats are available.

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

For 35 years Jacksonville Magazine has told the stories of our city and all of Northeast Florida.

Our publications are written and designed to help readers get the most out of living here.

EDITORIAL PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Joseph White EDITOR

Virginia Chamlee EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Emily Bailey PROOFREADER

Kathy Weedon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christina Swanson, Ashley Williams, Katie McPherson, Melody Taylor INTERNS

Amanda Allan Bailie Staton

CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Compton DESIGNER

Heather Kruse STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Agnes Lopez

SALES & MARKETING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Amy Robertson SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jessica Lindsay ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Vanessa Raola ACCOUNTING / OFFICE MANAGER

Wendy Castro ADVERTISING COORDINATOR / SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR / 904TIX

Mandy Niesen SPONSOR & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

Reggie Jolly INTERNS

Marissa Jacobson Ashlyne Sandberg

CIRCULATION CIRCULATION MANAGER

Mike Romero SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS / INQUIRIES

904-389-3622, ext. 313 circulation@jacksonvillemag.com

1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 389-3622 • Fax: (904) 389-3628 Website: JacksonvilleMag.com JACKSONVILLE (ISSN 1070-5163), (USPS 749870), April 2019 Volume 35 Issue 3.

Published monthly with seven supplements annually for $19.90 per year by White Publishing Co., 1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204, (904) 389-3622. All editorial contents ©2019 by White Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Periodical postage paid at Jacksonville, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to JACKSONVILLE, 1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204, (904) 389-3622. PRINTED IN THE USA. APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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SEEN PEOPLE, PARTIES & PICTURES

COMING NEXT MONTH: The Art & Antiques Show opening gala was held November 30 at The Prime Osborn Convention Center. The show’s theme was A Place in the Sun, which echoed the glamour of old Palm Springs. Guests browsed the collections of more than 40 art and antiques dealers from across the country and Europe, enjoyed a seated dining and entertainment. The annual fundraiser is presented by The Women’s Board and benefits Wolfson Children’s Hospital. u — PHOTOS BY ALEXIA CARRASCO

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

• Secret Supper Club @ South Kitchen & Spirits April 9 • Great Chefs of Jacksonville XI April 18

S The eighteenth annual JDRF Miracles Gala took place November 3 at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. The evening’s theme was One Night in Old Hollywood and included a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, a special Fund A Cure segment, dinner, and dancing to the Chris Thomas Band. JDRF funds type 1 diabetes research and has contributed more than two billion dollars towards the cause. u

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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With This Ring Northeast Florida couples say “I do.”

LINDSEY BESSING + CODY WHEATON Lindsey and Cody were married September 29, 2018.

The ceremony and reception were held at the Riverside House. Since Lindsey was seven months pregnant at the time of the wedding the couple plans to honeymoon in Italy on their one-year anniversary.

— PHOTO BY MARIA BERLIN

~ ANGELA WELCH + JOHN LIMANTI Angela and John were married November 25, 2018.

The ceremony and reception were held at Crosswater Hall at Nocatee. Their reception menu was strictly no-frills, with favorites such as tacos, pizza, and donuts.

— PHOTO BY WE ARE THE BOWSERS

The Spring 2019 edition of Jacksonville Magazine’s Bride is available online and at newsstands. The issue is packed with info, including local reception sites and the region’s top wedding service providers.

Recently married? Announce your wedding in an upcoming edition of Jacksonville Magazine. Details posted at JaxMagBride.com. Or email emily@jacksonvillemag.com.

NAOMI MCGOWAN + RUSS JACKSON Naomi and Russ were married September 28, 2018. The ceremony and reception took place at the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Russ surprised Naomi with a proposal next to the Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine, and the wedding was planned just six months later.

— PHOTO BY JAMES SCHLEFSTEIN

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5 THINGS TO LOVE p. 18 / LIVE WELL p. 20 / FAB FINDS p. 22 / TRAVEL p. 24 / AGENDA p. 26

[ Jax Life ]

HOME AGAIN

cc The Riverside-Avondale neighborhood is a fascinating

one for architecture aficionados, rife with everything from Mediterranean mansions to Craftsmen bungalows. Each April for the past 44 years residents of the community have opened their doors to guests—literally—for the Riverside Avondale Preservation Spring Tour of Homes. The two-day, self-guided tour features a dozen homes that can be viewed, as well as one home that can be visited at the April 27 Preview Party, which includes jazz music and food from Biscottis. Those who prefer to explore via two wheels can participate in a guided bike ride.

April 27 & 28. Advanced tickets are $15. raphometour.com u APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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5 THINGS TO LOVE

[Jax Life ]

this April

Collectors and artists alike mingle at the 51st annual Mandarin Art Festival, a two-day event featuring dozens of local painters, sculptors and ceramicists. In addition to art sales, the event features a children’s art show and green market with produce, baked goods and honey. April 20-21 at the Mandarin Community Club.

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There are a lot of things you likely don’t know about the seemingly humble koi fish.

For example, they can live for over 200 years, cost up to $60,000 and can be trained to do tricks and swim on command. To get up close and personal with the fascinating fish, you’ll want to take part in the North Florida Koi Club’s Koi Pond Tour.

The free event, held April 27, allows participants to visit the ponds at local residences— some of which are as large as swimming pools—learning about the intricacies and care required of owning the fish. nkfc.info

3 A day spent at Avonlea Antique’s Classic Car Show is a day spent in another era. There are the classic convertibles, trucks and military vehicles, of course, not to mention antiques in the mall itself. There’s also swing dancing, live rock-and-roll by rockabilly trio Beau and the Burners, and a vintage fashion show. Get ready to rumble, indeed. April 28, 8:30 AM-2 pM.

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / AprIl 2019

The Makery’s events tap into the small-batch, handmade, trend so popular as of late. But the group’s seasonal markets are about more than arts and crafts, highlighting an impressive roster of makers whose wares you’ll actually covet (think hand-painted ceramics, intricate textiles and clay jewelry). In addition to local vendors, The Makery Spring Makers Market features live music, food and workshops— so those who attend just might become makers themselves.

April 6 and 7 in Neptune Beach.

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The Amp (the new name for the St. Augustine Amphitheater) is kicking off its 2019 concert season in style, with expanded seating, a new food truck zone and a concession in partnership with Intuition Ale Works.

Attend a concert at the venue in the coming months and you can sip an exclusive beverage, a pilsner known as “Backstage Brew.” Cheers to that.

And turn it up to “11.”

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LIVE WELL

Fringe Benefits

The tassels and fringe of the 1970s get a sophisticated update.

[Jax Life ]

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—VIRGINIA CHAMLEE

The macramé wall hanging of the 1970s gets a modern update.

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1. Fringed pendant lights, $440, Go Modern Furniture; 2. Fringed ottoman, $335, Sweetpea & Willow; 3. Fringed necklace, $40, Etsy; 4. Lilac velvet cushion cover, $53, Audenza; 5. Macrame wall hanging, $80, Ian Snow u

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

With jeans and a t-shirt, this fringed necklace makes a major statement.

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5BR/4BA • $1,225,000

With over 8,400 ,400 square feet that showcases spectacular s s ocean views, this is the ep pitome of Southern charm.

Featuring 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and a grand firep place perfect for intimate moments. $6, $ 100,000

Located between The Lodge and the This first-floor unit was renovated y Cabana Beach Club, this second-story with the finest finishes & craftsmanship. condo gives elevated views of the Includes an office, staurnia floors, beach while maintaining the unit’s mahogany doors & built-in custom privacy and security. Includes a large cabinetry. 2BR/2BA + PWDR RM covered balcony and ground floor $1,700,000 storage. 3BR /3BA • $1,625,000

3 pur p chasing g options: p Combine lots to create one of the last opportunities to have 150’ frontage on the Intracoastal! $1,399,000. Or this beautiful 150 x 400 lot can be divided into 2 -75’ lots. $699,000 each

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[Jax Life ]

FAVE FINDS Mellow Yellow

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In pops of color, bright home accessories set a sunny disposition —CENTER IMAGE VIA DELIGHTFULL

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1. Yellow pendant lamp, $145, Fraumeier; 2. Cockatoo table lamp, $245, Studio Australia; 3. Iron mesh chair, $224, Ian Snow; 4. Enamel bud vase trio, $40, Bohemia Design Limited; 5. Pastel wall art print, $6, Abstract House; 6. Luxury matchbook, $8, Anabel James u

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TRAVEL

[Jax Life ]

Wish You Were Here

A FOUR HOUR DRIVE FROM JAX, SANTA ROSA BEACH FEELS WORLDS AWAY

The stretch of highway running from Destin to Sunnyside along Florida’s Emerald Coast was, for decades, somewhat of a secret. But as snowbirds and wealthy Southerners began snapping up swaths of property and turning them into planned—but somehow still chic— communities, the word got out. Today, the area known as “30A” (so-named for its location along the state’s Scenic Highway 30-A) is more popular than it was 20 years ago, but still not quite as inundated with tourists as Miami or the Keys. A handful of communities are nestled along this part of the Gulf, each with its own distinct personality, but perhaps none are quite so “Florida” as Santa Rosa Beach.

The sugary sands and turquoise water make Santa Rosa a natural vacation destination. Add to that a handful of fish markets, boutique hotels, acclaimed restaurants and plenty of activities and the town offers something for the entire family to enjoy.

AND ACTION! Inspired by the long-running NBC morning show, the TODAY Cafe is set to launch spring 2019 just inside Universal Studios under the famed arches. The cafe mimics the look of Studio 1A in New York City which hosts the daily TODAY broadcast, and will serve as a grab-and-go option for breakfast, lunch, or snacks. It also offers its own coffee blend, along with various other caffeinated beverages, and a variety of healthy options like organic acaí bowls and salads. Wine and beer on tap will also be available, as well as seasonal dishes inspired by personalities from TODAY. Al Roker muffins, perhaps? u —BAILIE STATON

Locals flock to Black Bear Bread Co. for their morning coffee. The while-tiled space churns out a powerful Americano, along with a well-curated menu of pastries, toasts and breakfast favorites, like lox and bagels. The cafe is located in a row of tiny houses-turned-shops selling everything from local art to high-end fashions, so save time for shopping, post-coffee. Later in the day, venture to Vue on 30A for upscale eats (pistachio-crusted grouper, linguine and clams) in a waterfront setting. The view is unrivaled and you’ll want to make a reservation—the place gets packed come sunset.

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To truly venture off the beaten path, you’ll need a bike. Big Daddy’s Bikes & Beach Sports offers a range of rentals, from those with two wheels to scooters, roller blades and ocean kayaks. Free delivery is even available in the immediate vicinity.

HORSEPOWER

There are several properties for rent on sites like Airbnb and VRBO, but the four-story Warercolor Inn stands apart from the pack. Tucked between the Gulf of Mexico and a coastal dune lake, Watercolor is a thoughtfully designed resort that marries the comfort of a beach house with the style of a luxury boutique property. The 60 guest rooms and suites are a great place to lay your head and on-site tennis courts, a spa, private beach, shops and restaurants offer plenty to do during the day.

Rooms start at $375 a night. u —VIRGINIA CHAMLEE

Horses on the beach aren’t something you see every day—unless, of course, you happen to be attending the Miami Beach Polo World Cup, in which polo matches take place directly on the shores of South Beach.

Each day is comprised of high-goal matches, along with a series of offsite events that fuse polo, fashion and luxury. Six international teams will compete for the coveted trophy, while four women’s teams will play separately. The four-day event takes place April 25-28. Psst: Jacksonville International Airport offers direct flights to Miami so travel should only take a couple of hours. u

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

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[Jax Life ]

AGENDA: APRIL

Moves Like Jagger We’ll spare you the clichés about rolling stones gathering no moss, and get right to the point: for the first time in nearly 30 years, Mick Jagger and company are coming back to Jacksonville. Expect all the classics—plus some of Jaggers’ signature, chicken-like (but still incredibly cool) dance moves— at The Stones’ No Filter tour stop, April 24, TIAA Bank Field.

TO DO LIST

4/12

4/7

KISS

Florida Bridal & Wedding Expo 4/4

Jumbo Shrimp

Be our guest as Belle, Cinderella, Moana, Rapunzel, Anna, and Elsa help make area kids’ dreams come true.

Veterans Memorial Arena

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4/10

Boz Scaggs 4/7

Derek Hough The Dancing With the Stars personality shimmies his way to the Florida Theatre for his first ever solo tour, including salsa, tap, hip-hop and ballroom routines.

Florida Theatre

Since leaving the Steve Miller Band, Scaggs has had a lucrative solo career, topping the charts with hits like “Lowdown,” “It’s Over,” and “Lido Shuffle,” just to name a few. This month, he visits Jax as part of his “Out of the Blues Tour.”

Florida Theatre

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4/6-7

Disney on Ice

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Break out the Cracker Jacks— the Jumbo Shrimp are back.

They face off against the Jackson Generals for the MiLB home opener of the 2019 season. Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville

Before you say ‘I do,’ you’ll want to navigate the aisles at this massive expo, taking in everything from a live DJ to bridal fashions. Prime Osborn Convention Center

The music. The makeup. The tongues. Some 45 years later, KISS are still touring and, yes, still wearing the costumes that made them legends. Veterans Memorial Arena

4/12

Midland The country trio—which has already scored success on radio despite just being formed in 2016— takes to the stage at The Amp St. Augustine.

4/12

Michael Carbonaro Believe the unbelievable at this magic show, a blend of audience interaction, bizzare highjinks and, of course, mind-boggling sleight of hand. T-U Center

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DRAMA DISTRICT Small Mouth Sounds

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4/12

Dennis Deyoung and Night Ranger

Come sail away with the sounds of classic rock as former Styx member Dennis Deyoung joins Night Ranger for a night of songs like “Mr. Roboto,” and “Sister Christian.”

Florida Theatre

4/13

Kane Brown

Hoping to seek balance, six urban dwellers embark on a weeklong silent retreat into the woods. Each confronts internal demons as their vows of silence collide with the human need to connect and each discovers answers to life’s biggest questions.

April 19-May 5, The 5 & Dime Theatre Company

Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party This Jazz musical follows two lovers who throw a big party with a slew of guests who like to live on the edge. Ultimately, jealousy erupts with slinging words and someone being on the wrong end of a gun.

April 26-May 18, Players by the Sea

Clever Little Lies Setting out to resolve her son’s affair over a family dinner, a mother snoops into her son’s personal life in search of the truth. With chaos ensuing, her search ends in more honesty than she bargained for.

May 17-25, Amelia Community Theater u

The 25-year-old country sensation performs songs from his latest album at The Amp St. Augustine.

4/16

School of Rock Based off the hit film, this musical revolves around Dewey Finn, a rockstar enthusiast who poses as a substitute teacher, turning a class of straight-A students into an electrifying rock band. T-U Center

4/17

Leon Bridges Due to overwhelming demand, Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Leon Bridges has added a second leg to his Good Thing Tour. It’s, well, a good thing, considering it brings him to The Amp St. Augustine this month.

4/17

Edwin McCain If you attended a wedding any time in the late 90s or early 2000s, chances are you heard a lot of Edwin McCain. The soft rocker—known for earworms like “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More”—spent some time dabbling in TV, but he’s back on stage at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall this month.

4/24-25

Shen Yun This vibrant tour marries classic Chinese dance with high-tech set design, costumes and music.

T-U Center

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

GONE COUNTRY With over 20 albums, more than 40 Top Ten songs and 30 million albums sold worldwide, Kenny Chesney could be content to retire to an island somewhere. His new tour includes both new tunes as well as those that helped propel the country juggernaut to stardom. April 13, Daily’s Place

SMOOTH For half a century, Carlos Santana has been a staple in the music industry.

That success has translated to over 100 million records sold, ten Grammys and an incredibly vast guitar selection. To celebrate the anniversary of his 1999 comeback album, Supernatural, as well as his 1969 performance at Woodstock, the guitarist hits the stage again to play his greatest hits. The show sold out long ago, but some tickets are still lingering on the resale market.

April 20, The Amp St. Augustine

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FUNDRAISERS presented by

4/7 GoldenFest An afternoon filled with contests, vendors, auctions, and Golden Retrievers. Proceeds from the auction help support the rescue needs of Golden Retrievers awaiting adoption.

Humans can enjoy food trucks and the onsite taproom. 2 PM, Kanine Social.

TIX

4/13 Comedy for Critters

Join the Mad Cowford Improv Comedy gang as they host a show benefitting the Friends of Jacksonville Animals. Silent auctions, raffles, and laughs will all be included. 7 PM, Hotel Indigo, Deerwood Park.

TIX

4/15 Bourbon Experience

CVB Cares, a part of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, hosts a derby-themed event at South Kitchen & Spirits. Guests will be treated to a tasting by Woodford Reserve, raffles, games, a silent auction, and prizes for best dressed—get those hats ready.

5:30 PM, South Kitchen + Spirits TIX

5/3 The Rotary Fire Festival

Airstream Ventures commemorates the tragedy of the Great Fire of 1901 and the rebirth of Downtown Jacksonville with a party featuring live music, fire performers, and a bonfire all along the banks of the St. Johns River. 5 PM, TU Center6:30 PM, Hidden Hills Golf Club. u APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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4/25

One Night of Queen If you loved Bohemian Rhapsody (and the band about which it was based), you’ll enjoy this live concert performed by Gary Mullen and The Works who, they promise, will rock you. Florida Theatre

4/26

Kelsea Ballerini The country-pop doyenne hits the road for her Miss Me More tour alongside Brett Young.

The Amp St. Augustine

4/26

George Lopez Yes, there will be jokes, but the comedian famous for his eponymous sitcom will also touch on plenty of social issues. Florida Theatre

THE ART OF THE STEAL

The Israel-born cellist often pushes the boundaries of classical music (he’s known for performing in nightclubs, bars and other venues typically inhospitable to Baroque tunes) so expect something a little different than the standard symphony concert when he performs at Riverside Fine Arts Association.

4/28

The Temptations The Temptations and The Four Tops perform doo-wop and R&B songs you never really tire of hearing, from “My Girl” to “I Can’t Help Myself.” Expect to hear plenty of classics (they have 22 Top Ten hits between them) as they perform in a joint show at Florida Theatre.

4/30

India.Arie

v

4/27

Matt Haimovitz

The 1990 heist at Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum remains one of the art world’s most brazen.

Two men, dressed as police, got away with works now valued at $500 million, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas, and Manet. Though the museum offered $5 million for information leading to the return of the paintings (a bounty recently raised to $10 million), the crime remains unsolved. A new exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art, explores the enduring mystique of art heists, through works by the Japanese-German artist that pay homage to the works stolen in 1990.

The series examines art theft through a group of lightboxes and video animations chronicling some of the most infamous and high profile museum heists in history and is on view until December 1.

On May 9, the museum will delve even further into the topic, hosting a lecture entitled The Art of the Con, detailing the most notorious frauds and forgeries in the art world with Anthony Amore, director of security at the Gardner. Admission to the lecture (which begins at 6:30 PM) is $40.

R&B and soul music superstar India.Arie’s oeuvre is full of songs you want to hear whether you’re driving with the top down or having a bad day. In short, it’s uplifting, but always with a strong message.

Florida Theatre

5/3-5

Welcome to Rockville The lineup at this three-day festival includes pretty much every musician a ‘90s-era headbanger could want: Korn, Rob Zombie, Tool, and Incubus among them. For those craving a true festival experience, there’s camping—though the VIP tickets with air-conditioned (and flushable) restrooms may sound enticing after day one.

Metropolitan Park u

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We’re Open While you can enjoy our beaches 365 days a year, it doesn’t quite feel like spring until the official Opening of the Beaches festivities. The 73rd annual parade begins at 2 PM on April 28, starting on Fourth Avenue North and winding down First Street. u

[ HOME ]

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? For those looking to undertake yard improvements—or just get fresh ideas for their outdoor space—the Home & Garden Expo is one place to do it. More than 70 vendors, ranging from experts in roofing to landscapers and financial advisors, will be on hand at the indoor event to demonstrate new products and answer questions regarding home ownership and maintenance. Entry is free. April 27, 11 AM-3 PM, World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort. u — AMANDA ALLAN

Indoor Plant Parenthood 101

BY KATIE MCPHERSON

LOVING ALL THE INDOOR GREENERY YOU’RE SEEING IN HOME DECOR LATELY? For first-time plant parents, figuring out exactly what your new houseplant needs to thrive can get confusing.

Aspiring green thumbs gather ‘round for expert advice on picking the perfect plant, avoiding overwatering and more.

1. Before purchasing a plant, determine the light level of the room where you ultimately want it to reside.

2. After selecting a spot for your new foliage, it’s time to choose a plant that can thrive in that light level while also considering how difficult it is to care for. Thanks to our Florida climate and the fact that most plants prefer temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees, you can’t go too far astray.

“One of the first things you want to do is figure out what light levels you have in your home,” says Terry DelValle, urban horticulture agent emeritus for the Duval County UF/IFAS Extension Office.

“Most homeowners have lower light, while a

“An easy one is a peace lily; people usually give it as a gift because it’s something most people can grow.

Snake plants are also very easy. There’s the heartleaf philodendron, a plant which has pretty, heartshaped leaves, and pothos, which has variegated

$56,000 That’s how much it costs to upgrade from a two-bedroom home to a three-bedroom in Jacksonville, according to new research by RealtyHop. “There are many variations in what a three-bedroom home could look like—from starter homes and fixer-uppers to gut-renovated homes or even brand new developments,” says data scientist Adrian McHale. While the price largely depends on location, expenses for a median-sized home in Jax are relatively low compared to other Florida metropolitan areas such as Miami, where the cost to gain that extra bedroom is approximately $120,000. u — BAILIE STATON 32 |

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

sunroom with windows on three sides would have high light. Just like you would in an outside landscape, you have to figure out which plants would adapt to those areas.”

leaves. The ZZ plant is also popular. Most of these will do well with low light,” DelValle says.

For those looking for a more involved plant, DelValle suggests bird’s nest ferns, English ivy, rubber plants, orchids and fiddleleaf fig trees. All are known to be a bit temperamental but are beautiful when cared for correctly. If the place you’ve chosen for your plant is a bathroom, opt for something that appreciates a little humidity—ferns, orchids and bromeliads, for example.

3. If you have pets or small children at home, carefully consider which plants you bring into the house.

“Many plants are toxic to pets—peace lilies, rubber plants, amaryllis and many bulbtype plants, so just research before you purchase a plant,” says DelValle.

Visit poison.org/articles/plant for a full list of plants poisonous to people, especially small children, and aspca.org/pet-care/ animal-poison-control for lists of plants toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

4. When choosing a decorative planter for your new plant, be aware that the material you choose can affect how often the plant needs to be watered.

“Anything works as long as it has drainage, but clay pots require more water versus plastic or ceramic, so be in tune with the water needs based on the container type,” DelValle explains. Overwatering can cause a number of issues for your plant, but thankfully, plants have a way of sending signals about what they need.

“One thing I see a lot is the leaf tips or edges turning brown,” she says. “That results from either over- or underwatering, or being too heavy with the fertilizer, which can burn the roots and cause leaf burn.

Sometimes you’ll get a loss of color in

the leaves, and it may show you a lack of fertilizer when the foliage changes colors.

It could also mean the light level is not correct. Overwatering mimics a nutrient deficiency, so this can also cause color change.”

With so many potential causes of a change in your plant, how do you begin to diagnose the problem? Start with the water.

“Stick your finger two inches deep into the soil in the container, and water when it’s dry about two inches deep. If you’re watering more than that, you’re watering too frequently,” DelValle explains.

To correct underwatering, moisten the soil for a short period of time.

“Never let plants sit in water for very long.

If the soil is dried out, I’ll let them sit in water for about 10 to 15 minutes, then pour off the excess.”

If your plant is dropping its leaves, it’s likely reacting to a sudden change of location within the house or to the great outdoors.

“Usually it’s something you did to trigger general defoliation,” says DelValle with a laugh. “Leaf drop can happen when the temperature or light intensity changes drastically.”

Lastly, DelValle suggests watering your plants with care—taking into account not just the amount of water, but the quality.

“As far as the type of water to water your plants with, you never want to use water from a water softener. I always go outside to our outside spigot and store water in gallon jugs. Then I’ll let it sit for 24 hours so some of the fluoride and chlorine additives evaporate, because some plants are sensitive to it. It also needs to be room temperature, especially if it’s going on the leaves.” u

April 2

Sea Glass Wind Chime Workshop April 9

Crochet Cup Cozie April 9

Gelli Plate Printmaking April 10

Fluid Pour Painting April 12

Introduction to English Paper Piecing April 13

Crochet “Bitty Bows” for Kids April 15

Beginning Drawing Workshop April 17

Art Journaling April 28

Pet Portraits

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[ HEALTH ]

MIRROR, MIRROR v

A new report from user insights platform Alpha found that 54 percent of Americans who work out at least once a month are interested in buying an athome fitness system. But there were a few issues that held them back, namely lack of space in their home or apartment.

Fitness startup Mirror aims to change that. The company’s $1,495 fulllength connected device looks like a sleek mirror— albeit one that comes alive with an LCD panel, stereo speakers, camera and mic and offers a range of one-on-one fitness programs. It also allows the user to sync a Bluetooth heart rate monitor or Apple Watch to track workouts and recovery. Think of it as a virtual personal trainer that you can turn on and off whenever you like. u

Power Plant Vegan diets are gaining steam among those with hardto-treat medical conditions and even fitness fanatics

BY CHRISTINA SWANSON

AS SHE STRUTTED ON THE STAGE, her sequined bikini sparkled in the bright lights almost as much as her toned and oiled body glistened. It was a triumphant moment when her name was called and she placed in the body-building competition. Then Rebecca Gurley surprised everyone by donning a cut-off t-shirt that read, “Vegan Body Building,” a big grin on her face. This was the culmination of years of discipline that changed an obese teenager eating the “standard American diet” into a disciplined, body-building twenty-something, all because she chose to be healthy.

Then there’s Jacksonville native Amanda Johns, who went from a sickly child and teenager who almost died from congestive heart failure, to turning-around a serious diagnosis through a plant-based lifestyle, eventually helping others do the same as a restorative health instructor.

Although reports show that less than one in ten

Americans are eating, or have tried, a vegetarian/ vegan diet, others say the diet has been a literal life saver. While some adopt the lifestyle in an effort to lose weight, others—like Gurley—have found that a plant-based diet actually helps them gain muscle and increase athletic performance. While the word “bodybuilder” conjures up images of boiled chicken and lots of eggs, Gurley says the diet has helped keep her lean and contributed to her high energy levels.

As with any diet, though, the key is to start slow and listen to your body.

“Changing one’s diet is stressful in itself and if you do too much at one time, eliminating the toxic load built-up from processed foods and meat may cause unpleasant physical reactions as the body adjusts,” says Johns. “As you eliminate the junk and heaviness of animal proteins and add more nutrient-dense sources like vegetables, legumes, nuts and berries, you start noticing how good you feel and eventually realize you don’t want the other stuff.”

DISC JOCKEYS Disc golf, wherein players use a Frisbee-like saucer rather than a ball and clubs, is decidedly more relaxed— and a lot less expensive—than its traditional links game cousin. And it’s good exercise. Entry into Intuition Ale Works’ annual Disc Golf Tournament is $50 and includes a spot in the tournament, a disc, snacks at the event, beer at the afterparty and swag, including an Intuition koozie and sticker. The tournament is amateur level so players of all skill sets are welcome, and prizes will be distributed to the top three finishers. The event takes place April 13, 10 AM-4 PM, in Springfield’s Klutho Park. 904TIX.com u

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Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Q & A I want to look my best, but I don’t Q have time to be “down” or out of the :

public eye? Is there anything I can do?

A

Absolutely. In order to keep your skin and : overall appearance healthy, it is important to

make sure the critical components of skin are optimized. Skin should be well-hydrated and given the right ingredients to promote healthy cells and cell turnover. We also want to replace the collagen and elastin that we lose with time to give skin thickness and a natural look. When we are taking about face or body contouring we may even be talking about adding volume or taking away fat in certain areas.

There are a number of different treatments that can be performed that don’t require you to be away from your normal routine. A proper consultation and evaluation are essential to identifying the best approach to get each patient to their goals and then help them to maintain their results. there preventative procedures availQ Are able that could help my skin from aging? for prevention we take a holistic approach A byYes,looking at past habits, procedures and :

:

current skin care routine and skin condition.

Keeping the skin and all of its layers in mind we formulate a plan to keep each of the components of the skin as healthy as possible using a variety of methods. The right procedure combined with the right skin care products can make a world of difference to give patients the best anti-aging benefits. experience temporary flushQ Iingsometimes and redness in my face I was told :

that this was Rosacea. Is there anything I can do to help minimize this?

A

The right procedure combined with the right skin care products can make a world of difference to give patients the best anti-aging benefits.

A D VE RT I S I N G FEATURE

Rosacea is a common chronic skin disorder : characterized by inflammation, redness and

flushing. There are multiple treatments to help reduce rosacea and erythema (redness) in the skin.

Vascular lasers target redness and rosacea by collapsing the blood vessels with a combination of light and heat. The blood flow is stopped within the vessel and the redness is reduced. By treating this redness, you will see a more even complexion and skin tone.

Konika Patel Schallen, MD

1478 RIVERPLACE BLVD. JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207 904.772.5828 CMAMEDICINE.COM

That’s exactly how Johns’ journey began— by researching natural solutions after being given a prognosis of surgeries and medications for the autoimmune disorder Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

She learned that a vegan diet could reduce inflammation, build blood and the cardiovascular system.

“I removed everything from my diet that wasn’t plants and continued to increase holistic measures, such as using herbs, fermenting veggies and spouting seeds,” recalls Johns. Following a strict vegan diet, she discovered the more raw plants she ate, as much as 80 percent of her diet, the more effective the cleansing, and the better she felt. She went on to complete the health educator program at the Hippocrates Raw Food Health and Wellness Center, participated in further studies in South America and started sharing what she learned with others with her business, A New You Raw. Today, she works with patients of Dr. Jon Repole at the Jax Health and Wellness Center creating customized nutrition and wellness plans and teaching plant-based “uncooking” workshops, as well as working with clients with her company. She also oversees Jax Raw—Northeast Florida’s Raw and Living Foods Meet-up—a resource for people to connect with other vegans.

VIP Jax Poetry Fest:

Partyin the Park

Al Letson

with Hemming Park • April 27

“My main purpose is to teach people about the plant-based lifestyle and how to listen to their own intuitive bodies as to what they need,” says Johns.

Sometimes people stumble into a vegetarian diet simply because they’re on a tight budget and can’t afford meat. As a 3D animation student at Savannah College of Art and Design, Gurley found that a diet without meat was oftentimes the most affordable option for a college student. A bonus, she says, is that she lost weight as a result.

After graduating, and down to a healthy 120 pounds, she found a personal trainer who encouraged her to try body building.

When Gurley saw the documentary, What the Health she decided to go full-vegan.

“I wanted to see if I could build muscle cleanly with only plant sources and have a body that could do well competing,” says Gurley. Now age 27, she has placed in the bikini under age 35 category in four competitions, the most recent being Nationally Fit Federation’s first international vegan competition in Fort Lauderdale in December.

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Gurley prepares all year out for each competition, not only with hours of daily exercise, but with strict portion control and through tracking all of her meals, to ensure the optimum chiseled physique for those few minutes on the stage before the judges.

“I feel like my shows are my activism and I love to answer people’s questions on the vegan lifestyle,” she says. u

ONE OCEAN RESORT & SPA One Ocean Boulevard Atlantic Beach | Florida 32233 1.904.249.7402 www.oneoceanresort.com

[ HISTORY ]

New Life v

One of the city's most prominent historical and cultural institutions is aiming for a major facelift. In March, the Museum of Science and History announced plans to renovate and expand its campus, more than doubling the number of people it can serve annually.

Plans include an expansion of the museum's total square footage, adding a cafe, reorienting its entryway so that it faces the St. Johns River, and enhancing its exhibits and programming. Exhibition areas will increase by 200 percent and showcase Northeast Florida’s cultural, natural and innovation ecosystems. The plans will integrate indoor and outdoor settings to create a seamless campus experience between the Museum, St. Johns River Park and Friendship Fountain and the Southbank Riverwalk. Total cost of the project is projected to be roughly $80 million and the fundraising and buildout efforts are estimated to take five years. u

Landing on Glory Remembering the golden days of The Jacksonville Landing—and considering what comes next

BY MELODY TAYLOR

TO JACKSONVILLE NATIVES, OUR FAIR CITY may bear little resemblance now to the burgeoning Bold New City of the South of decades past—and yet in some ways, she hasn’t changed a bit.

The Rouse Company in cities like Boston, Miami and Baltimore. Other cities were on the map for their seaport markets, and Jacksonville wanted to join that club.

Just as Jacksonville’s modern-day civic leaders propose public-private partnerships and plans to revitalize a lackluster Downtown, mayors and city councils of decades past faced many of the same challenges.

When The Jacksonville Landing opened on the Northbank of the St. Johns River in June of 1987, residents from all over the city embraced it as a destination. “It was visionary, maybe a little ahead of its time,” says Dawn Rodriguez, who worked in marketing for the Jacksonville Landing in its founding years. “Rouse really invested in it. I always thought it was cool that we got [a Rouse market], as somebody who lived in Jacksonville.

At the time, they had 10 or 11 downtown retail marketplaces—and we were one of them.”

How do you generate nightlife? How do you bring in people of all ages and make them excited to spend their time—and money—Downtown rather than in sprawling suburbs, considering this is the largest U.S. city by land mass? Would that be achievable? What would it look like, if so?

In the mid-1980s, one mayor championed a solution that checked all the boxes. Along with his efforts to secure an NFL team, build the Southbank Riverwalk and found the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, then-mayor Jake Godbold pushed to bring a riverfront marketplace to town that would rival similar structures being developed by

The two-story indoor-outdoor market boasted national retailers that were new to Jacksonville, such as The Sharper Image, Banana Republic, B. Dalton Books and Foot Locker.

“They envisioned it as an upscale, nothing-you’dseen-before retail space,” Rodriguez says. In addition to national retailers, The Landing

PLAY BALL! In honor of Flagler College’s 50th anniversary, curators selected 50 items highlighting the school’s legacy.

Among them is a seemingly humble baseball mitt, but one with a significant story. In 1890, Henry Flagler had sporting goods manufacturer Albert Spaulding design St. Augustine’s first baseball stadium. While the stadium was initially meant for workers building Flagler’s Hotel Ponce de Leon and hotel guests, today it’s part of the the college’s Field Sports Complex, located a few miles southwest of the main campus. Flagler’s baseball team has seen 19 players drafted by major league teams and had its first player, Chris Barnwell, make it to the MLB in 2006 with the Milwaukee Brewers. u — AMANDA ALLAN

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brought in restaurants, bars, an upstairs food court, a downstairs food market, and a retail cart program to help small local businesses gain traction.

One of the original downstairs retailers was a local seafood shop, recalls Louis Saig, co-founder and president of Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill, who was the seafood retailer’s controller at the time.

“The Rouses’ vision for The Landing originally had kind of a market flair to it—fresh fruits, fresh flowers, and they wanted us to sell seafood,” he says. “It soon became apparent that we weren’t going to do well selling fresh seafood there, so in a few months we scratched that idea and kept developing an oyster bar with an expanded menu. It just so happened that my first cook in the oyster bar was from Baton Rouge. We started with some gumbo, fresh-shucked oysters, crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice, and that was about it.”

Food Lover’s JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

Subscription Package

The original Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill—now a successful chain of five restaurants in the Southeast—opened its doors in The Landing in 1987.

“It was a big deal, you know, when [The Landing] first came. There were a lot of great restaurants, the food court, the great shops downstairs,” Saig recalls.

“For us, the highlights of the year were Florida-Georgia weekend and New Year’s Eve with the Gator Bowl game.”

Like Saig, Rodriguez recalls The Landing’s glory days, which included a campaign stop from then-president George H.W. Bush in 1992, a giant launch party for the Florida Lottery’s Fantasy Five game, and a courtyard event to smash Jacksonville’s final toll booth after residents approved a half-cent sales tax to banish tolls in 1988.

(Notably, toll roads in Jax are back with Florida SunPass lanes opening on local highways.)

“It was the place to be,” Rodriguez says. “It really was. There was always something going on, always a reason to be there.”

But by the mid-1990s, The Landing began to see cracks in its proverbial foundation.

With declining foot traffic, food court merchants had to make their money during lunch hours. Downtown parking was (and, arguably, still is) a problem, and national retailers were lured to less costly space at the new Avenues Mall and other locations.

The Rouse Company sold the property to Sleiman Enterprises in 2003, which later battled for years with the City over parking and lease agreements. This February, the City proposed a $15 million settlement to terminate Sleiman Enterprises’ lease and clear the way for the property to be demolished and redeveloped—which begs some age-old questions. How do you generate nightlife? How do you bring in people of all ages? How do you get people excited to spend time and money Downtown? u

The“Food Lover’s Package” includes a subscription to Jacksonville Magazine, the latest issue of Taste, a free pint of beer from Bold City Brewery, Bold Bean coffee, a complimentary cocktail at Medure, coupons to J. William Culinary, Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen Rue Saint-Marc and more.

In total, the package offers $100 worth of goodies.

While supplies last! *New subscribers only

Order online : JacksonvilleMag.com

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[ FAMILY ]

SCREENING PROCESS Kids and screens go together llike peanut butter and jelly. but too much of a good thing can create problems. A new study by University of michigan researchers found that, from 1997 to 2014, screen time among children under the age of two nearly doubled, from 90 minutes to three hours per day. Though social and learning landscapes have shifted in the past two decades, experts say the overuse of screen time can slow cognitive language abilities, cause social and emotional delays, and lead to other damaging effects. In fact, in 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended kids under 18 months old avoid screens all together. u — BAILIE STATON

Home & Away How to care for aging parents, from a distance

bY AShLeY WILLIAmS

Loud & Proud It’s a month of spoken word, workshops, contests, and slams as the annual Jax Poetry Fest returns for its fourth year April 3-27. Though many of the events are open to those of all ages, young poets will be especially engaged, thanks to multiple writing workshops and a Jax Youth Poetry Slam at the Downtown library (where the winner goes on to represent Jax at a national competition).

The closing celebration, held April 27, features a teen poetry hub, wherein attendees can give and receive feedback on their original poems, and a closing celebration featuring poet and radio host Al Letson, hands-on activities, food trucks and spoken word artists. u — AMANDA ALLAN

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ADULT CHILDREN OFTEN ESTABLISH THEIR own families and careers miles away from their hometowns, where their parents likely still live. As aging parents require additional assistance with handling everyday tasks, getting them the help they need while living hundreds—or perhaps thousands—of miles away can be daunting. While seemingly challenging, it’s not impossible to connect Mom and Dad with great caregivers who serve as the local eyes and ears families need to feel reassured that their parents are in good hands, even when they’re not just a few blocks away.

“We see that all the time, and it’s a big challenge for lots of families,” says Kimberley Schafer, owner and operating principal of Jacksonville-based Right at Home. “We think about care as a puzzle, and there are multiple pieces that need to be put together. Providers who can help pull that puzzle together are the right providers to have.”

Senior care experts recommend that families orchestrating care and well-being from afar research local partners who are familiar with their loved one’s community. “If your providers understand the local community and are geographically near your loved ones so you can put eyes on them as needed, that’s essential,” Schafer says.

To find the right care provider, a simple search engine query is a good starting point, suggests Lisa Atkinson, chief marketing officer at Home Instead Senior Care. “I’d recommend that they Google ‘home care Jacksonville Florida,’ and you’ll see the different companies that come up,” Atkinson says.

“However, the number-one thing that they should ask any company is if they are a home health licensed agency.”

Atkinson explains that there are companies called registries that are not licensed, and refer but do not hire home care workers.

“They can’t do quality assurance visits or

Get into the Flow train caregivers because they are not an employer,” she says. “They basically get the information from the client who calls, just look on their list and send out the next caregiver on that list.” If the caregiver visits a home without workers’ compensation or liability policies in place and something happens to them, responsibility falls on the homeowner to cover medical and other costs, Atkinson says.

Summer Art Camps Flow Studios • June 3 - August 9

Another way to find what works for a faraway loved one is word of mouth, whether via online testimonials or personal connections, according to Schafer. “We take reviews seriously, and encourage families to look at reviews both online and as they speak to others in similar situations,” she says.

Make sure that it’s not just the caregiver checking in on Mom and Dad. “[Select] a company that’s doing quality assurance visits in case, for instance, your parents aren’t eating as well as they were two weeks ago,” Atkinson says. “They should call the son or daughter and say, ‘I think we need to visit the family doctor, this is what we’re seeing in their day-to-day activity.’”

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If families opt for in-home care, they should consider providers who offer 24/7 availability. “I don’t just mean voicemail or a live-person answering service,” Schafer says. “I mean a person who picks up the phone and will be able to assist. It’s really essential when you’re dealing with time zone differences and you don’t want to worry about if you’ve called in time, while the office is still open.”

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Chris Thomas Band

Swing into Spring Casa Marina Hotel • April 24

Some families really struggle with not knowing what to ask, says Atkinson.

“All they know is Mom needs help, and they can’t be there all the time,” she says.

Experts advise asking about their longevity in the community and what’s involved in training their caregivers. “That’s really big, because some agencies do not have the ability to physically train their caregivers,” Atkinson says. “They just put them in front of a computer and say, ‘check off this list.’”

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Adult children should also ask providers if they have workers’ comp and liability coverage. “That gives them the peace of mind that they’re going with a reputable agency, so if something does happen to their parents, the caregivers are trained properly, they know what to do in those situations and they’re covered with any kind of insurance umbrella, as well,” Atkinson says. u

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[ MONEY ]

Senior Scams

v

You’ve probably heard the story—a man claiming to be a Nigerian Prince contacts someone out of the blue, with an elaborate tale about large sums of money being trapped in banks due to a civil war or coup. Help him transfer the money out and he’ll reward you with a large payment. By this point, these sorts of phone and email scams are well-known and yet some overly trusting seniors continue to fall victim. In fact, it’s estimated that the elderly population loses more than $36 billion a year from such scams. Florida’s Operation S.A.F.E. (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) is designed to protect seniors through online resources and in-person workshops. The “Be Scam Smart” workshops provided by the organization—a division of Florida’s Chief Financial Office— teaches seniors about common scams targeted at their age group, how to fight them and provides resources where they can go for help. Workshops are held several times a month throughout the state, with the schedule available at myfloridacfo.com. u — AMANDA ALLAN

The Great Estate Simple steps to protect your assets

BY VIrgINIA CHAmlEE

THE VOLATILITY OF THE STOCK MARKET IS NOTHING NEW. Even in times of economic growth, an offhand mention of tariffs or war can send investors scrambling. So when the market turns volatile, how do you ensure your estate (i.e. the wealth and assets, including real estate, pensions and personal belongings) is safe? The smart thing, say experts, is to not take a wait and see approach.

“Our tax environment is always subject to politics,” notes Dan Armstrong, an elder law attorney based in Ponte Vedra Beach. Opting to hold off on creating an estate plan—to see if the political landscape gets less murky—could prove risky.

Instead, Armstrong recommends having in place a clear plan for the proper management and disposal of ones’ estate after death, or in times of crisis. This is especially important when it comes to major life milestones, such as having a child, getting married or coming down with a serious illness. But even healthy, middle-aged individuals would benefit from an estate plan. “When someone turns 18, they are a legal adult, meaning their

parents can no longer make medical decisions for them,” says Armstrong. “They may not have any wealth at all, but a plan can ensure they, or members of their family, are not harmed in case of an emergency.”

For those who have even a modest accumulation of wealth, an estate plan is especially important.

“You constantly hear news report about celebrities who die suddenly and didn’t have a will. This is great example of why everyone should have an estate plan: just because you are blessed with the ability to make money, does not mean you have the talent to keep it,” says Armstrong.

Estate plans can also ensure loved ones are protected, too. “Many people will find a partner but not re-marry them, for social security reasons,” says Armstrong. “If you’ve been living with someone for 15 years and suddenly die, that person would not be entitled to anything unless it was planned for in a will or trust. If you owned the home, they might even end up homeless.

An estate plan would protect them.”

MAKING THE GRADE Florida State University has released its Seminole 100 list highlighting some of the fastest-growing businesses around the country owned or majority-managed by FSU alumni. This year, the list includes eight businesses located in Jacksonville. Providence Technology Solutions, specializing in human capital management, was ranked number nine. The IT solutions firm, based in Jax but with a presence across the country, focuses on consulting, training and implementing technology and has a compound annual growth rate of 96 percent. Other Jax-area businesses on the list include LandSouth Construction, Owen-by Law, Connect Agency, iMobile3, Stone, Glass & Connolly, Information and Computing Services, and Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd. u — AMANDA ALLAN

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Power of Attorney & Will There are a handful of documents that are a requisite part of any good estate plan, a durable financial Power of Attorney being one of them. “In 2011, Florida laws regarding Power of Attorney changed, to protect the elderly,” says Armstrong.

“A post-2011 Power of Attorney should name someone that would make financial decisions on your behalf under two scenarios: 1. That you request them to.

Or 2. That you become so disabled that another person has to make financial decisions on your behalf.”

Unlike a Power of Attorney, a will doesn’t take affect until after death and expresses a person’s wishes as to how their property is to be distributed, naming one or more people executors to manage the estate.

Healthcare Documents A living will (also known as Advanced Healthcare Directive) only goes into affect under a very narrow scenario.

“This would lay out whether you want to prolong your life artificially, or be an organ donor—it essentially lifts the burden of having to make that decision from your loved ones,” says Armstrong.

A Designation of Healthcare Surrogate (sometimes called a Healthcare Power of Attorney) designates someone to make decisions on your behalf in healthcare emergencies. “This would go into affect if you’re under anesthesia and the doctor finds something troubling and wants to investigate,” notes Armstrong. “Essentially, this gives people the power to pierce HIPPA—others can make decisions for you, since you are incapacitated.”

Arm-strong recommends that those who are designated healthcare surrogates keep copies of this file with their own medical records, at their doctors’ offices.

Other important documents include a Guardianship for Minors (which appoints someone to take care of your children if you die); an Agent for Remains, which allows you to appoint a legal agent for your remains after death; and a Revocable Living Trust. Contrary to popular belief, one needn’t be wealthy to have a trust, says Armstrong. “Some people just want a trust so a loved one doesn’t have to hassle with the courts after death. If funded properly, a living trust avoids probate, which is a blessing considering it can take up to eight months to get a simple probate completed.” u

T IX

In addition to appointing one person to represent or act on another’s behalf in private, business or legal affairs, the document should appoint a secondary, back-up option, just in case. “Loved ones can get harmed and hurt and a power of attorney helps safeguard against fraud and abuse.”

April 2019 Schedule of Events Thursday, April 4 Big Tickle Stand-Up Comedy Showcase

Saturday, April 6 Selwyn Birchwood: Springing the Blues After Show

Friday, April 5 The Pine Box Dwellers

Thursday, April 11 The Currys

Friday, April 5 Albert Castiglia: Springing the Blues After Show Saturday, April 6 Jordan Foley, Kyle Keller and Matthew Fowler

Friday, April 12 Randal Bramblett Saturday, April 13 Lyn Avenue Thursday, April 18 The S#*! Show with Underdog Improv Friday, April 19 The Resonant Rogues Saturday, April 20 Walter Parks with Special Guest Mama Blue Friday, April 26 Andy Zipf Sunday, April 28 Corey Kilgannon

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT 904TIX.COM APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S LEADING ATTORNEYS AS NAMED BY THEIR PEERS We're barely four months in to 2019 and already swamped with legal news, from college admissions scandals to national emergency declarations. Among those on the front lines of these conversations are the city's lawyers, many of whom we've featured in this issue. On the following pages, you'll find lists of the Best Lawyers and Board Certified Attorneys, along with highlights from the past year of legal news, a look at area attorneys looking to make a difference and advertising profiles featuring dozens of legal eagles working for more than 40 Northeast Florida law practices. The headlines will never cease. Having a good lawyer to help navigate such an ever-changing climate is more important than ever.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ REGULATORY LAW Sidney F. Ansbacher Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

William Kent

Richard W. Hawthorne

John B. Macdonald

Law Office of William Kent

Akerman

Cristine M. Russell

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Rogers Towers

Charles V. Hedrick

Thames Markey & Heekin

Mark S. Mitchell

William J. Sheppard

Foley & Lardner

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Edward L. Kelly

Rogers Towers

Rogers Towers

Rogers Towers

Niels P. Murphy

Donald W. Edwards

Michael G. Tanner

Frederick H. Kent III

Donald W. Edwards

Murphy & Anderson

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Marks Gray

Armando Nozzolillo

Daniel Gray Thomas

Matthew S. McAfee

Burr & Forman

Law Office of D. Gray Thomas

David E. Otero

William A. Van Nortwick, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Phillip A. Buhler

Akerman

Cynthia Montgomery

Moseley Prichard Parrish Knight & Jones

James H. Post

Elizabeth L. White

GrayRobinson

Smith Hulsey & Busey

James L. Purcell, Jr.

James F. Moseley, Jr.

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

John T. Rogerson III

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Adams and Reese

ARBITRATION

John T. Rogerson III

James F. Moseley, Sr.

Timothy W. Volpe

Adams and Reese

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

Adams and Reese

Timothy W. Vople

Robert B. Parrish

AVIATION LAW

David M. Wells

Robert F. Spohrer

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Wyman R. Duggan

ADMIRALTY & MARITIME LAW

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones

Edward A. White

Adams and Reese

Spohrer & Dodd

Akerman

Adrian Rust Burr & Forman

J. Ellsworth Summers, Jr. Burr & Forman

Alan M. Weiss Holland & Knight

BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION

ADVERTISING LAW

J.I. Vance Berry, Jr.

BANKRUPTCY & CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS / INSOLVENCY & REORGANIZATION LAW

Jerome W. Hoffman

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Jacob A. Brown

John A. DeVault III

Matthew G. Breuer

Akerman

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

APPELLATE PRACTICE

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Jason Burnett

Sidney F. Ansbacher

Law Office of Edward A. White

BANKING & FINANCE LAW

Holland & Knight

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Bradley R. Markey

GrayRobinson

Stephen D. Busey Smith Hulsey & Busey

Rutledge R. Liles Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

J. Kirby Chritton

Stephen D. Busey

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Rogers Towers

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Rebecca B. Creed

Ivan A. Colao

Betsy C. Cox

Creed & Gowdy

Holland & Knight

Rogers Towers

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Bryan S. Gowdy

Christian P. George

Gardner F. Davis

E. Lanny Russell

Creed & Gowdy

Akerman

Foley & Lardner

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Jessie Harrell

James S. Groh

Michael E. Demont

George E. Schulz, Jr.

The Harrell Firm

Holland & Knight

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Holland & Knight

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

Charles P. Pillans III

Michael G. Tanner

Michael Cavendish

John B. Macdonald

John A. Tucker

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Cavendish Partners

Akerman

Foley & Lardner

David M. Wells

Patrick P. Coll

Edward McCarthy III

Timothy W. Vople

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Rogers Towers

Adams and Reese

Timothy J. Conner

Timothy J. McDermott

Alan S. Wachs

Holland & Knight

Akerman

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Kevin B. Cook

Mark S. Mitchell

Gerald W. Weedon

Rogers Towers

Rogers Towers

Marks Gray

Michael E. Demont

Frank E. Morreale

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

John A. DeVault III

Niels P. Murphy

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Murphy & Anderson

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

R.H. Farnell II

Adams and Reese

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Joseph Pickles

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS (INCLUDING LLCS & PARTNERSHIPS) G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Michael R. Freed Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

Fred D. Franklin Rogers Towers

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Michael A. Abel Abel Bean Law

Dawson Orr

Charles P. Pillans III

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

S. Grier Wells GrayRobinson

Edward M. Whelan Whelan Construction Law

Leslie A. Wickes Adams and Reese

Jeffrey York Shutts & Bowen

Michael R. Freed

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

James H. Post

R. Kyle Gavin

Smith Hulsey & Busey

COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS / UCC LAW

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr.

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Marks Gray

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

William J. Sheppard Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Jamie Olinto

David M. Wells

Christian P. George Akerman

Jeffrey C. Regan Regan Whelan Zebouni & Atwood

Richard W. Hawthorne

Paul M. Renner

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Milam Howard Nicandri Gillam & Renner

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Lawrence J. Hamilton II

James M. Riley

Holland & Knight

Adam G. Adams III

Rogers Towers

A.G. Adams Law

Peter P. Hargitai

Cristine M. Russell

Holland & Knight

Robert Aguilar

Rogers Towers

Aguilar & Sieron

Christopher C. Hazelip

E. Lanny Russell

Rogers Towers

Henry G. Bachara

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Bachara Construction Law Group

Thomas E. Bishop

Jerome W. Hoffman

Adrian Rust

Holland & Knight

Reese J. Henderson, Jr.

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Burr & Forman

GrayRobinson

James A. Bledsoe, Jr.

Scott J. Kenelly

Terrance E. Schmidt

Ken Norrie

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

Rogers Towers

Rogers Towers

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

Jacob A. Brown

Smith Hulsey & Busey

George E. Schulz, Jr.

Regan Whelan Zebouni & Atwood

Akerman

Rutledge R. Liles

Holland & Knight

Steven E. Brust

Joel Settembrini, Jr.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Stephen D. Busey

Fred J. Lotterhos III

Michael G. Tanner

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Holland & Knight

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

William E. Adams Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

W. Braxton Gillam IV

A. Graham Allen

Milam Howard Nicandri Gillam & Renner

Rogers Towers

Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. Murphy & Anderson

Davis D. Balz Murphy & Anderson

Daniel K. Bean Abel Bean Law

Saalfield Shad

Jeffrey C. Regan Troy Smith Burr & Forman

C. Warren Tripp, Jr. Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

METHODOLOGY FOR BEST LAWYERS ® This list is excerpted from the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers© lists attorneys in 145 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation's top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2019 edition of Best Lawyers© is based on more than 7.8 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

The method used to compile Best Lawyers© remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 30 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers© remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings.

The nomination pool for the 2019 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers©, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees. Each year,

half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone.

Voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality ― a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers©’ surveys. To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting, and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers© uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process.

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

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

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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Gerald W. Weedon

O. David Barksdale

William Kent

Susan S. Erdelyi

Marks Gray

Law Office of William Kent

Marks Gray

David M. Wells

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Charles B. Lembcke

Michael R. Freed

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Henry M. Coxe III

Charles B. Lembcke

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Edward M. Whelan

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Charles P. Pillans III

Laura A. Gross

Albert J. Datz

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Donnelly + Gross

Datz & Datz

William J. Sheppard

Ann E. Finnell

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

David B. Sacks

Whelan Construction Law

Cheryl L. Worman Rogers Towers

COPYRIGHT LAW

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

William J. Sheppard Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Herbert L. Allen

Robert S. Griscti

Allen, Dyer, Doppelt + Gilchrist

Dell Salter

David R. Saliwanchik

William Kent

Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Eisenschenk

Law Office of William Kent

Richard S. Vermut

Matthew R. Kachergus

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Law Office of D. Gray Thomas

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III

Larry Gibbs Turner

Larry Gibbs Turner

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE LAW

Charles B. Lembcke

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski

Charles B. Lembcke

Elizabeth L. White

Kenneth B. Wright

Mark Seiden

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

Robert S. Willis

Shands M. Wulbern

Willis & Ferebee

Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern

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

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW G. Ray Driver, Jr. Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Law Office of Mark Seiden

William J. Sheppard Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Shorstein, Lasnetski & Gihon

Mitchell A. Stone Mitchell A. Stone

Daniel Gray Thomas

DUI/DWI DEFENSE

Eakin & Sneed

Archibald J. Thomas III

Gonzalo Andux

EMPLOYMENT LAW— MANAGEMENT

Daniel Gray Thomas

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

Mark G. Alexander

Law Office of D. Gray Thomas

Alexander DeGance Barnett

EDUCATION LAW

CORPORATE LAW

Turner O'Connor Kozlowski

Adam J. Buss

Elizabeth L. White

Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Gardner F. Davis

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Alexander DeGance Barnett

Kelly L. DeGance

Foley & Lardner

Robert S. Willis

Alexander DeGance Barnett

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Willis & Ferebee

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Jeffrey J. Sneed

Mitchell A. Stone

Mitchell A. Stone

Larry Gibbs Turner

Kenneth M. Kirschner Kirschner & Legler

O. David Barksdale

Peter O. Larsen Akerman

William H. Andrews GrayRobinson

Michelle Bedoya Barnett Alexander DeGance Barnett

Thomas R. Brice McGuireWoods

ELDER LAW CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR

Betsy C. Cox

Patrick D. Coleman FordHarrison

Rogers Towers

Peter Reed Corbin

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

EMINENT DOMAIN & CONDEMNATION LAW

John F. Dickinson

Mitchell W. Legler

Thomas E. Bishop Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Andrew Prince Brigham

Kirschner & Legler

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Allan F. Brooke II

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

James L. Main

Henry M. Coxe III

Brigham Property Rights Law Firm

D. Mark Natirboff Law Office of D. Mark Natiroff

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (ERISA) LAW

Albert J. Datz

Andrew J. Fawbush

Datz & Datz

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

John A. DeVault III

Michael R. Leas

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Sidney S. Simmons II

Ann E. Finnell

Sidney S. Simmons, II, Attorney at Law

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

EMPLOYMENT LAW— INDIVIDUALS

Clay B. Tousey III

Robert S. Griscti

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Dell Salter

Holland & Knight

Stephen D. Moore, Jr. Smith Hulsey & Busey

Daniel B. Nunn, Jr. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

J. Jacob R. Peek Peek & Associates

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: GENERAL PRACTICE

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Harry L. Shorstein

David B. Sacks

Samuel S. Jacobson Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

Gonzalo Andux

Matthew R. Kachergus

Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

FordHarrison Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Paul A. Donnelly Donnelly + Gross

John E. Duvall FordHarrison

Susan S. Erdelyi Marks Gray

Guy O. Farmer II Guy O. Farmer

Laura A. Gross Donnelly + Gross

G. Thomas Harper The Law and Mediation Offices of G. Thomas Harper

Patricia J. Hill Edward L. Birk Marks Gray

Neil H. Chonin Neil H. Chonin

Thomas A. Delegal III Delegal Law Offices

Paul A. Donnelly Donnelly + Gross

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Eric J. Holshouser Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Kevin E. Hyde Foley & Lardner

F. Damon Kitchen Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Richard N. Margulies Jackson Lewis

Michael G. Prendergast FordHarrison

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATION LAW

Laura A. Gross

Adams and Reese

Donnelly + Gross

Robert F. Spohrer Ivan A. Colao Holland & Knight

Robert G. Riegel, Jr. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

John T. Rogerson III

FIRST AMENDMENT LAW

Spohrer & Dodd

LAND USE & ZONING LAW

Kristen M. Van der Linde

Ellen M. Avery-Smith

Boyd & Jenerette

Rogers Towers

Timothy W. Volpe

Steven Diebenow

William J. Sheppard

Adams and Reese

Margaret P. Zabijaka

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio

Alan S. Wachs

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Wyman R. Duggan

Larry Gibbs Turner

Leslie A. Wickes

Rogers Towers

Turner O’Connor Kozlowski

Adams and Reese

Brenna Malouf Durden

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Cindy A. Laquidara

INTERNATIONAL MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Akerman

E. Allen Hieb, Jr.

Rogers Towers

Rogers Towers

Patrick Krechowski

Jeffrey J. Sneed Eakin & Sneed

ENERGY LAW Sidney F. Ansbacher Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Donald W. Edwards Donald W. Edwards

ENTERTAINMENT LAW— MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PRACTICE Steven Diebenow

Lewis, Longman & Walker

LABOR LAW— MANAGEMENT

Thomas O. Ingram Akerman

Theodore R. Hainline, Jr.

Jimerson & Cobb

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW—DEFENDANTS

Mark G. Alexander

Lawrence J. Najem

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Ossi and Najem

Susan S. Erdelyi

William H. Andrews

Michael A. Ossi

Marks Gray

GrayRobinson

Ossi and Najem

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Cindy A. Laquidara

Patrick D. Coleman

Akerman

R.H. Farnell II

FordHarrison

Peter Reed Corbin

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Alexander DeGance Barnett

John A. DeVault III

ENTERTAINMENT LAW—MUSIC

HEALTH CARE LAW

FordHarrison

R. Kyle Gavin

Lawrence J. Najem

Charmaine T.M. Chiu

John F. Dickinson

Ossi and Najem

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Michael A. Ossi

Jeanne E. Helton

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Ossi and Najem

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Jerome W. Hoffman

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Holland & Knight

John E. Duvall

Rutledge R. Liles

FordHarrison

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Guy O. Farmer II

David M. Wells

Guy O. Farmer

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Sidney F. Ansbacher

Jana Kolarik

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Foley & Lardner

Ellen M. Avery-Smith

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

The Law and Mediation Offices of G. Thomas Harper

Rogers Towers

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Patricia J. Hill

William L. Finger

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Finger, Nelson & Maguire

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Eric J. Holshouser

Wayne E. Flowers

Beverly Pascoe

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Lewis, Longman & Walkerrt

Rogers Towers

Kevin E. Hyde

Tim E. Sleeth

Robert H. Pritchard

Foley & Lardner

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Rogers Towers

F. Damon Kitchen

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Rick M. Reznicsek

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

FAMILY LAW Albert J. Datz Datz & Datz

RezLegal

G. Thomas Harper

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY LAW Melissa S. Turra Holland & Knight

LEVERAGED BUYOUTS & PRIVATE EQUITY LAW

Michael G. Prendergast

INSURANCE LAW

Lawrence C. Datz

Frank A. Ashton

Datz & Datz

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton

FordHarrison

LITIGATION—ANTITRUST

Robert G. Riegel, Jr.

Jerome W. Hoffman

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Holland & Knight

Gary R. Wheeler

David M. Wells

Roger J. Dodd

Jeptha F. Barbour

Spohrer & Dodd

Marks Gray

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Samuel S. Jacobson

Katie L. Dearing

Margaret P. Zabijaka

Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

The Dearing Law Firm

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

LITIGATION—BANKING & FINANCE

Sandra J. Mathis

Cole, Scott & Kissane

Rogers Towers

James G. Roberts

Joseph T. Kissane Rutledge R. Liles

Michael Cavendish

LABOR LAW—UNION

Cavendish Partners

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Thomas A. Delegal III

Michael E. Demont

Roberts & Reiter

Delegal Law Offices

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Elliot Zisser

Frederick D. Page

Paul A. Donnelly

Fred D. Franklin

Zisser Law

Holland & Knight

Donnelly + Gross

Rogers Towers

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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Raising The Bar DESPITE MORE WOMEN IN LAW SCHOOL AND PRACTICIN G LAW, GENDER DISPARITIE S STILL EXIST. ONE LOCAL ORGANIZAT ION IS WORKING TO CHANGE THAT.

W

omen lawyers face a number of obstacles: stereotypes that they might be “too soft” to manage an aggressive negotiation or complex litigation; workplace sexual harassment; work-life balance; and a significant gender wage gap. But the issues go beyond less pay and fewer promotions . According to a 2018 American Bar Association survey, female lawyers—women of color, in particular—tend to have less access to prime job assignments; do more office paperwork; and be mistaken for janitors or court administrators far more often than their male counterparts. In fact, more than 50 percent of women respondents said they had fallen victim to mistaken identity, with others assuming them to be court reporters or custodial staff. One respondent said she was frequently asked if she was an administrati ve assistant—a t her own firm, even after making partner.

Locally, the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA)—a chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers— aims to provide networking opportunities and other assistance to women attorneys, in order to help them thrive in their careers.

“I think that there’s a false perception of what a lawyer looks like,” says JWLA president Jamie Karpman. “A lot of that comes from unconscious gender bias. You hear stories from women who were in some of the first admission classes to law school.

They’d hear things like, ‘What are you doing? This is a man’s spot,’ from their classmates. In other cases, some male students would shuffle their feet in order to drown out the voices of the women when they spoke in class.”

Things have changed since then, but members of JWLA are quick to point out that

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

there’s more work to be done. Groups like JWLA are sorely needed, says Karpman, to amplify the voices of women lawyers. In the 1980s, the group launched an annual judicial reception, allowing local female attorneys a chance to meet one-on-one with area judges. “There haven’t always been as many opportunitie s for women lawyers to go to court,” notes Karpman.

“This allows them to have that face time.”

Last year’s Judicial Reception was held at TIAA Bank Field and was attended by more than 400 local legal professiona ls. The group also organizes networking receptions, plans luncheons focusing on gender equality and even lobbies both local and state government on the non-partisan issues that align with the chapter’s mission.

One of its current initiatives would see nursing lounges and lactation rooms opened in every courthouse in the state, to advance equality and promote access to justice for all those who have business before the court.

“A few years ago, most courthouses did not have a space for nursing women—so women coming for jury duty, courthouse staff, witnesses, and others had no real options.” In 2017, a nursing lounge opened in the Duval County Courthouse, but the group continues to advocate for similar lounges in other parts of the state.

At the top of the group’s current agenda is to lobby for an adoption of a court rule that would require a continuation of a trial when necessary for parental leave purposes, in the absence of substantial prejudice to the opposing party. In other words, if a lawyer is due to give birth, or adopt a child, she or he should be granted a continuation for purposes of parental leave.

“This is a 2019 problem,” says Jennifer Shoaf

Richardson, past president of JWLA and current president of FAWL. “This isn’t a tale from 20 years ago. As statewide president, I get these reports from all corners of the state—of women being denied a continuation, even when asking for purposes of childbirth or adoption. It happens more often than you might think.”

In the midst of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements , the group is also actively working to educate those in the legal community about what constitutes sexual harassment and—often just as importantly—what doesn’t.

“We are doing some things that are outside the box,” says Richardson. “Over the summer, JWLA worked with the Women’s Center of Jacksonville to train those in the local legal community on how to be a proactive thirdparty bystander when encountering sexual harassment in the legal profession. If they saw sexual harassment taking place, how could they address it or help in some beneficial way? Unfortunately, it is a very fine line and our concern is that those in power might see the conversation and actually take a step back, by not having those important one-on-one conversations with women or choosing only men as their proteges, out of fear they could be accused of something. This is why the framing of the education is so important.”

Though their advocacy work continues, JWLA’s members agree that strides have been made. “I think that Jacksonville has an outstanding legal community,” says Karpman. “In fact, we have five area bar associations led by women right now. But we still have some work to do to develop as much top level diversity as other cities.” u

Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association Board Members

Osborne & Lynn Salvatore Seated (left to right): Katie Borello, Jennifer Shoaf Richardson, Jamie Karpman, Ingrid Kimberly Woods & K.C. Padget Standing (left to right): Lauren Johnston, Alice Morris, Sarah Mannion, Cyndy Trimmer,

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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Edward L. Kelly

Susan S. Erdelyi

Timothy J. McDermott

Marks Gray

Akerman

Guy O. Farmer II

Terry A. Moore

Guy O. Farmer

GrayRobinson

Laura A. Gross

John A. Tucker

Donnelly + Gross

Foley & Lardner

G. Thomas Harper

David M. Wells

John P. Marino

The Law and Mediation Offices of G. Thomas Harper

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Eric J. Holshouser

Matthew P. McLauchlin

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

LITIGATION–REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT (SEC, TELECOM, ENERGY)

LITIGATION—INSURANCE

Rogers Towers

John B. Macdonald Akerman

Timothy J. McDermott Akerman

Niels P. Murphy Murphy & Anderson

James M. Riley Rogers Towers

Jeptha F. Barbour Marks Gray

Dana G. Bradford II Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Christopher C. Hazelip Rogers Towers

E. Lanny Russell

Eavenson, Fraser, Lunsford & Ivan

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Niels P. Murphy

John A. Tucker

Murphy & Anderson

Foley & Lardner

John T. Rogerson III

David M. Wells Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Kevin E. Hyde Foley & Lardner

F. Damon Kitchen

Cindy A. Laquidara Akerman

Adams and Reese

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Timothy W. Volpe

Richard N. Margulies

Murphy & Anderson

Adams and Reese

Jackson Lewis

LITIGATION— BANKRUPTCY

Alan S. Wachs

Robert G. Riegel, Jr.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Jacob A. Brown

Leslie A. Wickes

Archibald J. Thomas III

Akerman

Adams and Reese

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III

LITIGATION— INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Gary R. Wheeler Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Herbert L. Allen

Margaret P. Zabijaka

Murphy & Anderson

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

David M. Wells

Jason Burnett GrayRobinson

John B. Macdonald Akerman

David E. Otero Akerman

Allen, Dyer, Doppelt + Gilchrist

Crystal T. Broughan Marks Gray

LITIGATION—SECURITIES Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. Murphy & Anderson

John A. DeVault III Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Niels P. Murphy

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

John A. DeVault III

LITIGATION— LAND USE & ZONING

Adam G. Adams III

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Sidney F. Ansbacher

A.G. Adams Law

Rutledge R. Liles

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

Henry G. Bachara

Ellen M. Avery-Smith

Bachara Construction Law Group

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Niels P. Murphy

Frederick D. Page

John A. DeVault III

Murphy & Anderson

Holland & Knight

David R. Saliwanchik

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

John B. Macdonald

E. Lanny Russell Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Eisenschenk

Wyman R. Duggan

Charles P. Pillans III

John A. Tucker

Alan S. Wachs

Rogers Towers

Foley & Lardner

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Timothy J. McDermott

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

LITIGATION— CONSTRUCTION

Rogers Towers

LITIGATION—TRUSTS & ESTATES John P. Cole Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

John G. Grimsley Grimsley Marker & Iseley Akerman

Akerman

Gerald W. Weedon David M. Wells

LITIGATION—LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

LITIGATION—PATENT

LITIGATION & CONTROVERSY—TAX

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Mark G. Alexander

Herbert L. Allen

Peter O. Larsen

Edward M. Whelan

Alexander DeGance Barnett

Allen, Dyer, Doppelt + Gilchrist

Akerman

Whelan Construction Law

William H. Andrews

Marks Gray

50 |

Niels P. Murphy

David E. Otero

GrayRobinson

LITIGATION—REAL ESTATE

LITIGATION— ENVIRONMENTAL

Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Jacob A. Brown

Alexander DeGance Barnett

Akerman

Sidney F. Ansbacher

Scott S. Cairns

Michael Cavendish

Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch

McGuireWoods

Cavendish Partners

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONS— DEFENDANTS

John A. DeVault III

Patrick D. Coleman

William J. Deas III

A. Graham Allen

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

FordHarrison

William J. Deas

Thomas A. Delegal III

Brenna Malouf Durden

Wayne E. Flowers

Delegal Law Offices

Lewis, Longman & Walker

Lewis, Longman & Walker

John F. Dickinson

R.H. Farnell II

Patrick Krechowski Jimerson & Cobb

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONS— PLAINTIFFS

Cindy A. Laquidara

Paul A. Donnelly

Lawrence J. Hamilton II

J. Wayne Hogan

Akerman

Donnelly + Gross

Holland & Knight

Terrell Hogan

Stacy Watson May

John E. Duvall

John B. Macdonald

Evan J. Yegelwel

Holland & Knight

FordHarrison

Akerman

Terrell Hogan

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

Akerman

Rogers Towers

MEDIATION Terrance E. Schmidt Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW—DEFENDANTS Jeptha F. Barbour Marks Gray

Earl E. Googe, Jr. Smith Hulsey & Busey

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Thomas R. Brown

Smith Hulsey & Busey

The Brown Firm

Daniel B. Nunn, Jr.

Howard C. Coker

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

Coker Law

MUNICIPAL LAW

R. Scott Costantino

Peter L. Dame

Hugh Cotney

Akerman

Hugh Cotney

Chauncey W. Lever, Jr.

Roger J. Dodd

Foley & Lardner

Irvin W. Weinstein Rogers Towers

William E. Kuntz Smith Hulsey & Busey

The Costantino Law Firm

Spohrer & Dodd

PRIVATE FUNDS / HEDGE FUNDS LAW James L. Main Holland & Knight

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION–DEFENDANTS Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. Murphy & Anderson

Jeptha F. Barbour

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr. Edwards & Ragatz

Marks Gray

Thomas E. Bishop

William C. Gentry

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Law Office of W. C. Gentry

Rutledge R. Liles

Lee T. Griffin The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Corinne C. Hodak

Timothy J. McDermott

Corinne C. Hodak

Akerman

John R. Saalfield

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Saalfield Shad

David R. Saliwanchik

J. Wayne Hogan

Niels P. Murphy

Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Eisenschenk

Terrell Hogan

Murphy & Anderson

Richard S. Vermut

Daniel A. Iracki

Gerald W. Weedon

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Coker Law

Marks Gray

PATENT LAW

Mary Bland Love Marks Gray

Michael J. Obringer Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin

Charles T. Shad Saalfield Shad

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW—PLAINTIFFS

Herbert L. Allen Allen, Dyer, Doppelt + Gilchrist

Thomas C. Saitta

Samuel S. Jacobson Bledsoe, Jacobson, Schmidt, Wright & Wilkinson

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION—PLAINTIFFS

Rutledge R. Liles

Lee T. Griffin

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Rodney S. Margol

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Margol & Margol

Raymond P. Reid, Jr.

Niels P. Murphy

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Frank A. Ashton

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION—DEFENDANTS

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton

Jeptha F. Barbour

R. Scott Costantino

Marks Gray

The Costantino Law Firm

Thomas E. Bishop

Sean B. Cronin

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Cronin & Maxwell

Hugh Cotney

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr.

Hugh Cotney

Edwards & Ragatz

R.H. Farnell II

Lee T. Griffin

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe

Lawrence J. Najem

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Corinne C. Hodak

R. Kyle Gavin

Stephen J. Pajcic III

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW— DEFENDANTS

Corinne C. Hodak

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Michael J. DeCandio

C. Rufus Pennington III

William E. Kuntz

Coker Law

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin

Alan Pickert

R. Kyle Gavin

Terrell Hogan

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Rodney S. Margol Margol & Margol

Stephen J. Pajcic III

Smith Hulsey & Busey

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Rutledge R. Liles

C. Rufus Pennington III

Liles, Gavin, George, Carlisle, Lee & Callen

Coker Law

Stephen J. Pajcic III

Murphy & Anderson Ossi and Najem

Theodore S. Pina, Jr.

Michael J. Obringer

James F. Moseley, Sr.

Nichols & Pina

Edwards & Ragatz

Moseley Prichard Parrish Knight & Jones

Gregory D. Prysock

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin

Morgan & Morgan

Robert F. Spohrer

David M. Wells

Michael J. Obringer

Spohrer & Dodd

Eric C. Ragatz

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin

Edwards & Ragatz

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW

William T. Stone

Eric C. Ragatz

Raymond P. Reid, Jr.

PUBLIC FINANCE LAW

Saalfield Shad

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic

Peter L. Dame Akerman

J. Kirby Chritton

Kristen M. Van der Linde

Michael S. Rywant

Rogers Towers

Boyd & Jenerette

Rywant, Alvarez, Jones, Russo & Guyton

Chauncey W. Lever, Jr.

Ivan A. Colao

Gerald W. Weedon

Holland & Knight

Marks Gray

Foley & Lardner

Charles Sorenson Coker Law

RAILROAD LAW

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION—PLAINTIFFS

Robert F. Spohrer

Scott S. Cairns

Spohrer & Dodd

McGuireWoods

Frank A. Ashton

Dianne Jay Weaver

Ronald R. Oberdier

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton

Weaver and Weaver

Hatfield & Hatfield

M. Richard Lewis, Jr.

Mark A. Avera

S. Grier Wells

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Avera & Smith

GrayRobinson

REAL ESTATE LAW

James L. Main

Thomas E. Bishop

Edward A. White

Christine T. Adams

Holland & Knight

Tanner Bishop Attorneys

Law Office of Edward A. White

Rogers Towers

Gardner F. Davis Foley & Lardner

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

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Barry B. Ansbacher

H. Joseph O'Shields

David J. Hull

Clay B. Tousey III

Ansbacher Law

Rogers Towers

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Matthew G. Breuer

James B. Porter

Peter O. Larsen

Richard M. White, Jr.

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Akerman

White & Crouch

James L. Purcell, Jr.

James L. Main

Christopher M. Cobb

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Holland & Knight

VENTURE CAPITAL LAW

Jimerson & Cobb

Kateena Manners

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

David C. Cook

Bryan L. Putnal

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Foley & Lardner

Smith Hulsey & Busey

J. Jacob R. Peek

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

C. William Curtis

William E. Scheu

Peek & Associates

Law Offices of Curtis & Associates

Rogers Towers

Gresham R. Stoneburner

WATER LAW

William J. Deas III

Bert C. Simon

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Wayne E. Flowers

William J. Deas

Gartner, Brock & Simon

Clay B. Tousey

Lewis, Longman & Walker

Steven Diebenow

Carl M. Stewart

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Taylor, Stewart, Houston & Duss

Chris R. Strohmenger

TIMBER LAW

Brenna Malouf Durden

Burr & Forman

David C. Cook

Lewis, Longman & Walker

Christopher J. Thanner

Foley & Lardner

C. Davis Ely

McGuireWoods

Rogers Towers

Charles L. Gibbs Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Doris S. Goldstein Doris S. Goldstein

Steven B. Greenhut Balch & Bingham

James S. Groh

Melissa S. Turra

Karl T. Green

Holland & Knight

Herbert L. Allen

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton

Edward M. Whelan

Allen, Dyer, Doppelt + Gilchrist

W. Marc Hardesty

Whelan Construction Law

Richard S. Vermut

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton

Harry M. Wilson III

Michael S. Tyde

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Thomas G. Wilson III

TRANSPORTATION LAW

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Lawrence J. Hamilton II Holland & Knight

Rogers Towers

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Karl B. Hanson, Jr.

Michael B. Kirwan

Jack Bovay

Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Foley & Lardner

Dell Salter

Richard W. Hawthorne

SECURITIES REGULATION

Constance L. Brigman

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

G. Ray Driver, Jr.

Anne Buzby-Walt

John R. Ibach Burr & Forman

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Thomas O. Ingram

Stephen D. Moore, Jr.

Akerman

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

McGuireWoods

Edward L. Kelly Rogers Towers

Frederick H. Kent III Marks Gray

G. Preston Keyes Smith Hulsey & Busey

Robert A. Leapley, Jr. Akerman

Timothy F. May

Law Office of Constance L. Brigman

Robert A. Dawkins Thomas M. Donahoo

SECURITIZATION & STRUCTURED FINANCE LAW

Donahoo & McMenamy

Charles V. Hedrick

John G. Grimsley

Foley & Lardner

Grimsley Marker & Iseley

Peter O. Larsen

Clarence H. Houston, Jr.

Akerman

Taylor, Stewart, Houston & Duss

David E. Otero

David J. Hull

Akerman

Smith Hulsey & Busey

Timothy L. Flanagan Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Sean W. Kelley

TAX LAW

Kelley and Kelley

Kenneth G. Anderson

John E. Lawlor III

Law Offices of Kenneth G. Anderson

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Robert S. Bernstein

Kateena E. Manners

Foley & Lardner

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow

Thomas M. Donahoo

Robert N. Miller

Donahoo & McMenamy

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Frank E. Miller

Michael W. Fisher

Richard L. Stockton

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Holland & Knight

Cynthia Montgomery

Timothy L. Flanagan

Gresham R. Stoneburner

GrayRobinson

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell

Terry A. Moore

E. Allen Hieb, Jr.

Clay B. Tousey, Jr.

GrayRobinson

Rogers Towers

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball

Burr & Forman

Jeffrey B. Marks Ryan, Marks, and Stromberg Attorneys

Matthew S. McAfee

52 |

Avera & Smith

SECURITIES / CAPITAL MARKETS LAW

Kenneth M. Keefe, Jr.

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

Lance F. Avera

TRADEMARK LAW

Holland & Knight

Theodore R. Hainline, Jr.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW—CLAIMANTS

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton

WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW—EMPLOYERS Mark K. Eckels Boyd & Jenerette Credit The Best Lawyers in America© is published

by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803-648-0300; write 237 Park Ave., SW, Suite 101, Aiken, S.C. 29801; email info@bestlawyers.com; or visit bestlawyers.com.

An online subscription to Best Lawyers® is available at bestlawyers.com.

Disclaimer and Copyright BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, 2018, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar association for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney.

Copyright 2019 by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC, Aiken, S.C. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission.

“The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC. u

COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA BAR LAW SPECIALTY ABBREVIATIONS: ESTABLISHED IN 1982 BY THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT,

board certification helps consumers identify specialists in various areas of law. Certification is the Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation of competency and experience of attorneys in the 26 areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

Seven percent of eligible Florida Bar members (approximately 4,800 lawyers) are board-certified. The process is a rigorous one, and requires at least five years of law practice, a substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought, satisfactory peer review of competence in the specialty field, passing an examination and satisfying continuing legal education requirements.

AD • Admiralty & Maritime Law AG • State & Federal Government & Administrative Practice AL • Adoption Law AP • Appellate Practice AT • Antitrust & Trade Regulation Law AV • Aviation Law BL • Business Litigation CA • Criminal Appellate CC • City, County & Local Government Law CL • Construction Law

The Florida Bar’s core functions are to: Regulate the practice of law in Florida; ensure the highest standards of legal professionalism in Florida; and protect the public by prosecuting unethical attorneys and preventing the unlicensed practice of law. Board certification is the highest of achievements in the legal profession—demonstrating not only skill but also professionalism. In that sense, it benefits not just the public but the entire legal profession. “Board certification is reliable proof of the character and commitment that sets a lawyer apart [and] is a visible way to demonstrate that lawyer’s commitment to professionalism and excellence,” says Florida Supreme Court Justice Harry Lee Anstead.

CP • Condominium & Planned Development

Board certification is valid for five years. Over the five-year period, the attorney must continue to practice in the specialty area and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. Recertification requirements are similar to those for initial certification. Not all qualified lawyers are board certified, but those who are have taken the extra steps to have their competence, experience and professionalism evaluated.

IL • International Law

CR • Criminal Trial CT • Civil Trial ED • Elder Law EL • Education Law EP • Wills, Trusts & Estates FL • Family Law HL • Health Law IM • Immigration Law IP • Intellectual Property Law JL • Juvenile Law LE • Labor & Employment Law RE • Real Estate Law

Posted here are the board certified attorneys practicing in Duval County, listed in alphabetical order.

TX • Tax Law WC • Workers’ Compensation

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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h

JACKSONVILLE’S BOARD CERTIFIED LAWYERS

h

Fred C. Abbott

Matthew B. Bishop

Howard C. Coker

Mark K. Eckels

Abbott Law Group • CT

Bishop & Bishop • TX

Coker Law • CT

Boyd & Jenerette • WC

Adam G. Adams, III

William R. Blackard, Jr.

Jean C. Coker

David J. Edwards

AG Adams Law • CL

Willliam R. Blackard • EP, TX

Jean C. Coker • EP

Edwards Cohen • RE

Edward C. Akel

Harris L. Bonnette, Jr.

Patrick D. Coleman

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr.

Holbrook, Akel, Cold, Ray & Reichard • TX

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • TX

Ford & Harrison • LE

Edwards & Ragatz • CT

Edward M. Booth, Jr.

Angela Corey

Christene M. Ertl

Boyd & Jenerette P.A. • AV

CR

Ansbacher Law • CD

Vicki J. Bowers

Raymond S. Costantino

C. Ryan M. Eslinger

Bowers, Morgan & Associates • ED

The Costantino Law Firm • CT

Milton Leach Whitman D’Andrea & Eslinger • AD

Thomas A. Boyd, Jr.

Hugh Cotney

Boyd Law • AD

Hugh Cotney PA • CT

Francis M. Boyer Boyer Law Firm • IL

Henry M. Coxe, III

Charles W. Alford Alford Law Group • CT

A. Graham Allen, Jr. Rogers Towers • CT

Bruce R. Anderson Jr. Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. Murphy & Anderson • BL

Tyrie W. Boyer Gregory Andrew Anderson

Duval County Courthouse • CT

AndersonGlenn LLP • BL, CT

Dana G. Bradford, II William H. Andrews

Smith, Gambrell & Russell • CT

GrayRobinson • LE

Frederick R. Brock

Barry B. Ansbacher

Gartner, Brock & Simon • CT

Ansbacher Law • CL, RE, CP

Thomas R. Brown Shawn A. Arnold

The Brown Firm • CT

The Arnold Law Firm • CR, EL

Robert K. Bryant Fred E. Atwood, Jr.

Berg Bryant Elder Law Group • ED

Regan, Whelan, Zebouni & Atwood • CL

Phillip A. Buhler

Henry George Bachara

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones • AD, IL

Bachara Construction Law Group • CL

Mary P. Burnett Mary Burnett Attorney at Law • AV

Amanda P. Baggett Baggett Law • CL

William S. Burns, Jr. The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic • CT

Gregory S. Baity Baptist Health System, Inc. • HL

Anne Buzby-Walt Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • EP

Jeptha F. Barbour Marks Gray • CT

Joseph V. Camerlengo, Jr. The Truck Accident Law Firm • CT

Michael J. Barker

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe • CR

Troy M. Farquhar

Gabriel B. A. Crafton

Craig D. Feiser

Rogers Towers • CL

Office of the General Counsel • AP

John R. Crawford

Gilbert L. Feltel, Jr.

Marks Gray • TX

Office of the General Counsel • BL

Rebecca B. Creed

Elizabeth B. Ferguson

Creed & Gowdy • AP

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggi • CL

Michael C. Crumpler

Ellis T. Fernandez, III

James L. D’Andrea

Michael W. Fisher

Milton Leach Whitman D’Andrea & Eslinger • CT

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • EP, TX

James H. Daniel

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene • TX

Fourth Judicial Circuit • AP

Lawrence C. Datz Datz & Datz • FL

Yash B. Dave

Thomas A. Delegal, III

Galen D. Bauer

Karen M. Chastain Duval County Public Schools • EL

Spohrer & Dodd • AV

Philip A. Bavington

Berg Bryant Elder Law Group • ED

Franson, Iseley & Rendzio • CL

Frazier & Frazier • TX

Gunster • BL

Beverly H. Furtick John A. DeVault, III

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • EP

Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe • BL, CT

Jason R. Gabriel Office of the General Counsel • CC

John F. Dickinson Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete • LE

Vivian M. Gallo

Boyd & Jenerette • CL

Wade D. Childs

Robert J. Dill

Darcy D. Galnor

Childs, Hester & Love • CT

Tritt & Associates • CL

Galnor Shumard, P.A. • CR

Charmaine Tsin Ming Chiu

Michael J. Childers

Halifax Health • HL

Kirsten Lea Doolittle

Steven J. Gard

Smith Hulsey & Busey • HL

Law Office of Kristin Doolittle • LE

Office of the Florida Attorney General • BL

Alexis Marie Clay

Dennis P. Dore Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer • CT

David A. Garfinkel

Foley & Lardner • TX

Peter F. Nunes & Assoc. CLC State Farm • CT

James O. Birr, III

Christopher M. Cobb

Michael S. Drews

Thomas R. Garland II

Jimerson & Cobb • CL

Cobb & Gonzalez P.A. • CL

Drews Law Firm • BL

Regional Conflict Counsel • CR

Robert S. Bernstein

54 |

Law Office of Charlene Francis • AL

Delegal Law Offices • AG, LE

Office of the Public Defender • CR

Rebecca L. Berg

Charlene Francis

Michael R. Freed

Law Office of Philip Bavington • CR

Joshua A. Beard

Lewis, Longman & Walker • AG, CC

William R. Frazier, III Jon P. DeBardeleben

Marshall Dennehy Warner Coleman & Goggi • WC

JL

Wayne E. Flowers

Attorneys Title Fund Services • RE

Oliver D. Barksdale

Duval County Courthouse • CA

Timothy L. Flanagan

Albert T. Franson Jalinda Davis

UF Health Jacksonville • HL

Meredith Charbula

Fernandez Trial Lawyers • CT

Smith, Gambrell & Russell • LE

Heather B. Carbone

The Bedell Firm • CR

Integrity Law • JL

Eraclides, Gelman, Hall, Indek, Goodman, Waters & Traverso • WC

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer • CL

Jeffrey Lawrence Barrett

Brenda Ezell Ezell Law Firm • RE

Duval County Courthouse • CT

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

Garfinkel Family Law • FL

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JACKSONVILLE’S BOARD CERTIFIED LAWYERS

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Latasha Garrison

John W. Hogan

Marvin C. Kloeppel

Blane G. McCarthy

CSX Transportation, Inc. • LE

Terrell Hogan • CT

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • TX

Blane McCarthy • CT

William C. Gentry

James R. Holland, II

Eric S. Kolar

Edward McCarthy, II

Law Office of W.C. Gentry • CT

Harrell & Harrell • CT

Eric S. Kolar • BL

Rogers Towers • CT

Gregg Gerlach

Eric J. Holshouser

Patrick W. Krechowski

Timothy J. McDermott

Gerlach Employment Law • LE

Roger Towers, P.A. • LE

Jimerson Birr • CC

Akerman • BL, CT

Wiley B. Gillam, IV

Blake J. Hood

Cindy A. Laquidara

Amy M. McGuiness

Milam Howard Nicandri Gillam & Renner • BL, CT

Boyd & Jenerette • WC

Akerman • CC

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. • CT

Joanna G. Houser

Jeremy D. Lasnetsk

William B. McMenamy

Michael L. Glass

Duval County Courthouse • FL

Shorstein, Lasnetski & Gihon • CR

Donahoo & McMenamy • TX

Jeffrey J. Humphries

John E. Lawlor, III

Christine Marie Meyer

Theodore W. Glocker

Morgan & Morgan • CT

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • EP

Guardian ad Litem Program • JL

Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell • TX

Kevin E. Hyde

Eric L. Leach

Robert N. Miller

Foley & Lardner • LE

Milton Leach Whitman D’Andrea & Eslinger • CT

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • TX

Stone, Glass & Connolly • CT

Bryan S. Gowdy Creed & Gowdy • AP

William S. Graessle William S. Graessle • AP

Lee T. Griffin Pajcic & Pajcic • CT

Reed W. Grimm Taylor Day Grimm & Boyd • CL

Daniel A. Iracki Coker Law • CT

Michael R. Leas Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • TX

Christopher J. Iseley Franson & Iseley • CL

Brian J. Lee Schuler & Lee • CT

Robert F. Iseley, Jr. Grimsley, Marker & Iseley • EP

Rutledge R. Liles Liles Gavin, P.A. • CT

Michael J. Ivan, Jr

Michael Moran Morgan & Morgan • CT

Timothy S. Moran Morgan & Morgan • CT

Jeffery B. Morris Jeffery B. Morris Law Office • CT

James F. Moseley, Jr.

Eavenson, Fraser, Lunsford & Ivan • TX

J. Michael Lindell Lindell & Farson • BL, CT

Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones • AD

The Arnold Law Firm • CC, EL

Kevin E. Jakab

Sheila A. Loizos

Jakab Law • CT

Christopher J. Muelle

Leonard T. Hackett

Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd • CL

Vernis & Bowling of North Florida • LE

Charles B. Jimerson

State Attorney’s Office, 4th Circuit • CA, CR

Melissa M. Gross-Arnold

Niels Murphy

Jimerson Birr, P.A • CL

Frederick J. Lotterhos, III

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation • CT

Diana L. Johnson

Holland & Knight • BL

Johnson & Lufrano, P.A. • CA

Gregory B. Lower

James C. Hamilton, Jr.

Keith H. Johnson

Cole, Scott & Kissane • WC

Tyler & Hamilton • CT

Johnson & Johnson • TX

Gerald T. Harper

Patrick W. Joyce

Ludwig & Associates • AV

The Law & Mediation Offices of Tom Harper • LE

Milam Howard Nicandri Gillam & Renner • CL

Matthew I. Lufrano

Deborah A. Halvorsen

Murphy & Anderson • BL

Ashley M. Myers

Jeffrey R. Ludwig

Ashley M. Myers • FL

Stephen P. Nelson Mayo Clinic Jacksonville • HL Adair C. Newman

Johnson & Lufrano • CR

State Attorney’s Office 4th Judicial Circuit • CR

Leonard S. Magid

Barry E. Newman

Magid & Williams • LE

Spohrer & Dodd • AV

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas III • LE

Donald B. Mairs

G. Kenneth Norrie

The Mairs Law Firm • CR

Rogers Towers • CL

Brian T. Kelly

Christopher R. Maloney

Peter F. Nunes

Shorstein & Kelly • AL

Foley & Lardner • CL

Peter F. Nunes & Associates • CT

Scott J. Kennelly

Randall L. Marker

William Nussbaum

Rogers Towers • BL

Grimsley Marker & Iseley • EP

Slott, Barker & Nussbaum • RE

Duval County Courthouse • FL

Theresa M. Kenney

Jeffrey B. Marks

Ronald R. Oberdier

Ryan Marks & Stromberg • RE

Hatfield & Hatfield • CT

Reese J. Henderson, Jr.

Duss, Kenny, Safer, Hampton & Joos • RE

Michael D. Marrese

Ailish Christine O’Connor

Morgan & Morgan • CT

Ailish O’Connor, P.A. • ED

Jessie L. Harrell

Asad S. Jubran

The Harrell Firm • AP

The Law Office of A. Sam Jubran • FL

Jason E. Havens Holland & Knight • EP

Jonathan L. Hay Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene • TX

Samuel B. Kanupp

Christopher C. Hazelip Rogers Towers • CT

Russell L. Healey

GrayRobinson • CL

Frederick H. Kent, III Patricia J. Hill

Marks Gray • RE

James D. Mason, Sr.

Herbert Joseph O’Shields

Christine Marie King

J. Demere Mason • FL

Rogers Towers, P.A. • RE

Frazier & Frazier Attorneys at Law, P.A • TX

Robert W. Mason

Heather A. Owen

Office of the Public Defender • JL

Guidewell Source Legal Affairs • LE

Keith L. Maynard

Scott A. Padgett

Spohrer & Dodd • AV

Rogers Towers • CL

Smith, Gambrell & Russell • LE

Patrick D. Hinchey Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo & Jones • CL

Frank D. Kitchen Lawsikia J. Hodges Office of General Counsel • CC

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete • LE

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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JACKSONVILLE’S BOARD CERTIFIED LAWYERS

Curry G. Pajcic

Terrence J. Russell

Charles A. Sorenson

Kristen M. Van Der Linde

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic • CT

CT

Coker Law • CT

Boyd & Jenerrette • CT

Stephen J. Pajcic

Michelline H. Ruth

Matthew W. Sowell

Richard S. Vermut

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic • CT

Law Offices of Ronald E. Sholes • CT

Terrell Hogan • CT

Scott B. Parks

Jonathan D. Sacks

Robert F. Spohrer

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow • IP

Parks • CT

State Attorney’s Office 4th Judicial Circuit • CR

Spohrer & Dodd • AV, CT

Jason Brandt Vrbensky

Donald W. St. Denis

Roberts, Reynolds, Bedard & Tuzzio, PLLC • CL

Angelo M. Patacca, Jr. Terrell Hogan • CT

Julie A. Saieg

St. Denis & Davey • CT

David H. Peek

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene • ED

Sandra P. Stockwell

Rogers Towers • TX

Thomas C. Saitta J. Jacob R. Peek

Office of General Counsel • RE

Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow • IP

Karen J. Stone

Peek & Associates • TX

John M. Phillips

John J. Schickel

Mitchell A. Stone

Law Offices of John M. Phillips • CT

Coker Law • CT, WC

Mitchell A. Stone • CR

Belkis Plata

Michael N. Schneider

William T. Stone

Plata Schlott • JL

Ansbacher & Schneider • TX

Saalfield Shad • CT

Matthew N. Posgay

Shannon Schott

Coker Law • CT

Richard M. Stoudemire

Plata Schott • JL

Saalfield Shad • WC

Robert H. Pritchard

Carl S. Schuler

Rogers Towers • HL

Bruce E. Stutsman

Schuler & Lee • CT

Stutsman Law Firm • RE

Gregory D. Prysock

George E. Schulz, Jr.

Morgan & Morgan • CT

Holland & Knight • CT

Gerard J. Sullivan, Jr.

William Rabil

Michael E. Seelie

Foley & Lardner • RE

Michael E. Seelie PA • CT

John J. Rahaim, II

Richard A. Selinger

Law Offices of John J. Rahaim II • WC

Selinger Law Firm • CR

Richard E. Ramsey

Joel Settembrini, Jr.

Wicker Smith • CT

Saalfield Shad • BL

Jeffrey C. Regan

Scott D. Sheftall

Regan Atwood, P.A. • BL, CL

Sheftall & Associates • CT

Robert G. Riegel, Jr.

William J. Sheppard

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney • LE

Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio • CR

University of North Florida • EL

Hans Christopher Wahl Jimerson Birr, P.A. • CD

Gerald W. Weedon Marks Gray • BL, CT

Samuel Grier Wells Gray Robinson, P.A. • CT

Edward M. Whelan Whelan Construction Law, P.A. • CL

Joshua A. Whitman Milton Leach Whitman • CT

Paul Edward Risner Paul E. Risner, P.A. • HL

Michael A. Shorstein

Matthew T. Roach

Shorstein & Kelly, Attorneys at Law • AL

Harrell & Harrell • CT

Richard A. Sichta

Christine C. Whitney Christine C. Whitney • HL

Sullivan & Company • AD

Philip D. Williams Magid & Williams • LE

Michael G. Tanner Gunster Law Firm • BL, CT

Robert S. Willis Willis & Ferebee • CR

Julie K. Taylor Duval County Courthouse • JL

James T. Terrell

Charles E. Willmott Charles E. Willmott • FL

Terrell Hogan • CT

Barbara C. Wingo

Archibald J. Thomas, III

Law Offices of Barbara C. Wingo • AG, EL

Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III • LE

Daniel G. Thomas

Cheryl L. Worman Rogers Towers • CL

Law Office of D. Gray Thomas • AP

Kenneth B. Wright

Thomas John Tollefsen Tritt & Assoc. P.A. • CL

Bledsoe Jacobson Schmidt Wright & Sussman • CT

Kenneth A. Tomchin

Evan J. Yegelwel

The Sichta Firm • CA

Tomchin & Odom • BL

Terrell Hogan Yegelwel • CT

Stephen W. Siegel

Clemon W. Tripp, Jr.

Susan F. Zerbe Office of the Public Defender • CR

Robinson Collins • EP, TX

State Attorney’s Office, 4th Circuit • CR

Bedell, Dittmar, Devault, Pillans & Coxe • CL

Mary A. Robison

Bert C. Simon

Arnold D. Tritt, Jr.

Miller Electric Co. • CL

Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball • RE

Gartner Brock & Simon • RE

Tritt & Associates • CL

Mark J. Rosenblum

Thomas F. Slater

Fred Tromberg

Federal Defender’s Office • CR

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic • CT

CT

Tricia R. Rover

Ashleigh J. Smith

Robert H. Trudeau

Chad S. Roberts The Roberts Firm • AV

Kristopher D. Robinson

Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene • EP, TX

CR

Peter F. Nunes & Associates • CT

Katharine F. Rowe

Thomas C. Smith

Smith Gambrell & Russell • IP

Peter F. Nunes & Associates • CT

David G. Tucker

Michael D. Rudolph

Troy K. Smith

Florida Department of Children & Families • AG

Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis • WC

Burr & Forman • CL

Cristine M. Russell

Teresa J. Sopp

Rogers Towers • AP

Office of the Public Defender • CR

James R. Usery

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

Old Republic National Title Insurance Co. • RE

Brent T. Zimmerman

Elliot Zisser Zisser Law • FL This list was provided courtesy of The Florida Bar Association. Standards, certification committee members and staff contacts for each specialty are available at FloridaBar.org. Please contact The Florida Bar's Legal Specialization & Education Department at (850) 561-5842 for more information. u

See You Later,

Alligator In Florida, the weirdest stories make the biggest splash

I

f you were to compile a glossary of only-inFlorida headlines, there are a few that would stand apart. “Opossum breaks into liquor store, gets stinky drunk;” “Lawyer’s pants erupt in flames during arson trial;” “Golf cart chop shop pops up in The Villages.” These bizarre stories—almost always containing some mix of animalia, weird weaponry, and, more often than not, drugs—have helped to cement

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

the state’s reputation as a place for the weird and wacky.

But it’s the “Florida Man” headlines, wherein an unidentified man commits a crime or simply wreaks havoc, that have beguiled internet users and meme-makers for years.

In November 2018, St. Augustine provided the setting for perhaps the most authentically Florida Man headline in recent history: “Florida man breaks into alligator farm, crocodile bites leg.”

IF YOU’VE VISITED ST. AUGUSTINE’S ALLIGATOR FARM ZOOLOGICAL PARK RECENTLY, you’ve likely seen it bustling.

Kids tap on the glass separating them from the underwater lair of Maximo, a 1,250-pound saltwater crocodile. On the viewing platforms, tourists jockey for a closer look at the various gators and crocodiles, of which there are so many the creatures are often piled on top of one another.

But the security camera footage from November 6, 2018 at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is almost calming—all placid waters and unmoving grass—until a lone figure ambles into the frame.

His name is Brandon Hatfield and he first appears at approximately 7:45 in the evening, when he damages property at one of the zoo’s snack bars before inexplicably entering the park’s only recently opened Nile Crocodile enclosure. Some hours later, he can be seen scaling a wood fence, stopping at the top to attempt a tightrope-like walk along its edge. After nearly falling, he instead begins to crawl atop the fence, glancing at his surroundings all the while. Where most people might be afraid— either of getting caught or being eaten alive by one of the park’s many toothed inhabitants—he forges ahead, climbing atop a structure displaying Egyptian artwork and making his boldest move yet: jumping into the crocodile pool.

Crocs are nocturnal creatures with excellent nighttime vision, using the ability to their advantage when hunting prey. That Hatfield was attacked after jumping into the pool is not unsurprising. That the damage he sustained to his leg wasn’t much worse, and that he continued to explore the exhibit after the attack, is.

According to evidence gathered at the scene and video surveillance, Hatfield exited the croc pool to climb a platform used as part of the park’s zip line feature, leaving behind a trail of blood. All told, investigators say Hatfield spent four hours in the exhibit after breaking in.

‘held hostage’ part, though.” Minutes after the residents called 911, staff at the Alligator Farm called in, reporting that someone had been seen on surveillance video jumping into an exhibit that held three, 12-foot Nile crocodiles.

Hatfield pleaded no contest and, in January 2019, was sentenced to a year in jail.

Though the headlines were plenty funny, the story had a dark side—the suspect’s mother said Hatfield had been on drugs at the time of the break-in, and fell (rather than jumped, as had been reported) into the crocodile pit. In an interview with Action News Jax, Corrine Hatfield said the events were due to a lack of resources for those struggling with drug addiction.

Alligator Farm director John Brueggen expressed concern for Hatfield’s injuries in a statement, adding that protecting against “the lunacy and erratic behavior of nighttime trespassers is nearly impossible.” Brueggen referenced a similar event in which a trespasser entered the killer whale exhibit at Sea World— also, of course, in Florida—and was killed by the animals. That Hatfield didn’t face a similar fate, and will hopefully get help for his substance abuse problem, made the story much more innocent than it could have been, and yet still reflective of the state we call home. It had everything a truly weird news story should, after all: alligators, a zip line, a pair of Crocs and a Florida Man. u

As frightening as it likely was, the story comes with traces of childhood fairy tales, though much darker ones that you might expect. In Hansel and Gretel-like fashion, Hatfield left a trail to follow—torn pieces of clothing, drops of blood, and some $5,000 in damages. And in a Cinderella-like turn of events, he absconded with only one shoe, leaving behind— appropriately enough—a single Croc. Remember, this is Florida.

You don’t have to make this stuff up.

The 23-year-old culprit was arrested by St. Augustine Police on charges of burglary, criminal mischief and violation of probation, after being found wandering a nearby residential area in only his underwear.

News4Jax reported that one resident of the neighborhood called police to report “a man, without a shirt on, crawling around in the mud in her neighbor’s courtyard.” Recounting his story to local journalists, the man said Hatfield was “clearly dazed. He said ‘I’ve been held hostage with a guy who has alligators in the pool.’

So he had part of his story right—probably not the

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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X TTIIX

April 2019 Events

All Month

All Month

4/5

Blue Jay Listening Room

Flow Studio Art Center

Kate Kup VIP Party

At Blue Jay, every ticket is a backstage pass.

This intimate music venue hosts several shows in April including The Big Tickle, Pine Box Dwellers, Underdog Improv, Resonant Rogues, Corey Kilgannon and more.

Where collaboration and interactive exploration meet. The studio hosts several workshops a month including topics on drawing, art journaling, crocheting, several types of painting, pet portraits and even summer camps.

Celebration kicks off the Kate Amato Foundation's Triples Tennis Tournament weekend. Guests enjoy delicious eats, libations and live music by The Band Be Easy. All proceeds benefit Kate Amato Foundation and pediatric cancer research.

2457 S. 3rd St., Jax Beach

Flow Studio Art Center

Prices vary

Prices vary

$75

4/6

4/6-7

4/15

3 Palms Grille

The Makery

Bourbon Experience

Be treated to an evening of dinner, dancing, libations, music and more.

Proceeds benefit the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation Endowment at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

A curated event where independent makers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs—along with the local community—come to inspire one another. There will be Make+Take workshops, "101" demonstrations, music, food and the best goods from the best Makers.

Join CBV Cares for a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser. Derby attire encouraged, but not required. Guests are treated to a best dressed competition, snacks, bourbon demonstration and tasting

by Woodford Reserve, silent auction and more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

500 Atlantic Blvd., Jax Beach (The Old Kmart)

South Kitchen + Spirits

$175

$5

4/20

4/27

Distiller Tour

Party in the Park with Al Letson

Trinity Love Hoblit Gala

Get a detailed tour of Manifest’s production processes, including mashing, fermentation, distillation, aging and packaging of spirits.

Enjoy a tutored tasting designed to help guests learn how to approach and appreciate spirits.

Manifest Distilling

$27

An evening of spoken word, music, food and fun during Jax Poetry Fest. VIP includes a reception with the performers (including Mr. Letson), two complimentary beverages including beer, wine and cocktails and designated seating.

Hemming Park

$25

$15

4/28 Silent Sundays— Manhandled Norman Studio presents this classic film.

When her boyfriend, Jimmy, forgets a date, department store clerk Tessie McGuire heads to a party at the studio of Robert Brandt where she makes a hit with impersonations and lands a job portraying a Russian countess in a high-dollar style emporium.

Hotel Indigo Deerwood Park

$5

T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O W AT 9 0 4 T I X .CO M

Jacksonville Magazine’s

2019 BEST LAWYERS BARRY B. ANSBACHER

ASHLEY M. MYERS, P.A.

COKER LAW

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

EDWARDS & RAGATZ, P.A. KEVIN E. JAKAB, ESQ.

LAW OFFICES ARCHIBALD J. THOMAS, III

THE LAW FIRM OF PAJCIC & PAJCIC

ZISSER LAW

DONALD W. ST. DENIS

MALCOLM ANTHONY, P.A.

BACHARA CONSTRUCTION LAW GROUP

DAN W. ARMSTRONG, ESQ.

R. SCOTT COSTANTINO

MATTHEW T. HARROD

DATZ & DATZ, P.A.

JANET JOHNSON, P.A.

FALLGATTER CATLIN & VARON P.A.

ERIC S. KOLAR, ESQ.

FLETCHER & PHILLIPS LOCKETT LAW

DARIN C. GARDNER

ROBERT PERRY

LAW OFFICE OF NANCY C. HARRISON, ESQ., P.L.

KATHERINE B. SCHNAUSS NAUGLE

THE LAW OFFICES OF BRETT HASTINGS

MITCHELL A. STONE, P.A.

LINDELL & FARSON, P.A.

ALISA WILKES

J. DEMERE MASON, P.A.

CAROLYN S. ZISSER, P.A.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

arry B. Ansbacher is the managing partner of Ansbacher Law. He is recognized as one of Florida’s leading attorneys. For nearly 30 years, Barry has specialized in real estate, construction and community association law. He is the only lawyer in Florida to achieve triple board certification by the Florida Bar in Construction Law, Condominium and Planned Development Law and Real Estate Law. A Jacksonville native and University of Florida College of Law graduate, Barry began working as a lawyer with his father, Lewis “Lukie” Ansbacher.

In 1997, Barry founded Ansbacher Law, a rapidly expanding firm with offices in Jacksonville, Fleming Island, St. Augustine and Palm Coast.

Barry and his team of 30 legal professionals at Ansbacher Law serve condominium associations, homeowner associations, property owners, personal injury victims, and commercial clients. The transactional team at Ansbacher Law represents buyers, sellers, and lenders for both residential and commercial properties.

Barry delivers results in every practice area.

He transformed a failing retail mall into a worldclass office park, procuring international equity financing and negotiating the construction contract.

In 2016, he obtained a landmark jury verdict resulting in a judgment exceeding 12 million dollars against the nation’s largest home builder. In 2017, Ansbacher Law achieved multiple successful jury verdicts for its personal injury clients. Most recently, Barry represented a car accident victim in Clay County who received a jury verdict exceeding two million dollars.

Barry Ansbacher is recognized by his peers and clients as a leading trial attorney and counselor.

He has achieved recognition by SuperLawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, Top 100 Trial Attorneys, Construction Lawyers Society of America and Who’s Who in American Law. He holds the highest ratings from both Martindale-Hubbell® (AV-Preeminent) and AVVO (10/10 – Superb).

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BARRY B. ANSBACHER

Real Estate • Construction • Trials

904.737.4700 ansbacher.net

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

COKER LAW Rufus Pennington, Daniel Iracki*, Stefano Portigliatti*, Janeen Kirch*, David Thompson*, Matthew Posgay, Howard Coker**, Charles Sorenson, John "Jake" Schickel, Lindsay Tygart, Fraz Ahmed*, Joel Harris* 2019 Super Lawyers and *Rising Stars, ** Chosen to 2019 Florida Top 25 Jacksonville List

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catastrophic injury can affect your life and your family forever, leaving you unsure about the future. You can trust our team to guide you through these uncertain times. Your loved ones deserve to get the physical, emotional and financial support they need, when they need it.

Since 1976, Coker Law has proudly served those who have suffered due to significant injury or the death of a loved one.

Members of Coker Law have been repeatedly named to Super Lawyers for their work in the personal injury and medical malpractice categories and the firm has been named one of the U.S. News' "Best Law Firms" in Florida for the past four years.

When it's all on the line, we're all in.

136 East Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

A DV E RTI SI N G F E AT U R E

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904.356.6071

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800.927.6071

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cokerlaw.com

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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EDWARDS & RAGATZ, P.A.

Personal Injury Litigation

Thomas S. Edwards Jr. & Eric C. Ragatz dwards and Ragatz, P.A. believes everyone deserves justice. Firm partners Thomas S. Edwards, Jr. and Eric C. Ragatz fight everyday to give Jacksonville residents a voice in the courtroom. Through the pursuit of equality, fairness, honesty and integrity, they attempt to right the wrongs that occur by protecting your rights in the justice system.

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr., graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1983. He is an AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who has served as past president of the Jacksonville Chapter of the ABOTA, Jacksonville Bar, Jacksonville Trial Lawyers, and the Florida Justice Association. Mr. Edwards was selected in 2007 and all years since to the Florida Super Lawyer’s list. In 2012, Mr. Edwards was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Management Council and in 2014 was appointed to the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice. In 2012 & 2015 he was selected as the Jacksonville Medical Malpractice “Lawyer of the Year” and in 2016 and 2017 Jacksonville Personal Injury Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers magazine. In April 2013 he was inducted in the Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and in December 2014 he was honored with the B.J. Masterson Award for Professionalism through the Florida Justice Association.

E

Eric C. Ragatz graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1996. He is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale Hubbell®. He is admitted to all Florida Courts, all United States District Courts in Florida and is a licensed member of the State Bar of Georgia. Mr. Ragatz was selected to the 2014 Florida Super Lawyer’s list and all years since. He was also honored as a Best Lawyer by Best Lawyers in 2016 and 2017.

In 2012, Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz won a landmark verdict for a client.

The medical malpractice case resulted in an awarded verdict* of $178 million, plus $10 million in punitive damages from HCA/Memorial Hospital. Due to statutory sanctions against the defendant, the resulting Judgments were approximately $228 million and was one of the largest malpractice awards in the history of the state. This was the 4th largest medical malpractice verdict in 2012. We are pleased that our client saw the justice that he deserved.

In 2014-2017, Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. was named by Best Lawyers in America Personal Injury-Plaintiffs “Law Firm of the Year” in Jacksonville, Florida and in 2015 was named by Best Lawyers in America Medical Malpractice-Plaintiffs “Law Firm of the Year” in Jacksonville, Florida.

Now, let us help you!

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

4401 Salisbury Road, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32216 64 |

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

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904.399.1609

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EdwardsRagatz.com A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

KEVIN E. JAKAB, ESQ. evin Jakab, Esq. is founder and managing partner of Jakab Law, PLLC, a full service civil trial law and mediation firm. Mr. Jakab is a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer and specializes in trying complex cases involving significant personal injury; wrongful death; medical malpractice; professional liability; premises liability/security; and civil fraud.

Mr. Jakab is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator and enjoys helping parties resolve disputes before trial, even those that appear hopelessly deadlocked. Having handled dozens of cases for both Plaintiffs and Defendants, Mr. Jakab brings a breadth of perspective to any case he is asked to mediate.

Mr. Jakab is a “Triple Gator” having earned his Bachelor, Master, and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Florida and he was a distinguished Constitutional Graduate Fellow at Georgetown University.

Mr. Jakab regularly accepts co-counsel requests and referrals from other law firms. He is deeply honored that the majority of cases handled by the firm come from repeat clients and referrals from other lawyers in Jacksonville and statewide.

Jakab Law, PLLC distinguishes itself from other firms by focusing, almost exclusively, on civil trial practice and mediation. The firm’s goal is to provide exceptional, results-oriented service to all clients and co-counsel in every case.

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• Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer • Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Mediator • AV-Rated Civil Trial Law Firm, Martindale Hubbell • 5-Star Client Rating, Martindale Hubbell • 5-Star Rating by Avvo.com.

• Resources to handle the most difficult and complex cases

6277 Dupont Station Ct., Jacksonville, FL 32217 A DV E RTI SI N G F E AT U R E

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904.683.2290

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THE LAW FIRM OF PAJCIC & PAJCIC

eamwork and treating our clients like family is what Pajcic & Pajcic is all about. We specialize in representing individuals and families who have suffered a serious injury or wrongful death because of the fault of others. We have handled well over 10,000 cases and have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. Our attorneys know that in order to get the best results for our clients we must be ready to try every case before a jury. In our six most recent jury trials, we have obtained verdicts totaling more than $33 million. In the past few years, we have reached confidential settlements totaling over $100 million. Several of those involved car roofs, defective air bags and seat belts that couldn’t withstand the impact of collisions. Other confidential settlements involve medical malpractice cases where Pajcic & Pajcic lawsuits have led to safer hospital procedures and more attentive medical professionals. All 12 of our attorneys are AV rated “preeminent” and we have a combined nearly 400 years of legal experience representing seriously injured people in their time of need.

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One Independent Dr., Suite 1900, Jacksonville, FL 32202

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904.358.8881

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pajcic.com

A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

DONALD W. ST.DENIS onald St.Denis is the senior founding shareholder of St.Denis and Davey, a trial law firm with 13 lawyers in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and Panama City, covering North, Central and South Florida, as well as the Panhandle. They have lawyers licensed in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. Mr. St.Denis has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice by the Florida Bar since June 1, 2001. He is AV peer review rated by MartindaleHubbellÂŽ.

Mr. St.Denis graduated with honors in 1984 from The University of Arkansas, where he was an Academic All American and Athletic All American. He then attended law school on a NCAA post-graduate scholarship, graduating from a joint program at the University of Florida in law and linguistics in 1989. He was then an instructor in Foreign Trade Law, Cross Cultural Negotiations and Managerial Accounting from 1989-1990 in Tianjin China at the Foreign Trade Institute, which is now part of Nankai University. He also taught Business Law at the University of Florida College of Business in 1990 and 1991. Mr. St.Denis is a member of the International Law and Civil Trial Law sections of the Florida Bar. His trial practice focuses on insurance defense, legal and accounting malpractice, in addition to commercial and personal injury litigation. He has tried numerous cases defending corporations to defense verdicts in Florida, Georgia, Virginia and Ohio. Mr. St.Denis also has vast experience representing retailers, restaurants, bars, automobile, motorcycle and boat dealerships in

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St. Denis & Davey, P.A. all types of litigation, including administrative hearings, throughout Florida.

In 2018, Mr. St. Denis received a $5 million dollar verdict against Morgan & Morgan in a legal malpractice case. The Court has also allowed him to move to tax fees of $1.3 million and costs of $500,000. Mr. St. Denis was also selected as one of America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators for 2019.

Mr. St.Denis was selected as a Florida Super Lawyer in the State of Florida from 2008-2019. He is a life member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums.

In 2010, Mr. St.Denis was recognized by The Elite Lawyers of America as a civil trial lawyer who obtained multiple verdicts or settlements of at least two million dollars.

Mr. St.Denis was awarded one of the largest verdicts to be upheld on appeal by the First District Court of Appeals in Florida under the Substantial Certainty Doctrine. He has the further distinction of obtaining jurisdiction over a United Nations contractor in the United States for a helicopter crash in Guatemala.

Mr. St. Denis also belongs to several non-profit organizations, including University Club (Member of Board of Governors), Project Czech (President), Project Hungary (President), Friends of Hendricks (Board Member), and Eastside Community Church (Elder) in Jacksonville, Florida.

When he is not practicing law, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and five children.

1300 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 401, Jacksonville, FL 32207 A DV ERTI SI N G F E AT U R E

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904.396.1996

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BACHARA CONSTRUCTION LAW GROUP

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achara Construction Law Group represents clients throughout the Southeast in every type of construction dispute. Committed to providing the highest degree of client service and representation, BCLG has built a tradition of excellence on decades of combined experience, skill, and direct knowledge of the construction industry.

Their record of achievement includes many of the region’s most complex construction disputes, and they are nationally and locally recognized for excellence.

In addition to being Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar and AV-Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, founding partner Chip Bachara is a licensed general contractor with extensive trial experience in construction disputes. Chip is regularly recognized by his peers in Super Lawyers, Florida Trend’s “Legal Elite,” and Best Lawyers in America, and was named a 2016 “Ultimate Attorney” by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report designated him “Jacksonville Construction Lawyer of the Year” in 2012, 2017 and 2019, and recognized BCLG as a Tier 1 construction law firm for the Jacksonville metropolitan area.

One Independent Dr., Suite 1800, Jacksonville, FL 32202 904.562.1060 | bacharagroup.com

R. SCOTT COSTANTINO

The Costantino Law Firm, P.A.

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cott Costantino is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law. He is also Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has received an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and has over 30 years’ experience in civil trial practice.

Mr. Costantino has been elected as a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and was selected as the ABOTA~Jacksonville Chapter’s Lawyer of the Year for 2012. He was President of the ABOTA~Jacksonville Chapter for 2015.

Mr. Costantino has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the publication The Best Lawyers in America. The Costantino Law Firm, P.A. has also been named a Tier 1 firm in Jacksonville by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” for 2019.

Mr. Costantino has also been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers magazine.

The Chester Bedell Inn of Court has designated Mr. Costantino as a Master of the Bench. He has also been named a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Mr. Costantino represents clients in complex personal injury matters, including wrongful death, professional liability as well as car, trucking, motorcycle, and bicycle accident cases. Mr. Costantino received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida. He is the managing shareholder of The Costantino Law Firm, P.A. 6 East Bay St., Suite 304, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | 904.355.3023 costantinolawfirm.com

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

FLETCHER & PHILLIPS

Marital & Family Law Attorneys

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letcher & Phillips is a family law firm with more than 35 years of experience. The attorneys are well-versed in trial litigation, negotiation and mediation for clients who seek to divorce or change the terms of a divorce through modification of custody, visitation, support or distribution of property. As trial lawyers, they take pride in their ability to successfully litigate to conclusion when settlement is not possible. Minimizing strife and promoting cooperation are qualities that distinguish Fletcher & Phillips from other family law firms.

When you meet with any of our attorneys, we will answer your questions and provide information about the divorce process. People often have misunderstandings that add to the stress and uncertainty of the process. Your lawyer will ensure you are informed about your case at each step along the way.

We can provide information on alimony, modification of custody post-divorce or for support for child custody and co-parenting options. We also provide estate planning and DUI and criminal defense representation.

Ann Marie Johnson, Zach Alfant, Lyman T. Fletcher, Michael R. Phillips, Dyvonnda G. Thurston

DARIN C. GARDNER

541 East Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 904.353.7733 | fletcherandphillips.com

Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A.

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arin Gardner is a partner at the law firm of Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A., located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, focusing his practice on family law, criminal defense and domestic violence. Darin spent the first seven years of his legal career as a an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. While at the State Attorney’s Office, Darin spent time prosecuting crimes in the Special Assault Division handling adult and child sex crimes, child abuse, child neglect and felony domestic violence. Darin also spent time in the gun crime division, the homicide/gun crime division, and as an attorney on the homicide rotation. Darin ended his career at the State Attorney’s Office on the homicide rotation and as a felony Division Chief. Darin has spent the past nine years in private practice solely focusing on family law, criminal defense and domestic violence related issues. The training, investigative skills and litigation experience Darin gained while at the State Attorney’s Office have been invaluable for his career in private practice. Darin applies the same investigative and litigation experience he gained while as an Assistant State Attorney with all of his cases in private practice, and he takes a very meticulous approach for case so that he can provide the best real world advice for his clients for their particular legal circumstances. While in private practice, Darin has handled many complex family law matters such as highly contested time-sharing matters, relocation of children both nationally and internationally, complex equitable distribution and support matters. Darin practices at the Metropolitan at Jacksonville Beach with his managing partner and spouse, Lisa Coplan-Gardner, who has dedicated her entire legal career to the practice of family law. To learn more about Darin please visit our website at www.coplan-gardnerlaw.com where you can also review prior client reviews who have chosen Darin and his firm to represent them.

320 1st St. N., #710, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 coplangardnerlaw.com 70 |

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904.247.6865 A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

LAW OFFICE OF NANCY C. HARRISON, ESQ., P.L.

Family Law

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he Law Office of Nancy C. Harrison, Esq., P.L. is focused on divorce, parental responsibility, time-sharing, alimony, child support, equitable distribution, relocation, modification of prior judgments, domestic violence, adoptions and paternity proceedings.

The firm’s practice also includes appeals, business law, civil litigation, commercial transactions, contracts, criminal law, foreclosure and real estate matters.

Ms. Harrison is a member of The Florida Bar, Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, and Barrister of the Florida Family Law American Inn of Court. Her email address is nancy@jaxfamilylaw.biz.

Danielle Manos, Associate Attorney with the firm is a member of The Florida Bar, Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, and an Associate of Florida Family American Inn of Court. Her email address is danielle@jaxfamilylaw.biz.

Paul M. Eakin, Associate Attorney with the firm is a member of The Florida Bar and rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell. His email address is paul@jaxfamilylaw.biz.

599 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 6, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 904.372.0008 | www.jaxfamilylaw.biz email: contact@jaxfamilylaw.biz

Personal Injury • Wrongful Death

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THE LAW OFFICES OF BRETT HASTINGS

he Law Offices of Brett Hastings is a law firm that specializes solely in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The firm is committed to helping

people and their families who have suffered tragedies to pick up the pieces and guide them step by step to a place of closure. The firm believes that making sure every client has all of their questions answered and that their case is resolved only for what is fair and just are its highest order of business. The firm works solely for people and never for insurance companies.

Brett Hastings was raised in Jacksonville Beach and upon graduation from the University of Florida College of Law was a prosecutor in his hometown where he gained valuable trial experience. In his 20-year career he has worked in personal injury and wrongful death cases, first on the defense and for the last 15 years solely for those injured.

Bryan M. Callaway joined the practice in December 2018. Prior to working at the Law Offices of Brett Hastings, Bryan was a partner in a small boutique law firm where he practiced in a variety of areas including personal injury, worker’s compensation, civil rights claims, social security disability, and cases falling under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act. Bryan joined the Law Office of Brett Hastings to pursue his passion of representing injured parties with a focus on litigation and trial practice.

226 N 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 904.247.4400 | justiceforjacksonville.com A DV E RTI SI N G F E AT U R E

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LINDELL & FARSON, P.A.

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Jacksonville native, J. Michael Lindell earned Bachelor of Arts Degrees in English and Economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1975 and his Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of Florida in 1978. In 1987, he founded the firm now known as Lindell & Farson. Mr. Lindell was one of the first Jacksonville attorneys to obtain the coveted status of a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer in 1985 after only seven years of law practice and has maintained that status.

In 1996, he was also one of the first Jacksonville attorneys to become Board Certified for Business Litigation. He has lectured as an adjunct professor both at the Florida Coastal School of Law and at Florida State College and served as chairman of the Jacksonville Bar Association committee on corporate, banking and business law (2000-2005) and of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee (1992). Based upon peer review, Mr. Lindell has enjoyed an “AV” rating by Martindale-Hubbell® for more than 20 years and has been selected as one of Florida’s “Super Lawyers” numerous times. He says, “Successful handling of complex civil cases depends upon creative strategies that lie outside of traditional thinking.”

James Farson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance in 1988 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky in 1992. He joined Lindell & Farson as a partner in 2004 after numerous years as a member of the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps in the Jacksonville area, during which service he was awarded both the Navy Achievement and Navy Commendation Medals. Mr. Farson also served as both a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Florida Assistant State Attorney for a time. Since then Mr. Farson has specialized in plaintiff personal injury law. Recently, Mr. Farson graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Arts from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. “Theological training has helped me address the needs of injured clients on more than just a monetary level,” he says.

12276 San Jose Blvd., Suite 126, Jacksonville, FL 32223 904.880.4000 | lindellfarson.com

J. DEMERE MASON, P.A.

Mason Family Law

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. DEMERE MASON P.A. is a dedicated family law firm ( father and son) offering expert services in handling all aspects of Family Law including Divorce, paternity, modifications, custody, alimony, child support, equitable distributions, contempt, prenuptial agreements and mediation.

Demere Mason, Sr., is Board Certified in Florida family law and holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest recognition possible in the legal industry for his professionalism and ethics.

Mr. Mason also hold the rank of Master in the American Family Law Inns of Court and has qualified as an expert witness in family law cases. He received the prestigious Hernandez Professionalism Award in 2015.

Demere (Dems) Mason, Jr., has practiced Family Law since 2007. He holds a 10.0 “Superb” rating AVVO since 2014. He has also been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Dems has taught clinics in family law for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and is a frequent lecturer at Family Law Seminars. Dems is married with 2 sons and is active in local homeless ministries and the Gator Bowl Sports organization.

Combining experience of over 40 years we offer strong representation by a caring “family” law firm.

8130 Baymeadows Way, Suite 304, Jacksonville FL 32256 904.726.8589 | jdemeremason.com 72 |

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Florida Marital and Family Law

ASHLEY M. MYERS, P.A.

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shley M. Myers, P.A. a Jacksonville, Florida native, is the only local female attorney to achieve the honor of Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). The AAML is an organization which only offers entrance after the successful completion of tests, peer reviews, and criteria based upon the candidate’s demonstration of the highest level of experience, competence and professionalism. Ms. Myers is also a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law since 2003. She has previously served as both the Vice Chair for the Rules of the Judicial Administration and Chair of the Florida Bar Family Law Rules Committee. She has recently expanded Ashley M. Myers, P.A. to include an Associate Attorney, Autumn Warner. Ms. Warner, also a Jacksonville native, received her Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. She is an Associate in the Florida Family Law American Inn of Court, a board member for the Family Nurturing Center of Florida, and previously served as a board member of the Exchange Club Family Center of Northeast Florida.

Ms. Warner provides a commitment to excellence. Together they provide their clients with superb legal knowledge and efficiency.

1301 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 2405, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904.224.5077 | ashleymyers.com

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

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heppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio, P.A. has once again been ranked as a Top Tier Law Firm by Best Lawyers in America. This year, Mr. Sheppard was also recognized as Lawyer of the Year in two practice areas Criminal Defense: General Practice and Employment Law – Individuals. The firm and its individual members have also been listed in Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Criminal Defense: General and White Collar, Appellate Practice, First Amendment Law and Employment Law: Individuals. This firm is ranked AV Pre-Eminent by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Operating out of the same office for 50 years, the firm repeatedly has been recognized for its thorough preparation and effective advocacy. In addition to the state and federal trial litigation, the firm’s appellate advocacy has resulted in the publication of over 500 appellate decisions.

From misdemeanor offenses to cases of significant constitutional importance, the firm is committed to providing effective guidance and representation to its clients.

Front Row: Elizabeth L. White, William J. Sheppard & Camille E. Sheppard Back Row: Matthew R. Kachergus, Bryan E. DeMaggio & Jesse Wilkison

215 Washington St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 904.356.9661 | email: sheplaw@sheppardwhite.com A DV E RTI SI N G F E AT U R E

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LAW OFFICES ARCHIBALD J. THOMAS, III

Employee Rights Lawyers

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t The Law Offices of Archibald J. Thomas, III, P.A., our practice is limited to the representation of individuals in labor and employment related matters. We represent employees only and the firm does not practice in any other area of the law. We handle wrongful discharge cases, employment discrimination cases, including sex, age, race, national origin, disability, pregnancy and religious discrimination, wage and hour claims, including overtime and minimum wage, harassment, whistleblowing, retaliation, severance negotiations, executive termination and compensation matters, employment contract cases, non-compete agreements and other business related claims, employment related torts, and all other aspects of the employment relationship. We also represent federal, state and local government employees before such administrative agencies as the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Public Employees Relations Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Florida Commission On Human Relations, the Division of Administrative Hearings, Civil Service Commissions, School Boards, and before various other boards, commissions or agencies. In addition we represent unions, union members and other employees in grievance and arbitration proceedings.

The firm is AV-rated by Martindale-HubbellÂŽ and was recognized in 2019

by U.S. News and World Report as the only Jacksonville law firm rated as a Tier I firm for both Employment Law for Individuals and Labor & Employment Litigation.

Ronald P. Angerer, II, Samuel B. Kanupp & Archibald J. Thomas, III

ZISSER LAW

4651 Salisbury Rd., Suite 255, Jacksonville, FL 32256 904.674.2222 | job-rights.com

A boutique law firm representing clients in family and criminal law matters.

Left to Right: Joseph Alvarez, Barry Zisser, Jonathan Zisser, Elliot Zisser & Katherine Johnson

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t Zisser Law, our legal team is dedicated to you and your specific case. We are here to guide you through this challenging process as we strive to make each step a little less stressful. Our firm has built its reputation based on the foundation of treating our clients with the upmost respect while giving their cases the attention they deserve. Our attorneys are adept at handling complex

divorce cases involving significant assets and income, valuation of business interests, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements; as well as custody, support, and alimony matters.

Attorney Elliot Zisser is a Florida Bar Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney with extensive experience representing clients with complex financial, custodial, business, and valuation issues. Attorney Barry Zisser has been practicing law for over 50 years and holds many awards in family law. In addition to family law, Attorney Jonathan Zisser has a strong background defending clients charged with DUI, domestic violence, weapon offenses, and other criminal charges, for often times criminal charges can coincide with a family law case. Attorney Katherine Johnson and Attorney Joseph Alvarez have a strong focus in family law, all while bringing compelling energy and resilient work ethic to Zisser Law. We understand that choosing an attorney is a very personal and important decision, one that should be made only after research and meeting with an attorney who focuses on your particular legal issue. We believe experience matters when choosing an attorney, to find out more about our legal team please visit our website: www.zisser.net.

RonaldFL P. Angerer, Samuel B. Kanupp & Archibald J. Thomas, III, Esq. | zisser.net 121 West Forsyth St., Suite 1000, Jacksonville, 32202 |II,904.353.3222 74 |

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

MALCOLM ANTHONY, P.A.

DAN W. ARMSTRONG, ESQ.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Law Offices of Dan W. Armstrong, P.A.

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alcolm Anthony, P.A. is a seasoned attorney (Fla. Bar member for over 35 years) with a high success rate with all types of criminal cases. He has handled several highprofile cases and represented several high-profile clients. He has a long-standing relationship with St. Johns and Duval county law enforcement and their court systems that has served his clients and their cases well. Malcolm is passionate about upholding the rights of his clients and their needs, while defending and protecting their privacy and reputation all with the utmost integrity. You will get peace of mind with Malcolm Anthony as your lawyer.

As an aggressive defender of your rights Malcolm will “protect your freedom and preserve your future by boldly challenging the government when it accuses you of a crime.” He has earned the highest AV Preeminent client and peer review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell® and an AVVO rating of 10.0. In 2017 Malcolm was rated one of AIDUIA’s 10 Best DUI Lawyers. Malcolm serves as a United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) rapid response lawyer. He previously served as a prosecutor in Duval and St. Johns counties and was a special prosecutor of economic crimes. Malcolm is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College of Drunk Driving Defense.

s if an extensive business background of entrepreneurial work as a senior level executive and managerial experience at some of the largest healthcare companies in the nation wasn't enough, Dan Armstrong joined a law firm. The former combat Marine Vietnam vet is now approaching 20 years of practice in Ponte Vedra Beach, continuing his focus on Elder Law and Estate Planning. The attorney speaks at educational seminars, providing information on Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate and Guardianships. While practicing in Duval, St. Johns and contiguous counties, Armstrong is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Association of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, American Bar Association and Jacksonville Bar Association. See why clients have chosen Dan to represent them on avvo.com.

Defending the Constitution for Over 30 Years 814 A1A N., Suite 105, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 904.285.4LAW | malcolmanthony.com

822 A1A North, Suite 310, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.280.0050 | danarmstrong.com

MATTHEW T. HARROD

JANET JOHNSON, P.A.

Harrod Law

Criminal Defense Attorney

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atthew Harrod first opened Harrod Law, PLLC in Ponte Vedra with the goal of better serving his clients while keeping their costs low. Today, he represents individual and commercial clients with estates, trusts and businesses of all sizes, offering vast experience with advanced transfer tax minimization techniques and planning tools that enhance privacy and protect assets from probate. Matt also advises clients with respect to planned charitable giving strategies and business creation, trademark filings, business operations, business contracts and succession planning. Originally from Ohio, he obtained his J.D. from Ohio Northern University and his LLM in Taxation from the University of Miami.

Matt is a Martindale-Hubbell Rating of AV Preeminent™, the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards, reflecting the confidential opinions of members of the bar and judiciary.

822 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.473.4995 | mattharrod.com A DV E RTI SI N G F E AT U R E

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• Driving Under the Influence • Federal Crimes • Robbery/Burglary • Child Abuse/Exploitation • Assault & Battery • Juvenile Cases

anet Johnson is committed to defending people accused in all criminal matters in state and federal court. Ms. Johnson has been awarded the AV preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and was named a fellow to the prestigious Litigation Counsel of America,™ as well as one of the ten best criminal defense attorneys nationally by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. She appears as a legal commentator on CNN and HLN. Areas of criminal law that are handled by Janet Johnson include: • Sex Offenses • Domestic Violence • Drug Trafficking/Possession • Probation Violations • White Collar Crime • Health Care Fraud

3219 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 janetejohnsonlaw.com

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904.634.8991

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ERIC S. KOLAR, ESQ.

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ric Kolar is Board Certified by the Florida Bar for Business Litigation, and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Mr. Kolar graduated with honors from University of Florida’s Law School and from Episcopal High School and Dartmouth College. He has over 23 years of experience assisting people with shareholder disputes, collection of debt, bankruptcy litigation, litigation involving fleet leasing of vehicles, real property litigation, and trust, estate and probate litigation.

Mr. Kolar is the former chair of the Jacksonville Bar Association Solo/Small Firm Section and Litigation Section. Mr. Kolar provides personal attention to your important case.

Commercial & Business Litigation • Bankruptcy • Trusts & Estates

3305 Atlantic Blvd., Suite B, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904.396.0009 | kolarlawfirm.com

LOCKETT LAW DUI and Criminal Defense

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ee Lockett has been practicing for more than 20 years and has in excess of 50 Jury trials to his credit.

His practice is focused on DUI and Criminal Defense.

He is a member of the National College Of DUI Defense, DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and is the co-chair of Florida’s most recognized statewide DUI seminar, Blood, Breath, & Tears and also authors the “DUI NOTES” column in a statewide publication. He is AV-Rated Preeminent, has attained an AVVO rating of “Superb” and is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

MARSH LANDING BUSINESS PARK 1548 The Greens Way, Suite 2 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 | 904.858.9818 www.knowbeforeyoublow.com

ROBERT PERRY

KATHERINE B. SCHNAUSS NAUGLE

The Law Offices of Robert J. Perry, Jr.

The Law Offices of Katherine Schnauss Naugle, P.L.

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hrough his firm, Robert Perry offers affordable legal services including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts, Probate, Guardianship and Guardian Advocacy. Admitted to practice law in the Florida Courts in 1992, Robert Perry is also admitted to all Federal District Courts in Florida and the Federal Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal. A licensed CPA and a 30-year Veteran of the United States Navy and its Reserve, he brings business knowledge, life experience and positive customer service to cost-effectively serve each client’s legal needs.

A Jacksonville Native who lectures in the areas of Elder Law and leadership, he is active with Rotary International, Leadership Jacksonville, Special Nation, HEAL, his church and the interests of his wife and three children.

Peace of Mind regarding your Estate Plan 12627 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 103, Jacksonville, FL 32223 904.240.4815 | www.robertperrylawfirm.com

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atherine is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. She is the Past-President of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association. She is a graduate of The Bolles School. She is married to Cameron Naugle, owner of Naugle Funeral Home and has two children.

Katherine graduated from Emory University in 1998. She then graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 2001, and an M.B.A. from Stetson University School of Business Administration in 2001.

Katherine has her own law firm in the Riverside area of Jacksonville and has been practicing law since 2001. She concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate, and Guardianship where she has represented both the guardians and the wards. She is invited regularly to speak to groups in the community regarding estate planning, probate and guardianship issues.

She was named a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015 and has been named a Florida Super Lawyer since 2016. She is the President of the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville. She is a Past President of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, a member of the Jacksonville Chapter, D.A.R., and a member of the Junior League of Jacksonville.

810 Margaret St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 904.366.2703 | jaxlawteam.com 76 |

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

MITCHELL A. STONE, P.A.

ALISA WILKES

Board Certified Legal Services

Wilkes & Mee

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itch Stone is Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law and practices in state and federal court. He started his career as an Assistant State Attorney in 1989. As a defense lawyer he has tried over 150 criminal jury trials to verdict including Complex Federal Financial Crimes, RICO, Drug Trafficking, Gambling, Murder and DUI. He has also successfully tried civil cases including obtaining a construction defect multimillion dollar jury verdict and a million dollar personal injury jury verdict. He is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, is rated AV-Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubble® and is named in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, National Assoc. of Distinguished Counsel and Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. He served as chair of Blood Breath & Tears DUI Seminar and as faculty on the Masters of DUI, Advanced Criminal Trial Law, Gun Law in Florida and Federal Sentencing seminars. He has published books on criminal defense strategies and has authored the DUI Notes and F Words criminal defense columns for The Florida Defender Magazine. He was elected secretary of the statewide Florida Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2017 and will be president in 2020. He is the immediate past president of the Jacksonville Beaches Bar Assoc. He previously served as president of NEFACDL and chair of the Criminal Law section of the Jacksonville Bar Association. He is also a regular legal analyst for national and local media concerning criminal law matters.

1830 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 office: 904.396.3335 | cell: 904.536.9309 email: mitch@jacksonvilledefense.com jacksonvilledefense.com

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lisa Wilkes is a founding partner of Wilkes & Mee, PLLC and has extensive experience in personal injury, complex real estate litigation, and railroad law, including FELA & FRSA whistleblower cases.

She was named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2018-19, Florida Legal Elite 2018 and received an AV Preeminent rating for the highest level of professional excellence 20162019. Wilkes & Mee provides a personal experience for each client, consistent communication and remains committed to changing the way people think about lawyers.

Alisa is licensed to practice in Florida and Georgia. For more information please visit our website at www.wilkesmee.com.

13400 S. Sutton Park Dr., Suite #1204, Jacksonville, FL 32224 904.620.9545 | wilkesmee.com

CAROLYN S. ZISSER, P.A.

NEED A DOCTOR? NEED A LAWYER? NEED A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?

Zisser Family Law

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FOR AN EXTENSIVE DIRECTORY OF PROFESSIONAL PROFILES OF SOME OF NORTH FLORIDA’S BEST DOCTORS, LAWYERS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS.

n 1975, instilled with a determined vision to pursue her clients’ best interests, Carolyn Zisser established the first woman-owned family law firm in Jacksonville. Today, Zisser Family Law in Neptune Beach focuses solely on marital and family law cases. Earning a reputation for persistence and desirable outcomes, the firm has unparalleled experience serving families in transition.

Zisser Family Law has a formidable network of highly-regarded experts in challenging areas, such as business valuation, mental health, real estate, forensic accounting and vocational evaluations. e firm’s strong family values secure its internal culture of compassion, understanding and trust. Robust, skilled attorneys navigate through family disputes with cooperative mediations, a Collaborative Family Law model or a more traditional litigation approach as necessary.

Above all, Zisser Family Law represents people—not just clients. Whether a client is preparing for a marriage with a prenuptial agreement, ending a marriage with divorce, or having issues after a divorce, the firm’s motto is to achieve desired results through “an unwavering pursuit of what is just and right.” Specifically, the firm uniquely combines relentless strength and unmitigated compassion to change its clients’ lives—for good. At Zisser Family Law, if it’s possible, it’s probable.

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302 3rd St., Suite 6, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 904.249.8787 | zisserfamilylaw.com

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A waterfront residence blends family heirlooms and popular trends to create a warm and serene space words by Emily Bailey // photos by Jessie Preza // interior design by Amy Johnson & Co

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liff and Julie Moore went to interior designer Amy Johnson with a collection of pine and antique furniture. Though they wanted to incorporate those heirlooms into their new home, their style leaned more coastal—modern, even.

“We started wondering, ‘Is coastal farmhouse a thing?’ So, I looked it up on Instagram and saw so many hashtags.

I thought ‘It’s perfect for this area,’” says Johnson. “Every single room of the home is built with exposure to the Intracoastal.

There’s a huge porch that runs the entire length of it, which blends in with the surroundings and takes advantage of the gorgeous view.” Embracing the fact that the home sits on the water, Johnson stuck to clean lines, incorporating pops of color and the homeowners’ heirloom pieces when appropriate. The result: the designer’s signature blend of beautiful, yet practical.

Johnson didn’t create the look of the home entirely on her own, working closely with Victor Yazbec of Victory Home and Development. “It was definitely a collaboration on the architecture and the design,” says Johnson. “Plus, what was really fun was that the home owners were so open to new ideas.”

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KITCHEN

“We knew that the kitchen was about the accessories—rustic elements that nod to the farmhouse feel,” says Johnson. Yazbec and Johnson opted for exposed beams to incorporate another wood element, but suspended them from the ceiling to add a more contemporary feel.

The kitchen got a pop of color from the island, a deep blue that adds a bit of contrast to the neutral pallet. “We really wanted to do benches because in every home the kitchen island is where everyone wants to gather. This was our way of having ample seating without seeing so many bar stool legs,” says Johnson. “They’re custom made with a patterned fabric on top and leather on the bottom, which makes them super practical.”

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BAR

“The Moores are the proprietors of Lulu’s Waterfront Cafe, which has a lively lounge space, so it made sense to add a bar into their home design. It has lights that change colors while you’re sitting there. It was our way to have a little fun,” says Johnson. “We wanted it to be dark to balance the center island in the kitchen because they’re in the same room.”

To enter the bar one passes through a barn door. “It’s both beautiful and practical. If you’re going to need to get to the back of the bar, it may as well be in a pretty way,” says Johnson.

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MASTER BATH

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When the tiles were first being installed on the wall, they didn’t center perfectly, so Yazbec reconfigured the space to make them work. “If you’re going to do something that graphic, it has be centered and well thought out,” says Johnson. “Sometimes working out those mistakes ends up being the best part of a home.”

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DINING ROOM

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The entire length of the room is one large shower. It has shower heads on each end and one in the middle. The wood-slatted wall in front of that was Johnson’s way of incorporating a natural vibe into the room. “We wanted the bathroom to be spa-like, but still nod to that farmhouse look. If we included a more contemporary element, we then tried to inject farmhouse.”

“The dining hutch was one of the first things that the Moores really wanted to work in. We didn’t want it to be too antiquey, so we added mercury glass to make it a bit more modern. The pine strip pulls it all together.”

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POWDER BATH

One of Johnson’s favorite touches are the mirrors in the bathrooms. She took special care when selecting them, working to give each space a unique feel. “It’s going back to the principal of being both beautiful and practical. Why not go one step further and make a statement?” she asks.

MASTER BEDROOM Johnson explains the Moores don’t like things to be fussy or complicated, which can be seen by the clean simplicity of their bedroom. More important than frills was making sure the couple woke up to the home’s postcard views every morning. u

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True to Form

Mauritius Island Redfish from True Food Kitchen

Clean eats with a sunny disposition APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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REVIEW

[Flavor ] The Farmer’s Market Crudités

True to Form One of the newest eateries to call St. Johns Town Center home offers organic eats with a sunny disposition WORDS BY VIRGINIA CHAMLEE // PHOTOS BY AGNES LOPEZ

IT SEEMS THAT THE ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER IS HOME TO a new restaurant nearly every month. Though many offer some variation on the standard American diet, one of its newest dining options shuns overwhelming portions in favor of nutritious, satisfying eats. Founded by celebrity doctor Andrew Weil (and backed

by Oprah), True Food Kitchen focuses on all things sustainable, organic, and responsibly sourced. Buzzwords? Yes, but True Food walks the walk.

The space itself is as organic as its menu suggests—light and airy with blonde wood, large windows, and an open kitchen. Servers wear shirts emblazoned with phrases (“Grass Fed, “Honest”) that espouse the restaurant’s ethos and menus helpfully notate the dishes made with dietary concerns in mind (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes comes from the starters portion of the menu and it’s large enough to easily feed a table of six. The Farmer’s Market Crudités ($13) are billed as “chilled raw vegetables,” though the humble app is so much more. Presented in an oversized bowl filled with ice, the vibrant veggies (purple radish, neon-green cucumber, red tomatoes) are expertly blanched— cooked but still retaining a satisfying crunch—and served with an

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highly addictive black olive dip as well as a dill-flecked tzatziki.

Those craving something warmer will enjoy the edamame dumplings ($10) with dashi, Asian herbs and white truffle oil, offering an unctuous beginning to a meal.

The main portion of the menu contains all the trendy wellness offerings one might expect, such as kale salads and poke bowls.

Other bowls—such as dashi ramen with sweet potato glass noodles ($14) or cashew pad Thai with bean sprouts ($14) help scratch the health-conscious diners’ itch for a nutritious lunch or dinner. The standards are there, too, like Margherita pizza ($12) and a grass-fed beef burger with arugula and parmesan ($16). Amongst the entrées, diners will find dishes such as spaghetti squash casserole ($14), a hearty stand-in for the classic dish that subs squash for pasta, but still offers the requisite mozzarella and chunks of tomato.

The dessert list is small-but-mighty, with chia seed pudding ($7) and vegan vanilla ice cream ($5). The real highlight, though, is the squash pie ($9) with graham cracker crust and coconut whipped cream, a dead ringer for traditional pumpkin pie, albeit with a healthier bent. In short, just what the doctor ordered. u

Table for Two

On Tap

Pyramid Scheme

True Food offers reservations via OpenTable.

Beers and organic wines are on offer, along with a selection of specialty cocktails, like the Forbidden Root, with lemon vodka, pressed apples, beets and rosemary.

True Food Kitchen’s menu is modeled after the anti-inflammatory pyramid, a style of eating that encourages counteracting chromic inflammation (by sticking to whole, unprocessed foods).

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

True Food Kitchen St. Johns Town Center (904) 996-7333 truefoodkitchen.com

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

APRIL 18, 6-9 PM

A M E LI A I S

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2019’S FOUR-DINNER SERIES OF PLATE-VS.-PLATE COMPETITIONS COMMENCES THIS MONTH

FEATURED CHEFS KERRI ROGERS - BELLWETHER LOUIS KURZ - BLACK SHEEP REBECCA REED - BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT GROUP JONATHAN INSETTA - RESTAURANT ORSAY KENNY GILBERT - GILBERT’S SOCIAL SCOTT ALTERS - RUE SAINT-MARC BRIAN SIEBENSCHUH - SOUTH KITCHEN + SPIRITS CALLI MARIE - BREW FIVE POINTS

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LET’S EAT! A curated guide to dining out Jacksonville Magazine offers a select list of approximately 50 area restaurants as a service to its readers. The directory does not include every restaurant in town. It does, however, feature many of the magazine’s Top 50 choices of must-try eateries, as well as a sampling of other notable Northeast Florida dining establishments. Restaurants to add or other suggestions from readers are welcome. Please contact us at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-1212; alhambrajax.com).

With Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creating a fresh, new menu for each show, the Alhambra is becoming known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its Broadway-caliber productions. No longer a buffet service, the Alhambra prides itself on exceptional table service with the highest degree of professionalism.

Meals feature a three-course prix-fixe menu, but the chef sneaks in a fourth course if the script calls for it.

Full bar with an eclectic wine list. L, D, SB, $$$.

AL’S PIZZA 8060 Philips Hwy., Southside (731-4300; alspizza.com) plus five other locations. Al’s is casual with a menu chock-full of pizza, calzones and pasta dishes.

But its slick and funky atmosphere, not to mention unexpected dishes like mussels in wine and garlic butter sauce and fried chicken salad, also make it a favorite with foodies who normally wouldn’t dine at a pizza joint. During the week, Al’s offers $1.50 cheese slices at Happy Hour. L, D, $.

AQUA GRILL 395 Front Street, Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3017; aquagrill.net). Since 1988, Aqua Grill has been wowing diners with eclectic, multi-ethnic menu featuring the freshest of local ingredients, prepared to order. For banquets, Aqua offers lakefront, climatecontrolled al fresco dining or the private dining room.

They have a popular full service bar with all DirecTV sports packages. Casual. L, D, $$$.

AZUREA AT ONE OCEAN RESORT & SPA 1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-7402; oneoceanresort.com). The signature restaurant of One Ocean Resort blends culinary influences from Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas, and of course, the ocean.

The menu includes signature dishes such as a cast-iron seared jumbo blue crab cake, coriander-dusted Hawaiian bass, Hudson Valley foie gras, Eden Farms pork chop and Mishima Ranch Wagyu beef tenderloin.

B, L, D, $$$.

BARRIQUE KITCHEN & WINE BAR 3563 St. Johns Ave. Jacksonville, FL, (619-2150). This Avondale wine cellar-inspired restaurant emphasizes wining and dining with a wine list that spans some 200-plus selections and a menu of rustic offerings including goat cheese ravioli, lamb chops, veal meatball sliders, clams and calamari. The ‘small plate approach’ encourages sharing, though there are sandwiches and pizzas, as well. L, D, $$.

BAR ZIN BISTRO & WINE BAR 924 1st Coast Hwy., Fernandina Beach (310-6620). While the libations are draw here, this bistro’s eclectic menu features dishes in support of its farm-to-table philosophy. With inside or al fresco dining, enjoy seasonal specials such as rum and pepper painted Florida snapper, fried green tomato Napoleon and seared North Carolina trout. L, D, $$ bb’s 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (306-0100; bbsrestaurant.com). The San Marco bistro’s upscale comfort food, which includes yellowfin tuna tartare, ancho-spiced rotisserie turkey, white truffle pizza and warm goat cheese salad (specials change daily) with to-die-for desserts, keeps patrons filling up the oneroom dining space. Enjoy the slow-roasted springer chicken with a glass of pinot noir. L, D, SB, $$.

THE BEARDED PIG 1224 Kings Ave., San Marco (619-2247; thebeardedpigbbq.com). Resting on the Southbank of the St. Johns River, this barbecue joint specializes in Southern barbecue dishes ranging from

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brisket to pulled pork. Try a bit of everything with The San Marco platter that includes four meats and two sides. Complete with an outdoor seating area, the restaurant also offers an array of wine and local beer options. L, D $$.

BELLWETHER 100 N. Laura St., Downtown (8027745, bellwetherjax.com). Expect minimalist decor and farm-to-table fare at this Downtown eatery, which serves up a fast-casual, order-at-the-counter lunch and offers an upscale dinner service. Burgers are always a great choice, but chef’s specials (such as the daily catch) are also worthy of attention. Don’t forget a cup of soft-serve ice cream. L, D $$$ BISCOTTIS 3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (3872060; biscottis.net). One of the few places where you can be seated between a Red Hat Society member and a purple-haired creative director, this Avondale institution specializes in innovative updates on old favorites like meatloaf served with apricot marinara sauce and duck confit pizza (dinner specials change daily). Casual. B, L, D, SB, $$.

BISTRO AIX 1440 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-1949; bistrox.com). San Marco’s Bistro Aix (pronounced “X,” FYI) is stylish, yet unpretentious, in both décor and menu. The Mediterranean and Frenchinspired fare includes grilled lamb shank, a raw bar with oysters and seasonal seafood and handcrafted cocktails. If you can find a seat at the glowing martini bar, you won’t even mind a wait for a table. L, D, $$.

BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT 1534 Oak St., Five Points (380-3091; blacksheep5points.com). The independent restaurant offers a menu that emphasizes local ingredients, as well as a full bar and rooftop dining. Popular items on the menu include chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits and beef short rib pot roast. L, D, $$.

BLACKSTONE GRILLE 112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Fruit Cove (287-0766; blackstone-grille.com). Serving a variety of modern American fusion choices, such as pan-seared sea bass, filet mignon au poivre and scallop and shrimp Newburg. Private dining room. Upscale.

L, D, $$$.

BLK SHP @ INTUITION 929 E. Bay St., Downtown (683-7720) Local beer and good eats: the perfect pairing.

At BLK SHP @ Intuition guests can enjoy locally brewed varieties of Intuition beer, alongside upgraded bar eats like brisket barbecue, fried cheese curds, and a pretty addictive cheeseburger. L, D, $.

BLUE BAMBOO 3820 Southside Blvd., Southside (646-1478; bluebamboojacksonville.com). Innovative menu features miso-marinated salmon, lemongrass crab cakes, Cantonese orange duck, ahi tuna salad and Mandarin orange cake. Features a wine lounge and patio dining. Casual. L, D, $$.

BLUE ORCHID 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (723-1300; blueorchid.menu). Blue Orchid focuses on offering a taste of Thailand, utilizing traditional ingredients such as palm sugar, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves.

Coconut Shell Curry, Pad Thai and Dynamite Chicken are among the house specialties with a range of curries, stir frys, noodle and rice dishes to choose from. L, D, $$.

BONO’S BBQ Multiple locations (880-8310; bonosbarbq.com). Meat is the draw at Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, which has been pit-smoking everything from turkey to pork

GUIDE to the GUIDE: B–Breakfast; L –Lunch; D–Dinner; SB–Sunday Brunch $ — $10 or less; $$ — $11 to $20; $$$ — $21 to $30; $$$$ — $31 or above These $ categories are based upon the average cost of a dinner entrée excluding drinks, desserts and/or gratuities.

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

since 1949. Try the Slawpy Pig, a heaping pile of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and served with sides such as fried corn on the cob, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. L, D. $

BREW FIVE POINTS 1024 Park St., Five Points (374-5789). Brew Five Points offers flavored waffles, quiche, breakfast tacos, sandwiches, salad and sweets to accompany the variety of toasts with toppings including avocado, radish, hummus and chocolatepecan spread. Try the Loki’s Escape Toast with rosemary garlic bread, dill cream cheese, smoked salmon and shaved asparagus. B, L, SB, $.

BURLINGAME RESTAURANT 20 S. 5th St., Fernandina Beach (432-7671). New to the Fernandina Beach scene, this casual fine dining restaurant offers patrons an eclectic menu of Southern favorites and seafood dishes that change with the season. Try the heirloom tomato and peach salad with country ham, burrata, sherry vinegar reduction and toasted pine nuts. D, SB, $$$.

BURRITO GALLERY 21 E. Adams St., Downtown (598-2922); 300 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach (246-6521); 90 Riverside Ave., Brooklyn (355-4889). The art-filled yet laid-back Burrito Gallery continues to turn out traditional Mexican favorites, albeit with a twist—along with some new menu offerings. Tacos, queso, nachos, enchiladas, ‘dillas and salads are all on the menu, and so are entrée-sized plates such as flat-iron steak, jerk chicken, and fresh fish. All best served with an ice cold margarita, of course. L, D, $.

CAFFE ANDIAMO 225 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2299; caffeandiamo-pvb.com). A copper pizza oven highlights this chic eatery specializing in frutti di mare, pollo paisano, veal chop carbone and vongole Positano. Pasta highlights include linguini with a medley of seafood with your choice of marinara or garlic and olive oil. The “rustica” pizza is topped with grilled chicken, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers. L, D, $$.

COMFORT. A SOUTHERN BISTRO 2777 University Blvd. W (683-7182). Opened by a brothersister team who strive to create from-scratch comfort meals, this eatery serves authentic southern fare from start to finish. Diners can start their meal with boiled peanuts or pimento cheese fritters, or even a fried vegetable trio. The menu offers everything from fried chicken to shrimp and grits to chicken pot pie (and don’t forget the biscuits). B. L. D. $$ COOP 303 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (3724507; coop303.com). New to the Jacksonville Beach area, this restaurant opened its doors in late August.

Offering an innovative take on classic Southern dishes such as peaches & cream, a fried green tomato starter served with a peach jam, and bacon bourbon sundae, topped with a white chocolate blondie and candied bacon. L. D. $$

COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER 630 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (246-0304; cousinsmainelobster.com).

Lobster, lobster, and more lobster, this restaurant chain has brought New England cuisine to the residents of Neptune Beach. They offer wild-caught, sustainable, premium lobster straight from Maine. Offering two style of lobster rolls, as well as lobster tots, lobster tacos, and lobster mac and cheese. L. D. $$$.

COWFORD CHOPHOUSE 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464; cowfordchophouse.com). When Cowford Chophouse finally opened in 2017, it helped bring luxury back to Downtown Jax, thanks to a gold and marble-clad champagne and caviar bar, personal wine lockers, and a rooftop lounge. Dining at Cowford is an experience, right down to the tabletops (the design mimics the flow of the St. Johns River). Thankfully, it isn’t completely over-the-top. That aforementioned caviar, for instance, comes served with homemade tater tots. There are also plenty of hand-cut steaks, chops and hefty sides served á la carte. L, D, $$$$.

ELEVEN SOUTH BISTRO 216 11th Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (241-1112; elevensouth.com). Upscale eatery earns high marks for its extensive wine list, mesquite wood grill and outdoor patio. Seafood martini, lobster mac and cheese, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and mesquite-grilled certified Angus beef tenderloin highlight the menu. L, D, $$$$.

THE FISH COMPANY 725-12 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (246-0123; thefishcojax.com). With a crowded raw bar, oyster specials Monday-Saturday 2-7 PM, and a wide variety of fresh, locally-caught seafood. The Fish Company offers a little something for everyone. Chef Bill Pinner's menu combines signature items, like fried Mayport shrimp baskets with new favorites, such as the Szechuan fish.

The restaurant offers several specials throughout the week. L, D, $$$.

FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (853-5680, flyingiguana.com). This Neptune Beach taqueria features an eclectic assortment of tacos, as well as heartier fare, like Peruvian rotisserie chicken, blue corncrusted grouper and Agave-brined pork chops. The bar features more than 100 tequilas, as well as nightly live music and al fresco dining. L, D, SB, $$.

GILBERT’S SOCIAL 4021 Southside Blvd., Southside (647-7936; gilbertssocial.co). Top Chef’s Kenny Gilbert brings his culinary style to Jacksonville’s Southside. The menu features many of the Southern dishes (Fernandina Beach hot chicken, pork spare ribs, cast iron roasted broccoli) listed on the Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen menu located in Fernandina Beach. L, D, $$$.

HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). Located at the foot of the Bridge of Lions, Harry’s has a waterfront view, which diners can enjoy from either the indoor seating area or the tree-lined courtyard. The

menu features Cajun favorites such as jambalaya, shrimp and scallops Orleans. L, D, $$.

INDIA’S RESTAURANT 9802-8 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows (620-0777; ). The lunch buffet is a favorite at this family-run staple of the Baymeadows dining scene. The menu is both mild and spicy, featuring traditional dishes like lamb korma, fish vindaloo, shrimp bhoona and chicken tikka masala. Casual. L, D, $$.

KAZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT 9965 San Jose Blvd.; Mandarin (683-9903). Kazu aims to please sushi connoisseurs with an eclectic list of rolls including the Dancing Eel Roll with eel, shrimp, tobiko, seaweed salad, avocado and spicy mayo, or the Super Kazu Roll with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, crab, avocado, cucumber and tobiko. Other dishes include pork and shrimp dumplings coated in wasabi, Kazu spicy beef and a variety of bento boxes. L, D, $$$.

MARKER 32 14549 Beach Blvd., Intracoastal West (223-1534). This classic go-to caters to a more grownup Beaches crowd, albeit one that’s fun and kind of buzzy. The broiled oysters are always top-notch, and the bar is perpetually two to three people deep—even so, a glass of crisp white wine while taking in the view of the Intracoastal Waterway is totally worth it.

L, D, $$$.

MATTHEW’S RESTAURANT 2107 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (3969922). The ever-changing menu brings influences as diverse as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and Southern to the plate. Look for escargot or venison carpaccio, Maine diver scallops and nightly soufflés. Petrossian and Osetra caviar, too. D. $$$$.

METRO DINER Multiple area locations including 3302 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (398-3701; metrodiner. com).

The interior atmosphere is reminiscent of the Art Deco era, with black and silver vintage bar stools overlooking an open kitchen where cooks flip pancakes and burgers. Don’t forget to check the blackboard for breakfast and lunch specials and try the Yo Hala on the Square, as featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. B, L, SB, $.

MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573, mezzarestaurantandbar.com). Pan-seared scallops, hand-made pappardelle and wood-fired pizzas highlight a creative menu at Mezza, which offers dinner in three different spaces: the bar and lounge, where children can make their own pizzas at a wood-fired oven in the early part of the evening; a covered patio, where guests can sit outdoors protected from the elements; and a main dining room for those who like their evening meal to be a little bit more formal. D, $$$.

MLG 400 N Hogan St., Downtown (300-3122, mlgjax.com). The Chicagobased restaurant concept offers upscale, New American eats like fried green tomatoes, cobb salads, housemade burgers and chicken piccata.

Located in the Seminole Club building along with Sweet Pete's candy shop.

L, D, $$.

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[Flavor ]

RECIPE

Chilean Sea Bass with Soy & Garlic

By Blackstone Grille Chef Charles Wang Ingredients:

4 T. sesame oil, divided

1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger

4 T. oyster sauce

1 T. lemon juice

3 green onions, chopped

2 T. sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 garlic cloves, diced

2 T. balsamic vinegar

4, 8 oz. Chilean sea bass filets

1½ T. double dark soy sauce

2 T. cooking wine

1/2 c. flour

Procedure: 1. Preheat oven to 450°.

2. While the oven is heating, lightly coat the sea bass with salt, pepper and flour. Then brown the sea bass in a pan with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, until golden brown.

3. Place the sea bass in the oven for 12-15 minutes.

4. While the sea bass is cooking, make the sauce by mixing together the oyster sauce, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, wine and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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5. Once the sauce is prepared, heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a pan, then add the garlic. After the garlic has browned, add to the sauce.

6. Once the fish is cooked through, heat remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a small pan, adding the green onions and ginger and sautéing quickly before adding to the top of the fish.

7. Drizzle the sauce over the fish, then garnish with cilantro.

Serves four

u

MOJO BAR-B-QUE 1607 University Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-7200, mojobbq.com); 1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-6636); 1810 Town Center Blvd., Orange Park (264-0636); 3572 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (381-6670); 5 Cordova St., St. Augustine (342-5264).

Specializing in Southern-style BBQ, Mojo is a casual, down-home kind of place featuring favorites like North Carolina pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket, Delta catfish and buttermilk fried chicken. Full catering services, live music (Beaches and St. Augustine only). L, D, $$.

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 225 E. Coastline Dr., Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Northbank (354-4350; mortons.com). After more than five years of closing its Southbank location, Morton’s returns to Jacksonville but this time on the other side of the St. Johns River. The high-end steakhouse has been serving signature cuts for nearly 40 years. Before cutting into one of the steaks and chops, start out with the ahi tuna tower. Sides are served family style, just enough to share.

Don’t forget the restaurant’s signature hot chocolate cake. D, $$$$.

MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS St. Johns Town Center, Southside (998-9744; moxiefl.com). Unique dishes like pimento cheese toast with potato chips and chicken and waffles with maple mousse and pepper jelly are Chef Tom Gray’s personal take on contemporary regional American cuisine, influenced from his Southern upbringing, extensive travels and past professional experiences. L, D, $$-$$$.

M SHACK 1012 Margaret St. (423-1283); St. Johns Town Center (642-5000); 299 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-2599); 641 Crosswater Pkwy., Nocatee (395-3575).

An expanding venture of brothers and chef Matthew and David Medure gets back to the basics. Hormonefree beef burgers (with toppings like foie gras and bacon onion compote) and all-beef hot dogs make up most of the menu, but sweet potato tots and hand-spun milkshakes in flavors like pecan pie and marshmallow brûlée add a gourmet flair. L, D, $.

NINETEEN Sawgrass Clubhouse, Ponte Vedra Beach (273-3238; tpcsawgrass.com). Gorgeous clubhouse open to all serves a variety of fare such as grilled grouper with poblano grit cake, corn-crusted flounder, “Jim Furyk’s” filet mignon and “Phil Mickelson” lobster ravioli. Sunday buffet 11 AM-2 PM, $25. Happy hour Monday-Saturday, 4:30-6:30 PM. B, L, D, SB, $$.

NORTH BEACH BISTRO 725-6 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (372-4105; nbbistro.com). Since 2008, North Beach Bistro has created a loyal following with hand-cut steaks, local seafood and dishes such as seafood paella and ahi tuna tacos. A secluded art gallery provides private dining space in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Casual. L, D, $$.

OCEAN 60 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach (247-0060; ocean60.com). Chef-owned, CIA-certified restaurant serving shrimp and goat cheese spiedini, Costa Rican shrimp ceviche, seafood chowder, whole fried fish and veal Montrachet. Upscale. Martini room with live music Wed.-Sat. D, $$$.

ORSAY 3630 Park St., Avondale (381-0909; restaurantorsay.com). Acclaimed neighborhood bistro specializes in French-inspired cuisine. The house-made charcuterie options are can’t-miss, as are the escargot with mushrooms, lemons and garlic. Entrée standouts include mussels, frites, bouillebaisse and coq au vin.

The lobster pot pie is the stuff of legend. Save room for the vanilla bean crème brûlée. On cool evenings the outside tables and lounge chairs fill up fast. A small bar is ideal for a cocktail as one waits for a free table.

D, SB. $$$$ PEONY ASIAN BISTRO 10586 Old St Augustine Rd., Mandarin (268-3889). The strip mall location belies the delicious Cantonese-style plates being served inside Mandarin’s Peony Asian Bistro. The restaurant’s interior is inviting, with attentive servers who are happy to make recommendations. And while the go-tos are available (fried rice, sweet and sour chicken), wise diners will venture outside the standards, opting for orders of umami-rich salt-and-pepper squid and salted fish and eggplant hot pots. L, D, $$.

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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ELEV AT E YOUR DI NI N G EXPERI EN CE Experience the beautiful views from the iconic TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse while enjoying exceptional food and drinks.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET & SUPPER

TPC.COM/NINETEEN | (904) 273-3238

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Secret Supper Club APRIL 9: April’s Secret Supper Club is held at South Kitchen & Spirits in the heart of Avondale. In addition to enjoying the restaurant’s classic Southern and American dishes, guests will experience an interactive and hands-on dinner experience. $50, South Kitchen & Spirits, 6-8 PM. 904tix.com

TIX

Great Chefs of Jacksonville VIIII APRIL 18: In its ninth year, the Great Chefs of Jacksonville’s competition features culinary pros from throughout the city, offering dueling dishes.

Attendees decide which team’s cuisine reigns supreme.

Lexington Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk, 6-9 PM. 904tix.com

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Cheese and Chocolate APRIL 23: From mundane to exotic, sweet to savory, this workshop takes guests through five pairings of American made artisanal cheese and chocolates. $22, Grater Goods, 6- 7:30 PM. Taste of Jacksonville MAY 5: A wide array of vendors showcase local eats, along with music and activities for the family.

Admission is free. World Golf Village, 1-7 PM. u

FINAL STRAW

GRAZING HOUR v

Assembling the perfect charcuterie board is no easy feat. Fortunately, it can be left to the experts.

Locally, The Board Grazer offers over-the-top platters laden with fruits, nuts, meats, cheeses and all the accompaniments, ranging from $130 to $330. The boards are ideal for large gatherings, such as office meetings or dinner parties. “They’re edible artwork,” says Board Grazer owner Liz Sergeant. “They contain so much variety and have something for every eater, from the most picky to the most adventurous.” u

According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, more than 500 million plastic straws are used each day. One local company is hoping to make a dent in that pile of plastic.

Coastal Straws offers locally made, reusable straws crafted out of borosilicate glass and stainless steel.

The straws come in a variety of colors and designs and include travel cases for those on the go. Hypoallergenic and non-toxic, straws start at $7 and can be purchased on at various local arts market as well as coastalstraws.com. u

BEARS, BABOONS, & BEER—OH MY! Though most visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to take in the exotic animals and gorgeous landscaping, the experience has gotten even more fun (for adults, that is) thanks to a new attraction. The zoo recently debuted The Watering Hole, a beer garden nestled on the banks of the Trout River and pouring a hearty roster of local brews.

The best part? You can even drink for a cause, with sales of Bold City Brewery’s Mad Manatee IPA supporting the zoo’s Manatee Critical Care Center. u

APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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C R O S S W O R D

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

BY JAMES BARRICK

Turn to page 97 for this month’s answers

DINING OUT What’s new in the local restaurant scene?

Trevato Development Group recently announced plans to break ground on a food hall in the Brooklyn neighborhood at 339 and 301 Park Street. The complex would house both full-service restaurants along with food stalls, an outdoor beer garden, courtyard and flex space for temporary vendors. Plans have not yet been submitted to the Downtown Development Review Board for approval.

From shilling icy treats on the streets of St. Augustine to opening their own brick and mortar stores, the makers of The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops are blowing their popsicle stand and popping up in the aisles of Publix.

Fans can still purchase popsicles at Hyppo shops, but the desserts are now available in single-serve packs (in flavors such as Mango Mojito, Watermelon Hibiscus and Strawberry Lemonade) at the grocer for $2.75 a pop.

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© 2019 United Feature Syndicate, Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication

Tallahassee based modern diner Canopy Road Cafe has opened a location on Philips Highway. The breakfast and lunch chain focuses on American classics such as waffles, French toast, and half-pound steakburgers, Publix Supermarkets is expected to open an outlet of its GreenWise Market sometime next year in Nocatee Town Center. The grocer will carry everything from antibiotic-free meats to imported cheeses, along with craft beers, kombucha on tap, açai bowls and sustainable seafood.

The proprietors of Wicked Barley Brewing Co. will open Marah Brewing Co. at 1521 Margaret St. in Five Points (the space that previously housed Five Points Tavern). The brew pub is expected to open in 2019 and offer ales, lagers, meads and other craft beers along with a menu of bar eats.

The chef behind Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine has opened a new venture on King Street.

Jazzy’s Restaurant & Lounge serves Celestia Mobley’s take on soul food—think mac and cheese and collard greens—along with jazz performances multiple times throughout the week.

With 20 beers on tap and featured brews from across the state, Legacy Ale Works has started pouring on St. Augustine Road.

The brewery features five original draughts, including IPAs and sweet stouts, in a modern space with a designated children’s play area.

Legacy has plans to launch a partnership with a local eatery, allowing patrons to order food from the taproom and have it delivered right to their barstools. u

POE’S TAVERN 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7637; poestavern.com). This Edgar Allen Poe-inspired gastropub is best known for its gourmet hamburgers, like the Pit & Pendulum with applewood bacon and cheddar cheese, or the Tell-Tale Heart, topped with a fried egg. Fish tacos, bountiful salads, and a daily market fish sandwich round out the menu and all are served with hand-cut fries. More than 50 beers are available and the expansive outdoor patio—with prime people watching opportunities—is open during lunch or dinner.

L,D, $.

RAGTIME TAVERN 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7877; ragtimetavern.com). Open for more than 20 years, Ragtime is Northeast Florida’s first microbrewery. The menu is loaded with items like shrimp bruschetta, Louisiana crawfish and sautéed mussels.

Try the bistro filet and crab-stuffed shrimp, Cajun fettuccine or the sesame tuna. L, D, SB, $$.

THE REEF 4100 Hwy. A1A, St. Augustine (824-8008; thereefstaugustine.com). The menu at this casual oceanfront restaurant encompasses a variety of seafood, fresh fish, steaks and pasta entrées, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. Prime rib, fresh grouper and organic salmon are favorites with the locals, but the main attraction is The Reef’s “famous” Sunday champagne brunch, featuring eggs Benedict, crab legs, waffles and a carving station. L, D, SB, $$$.

RESTAURANT DORO 106 1st St., Neptune Beach (853-6943; restaurantdoro.com). This beach chic restaurant offers "New American" cuisine—think fresh fish and locally sourced veggies—with an upscale bent.

Dining is intimate with seating for approximately 40 guests and reservations are recommended. Save room for the hot fudge sundae for dessert. D, $$$.

RESTAURANT MEDURE 818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797; restaurantmedure.com).

This restaurant features high-end favorites like escargot and caviar while also making room for classics like meatloaf. They are known for their fish and pasta dishes made of only local produce. When it comes to wine, their house sommelier puts the menu together.

Hand-crafted cocktails and local and international beers are also available. Keep an eye out for the soufflé of the evening. D, $$$.

RUE SAINT-MARC 2103 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (619-0861; ruesaintmarc.com). Executive chef Scott Alters alongside beverage director Gabrielle Saul have joined together with chefs Matthew and David Medure to open this French-inspired restaurant.

Breakfast items such as French-styled omelets, poached eggs on a croissant and rainbow trout are served Monday through Friday beginning at 7 AM and at 8 AM on Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday. Lunch features a selection of sandwiches among other items and for dinner, entrées include dishes such as roasted cornish hen and Moroccan lamb shoulder. B, L, D, SB, $$.

SALENTO 11018 Old St Augustine Rd., Mandarin (374-5882). Pink-tinged walls and platters overflowing with meat make Salento a highly Instagrammable restaurant, but the food is every bit as delicious as it looks on social media. For a true taste of South America, order off the “from the grill” section of the menu, which includes a variety of proteins: shrimp, chicken, pork and fish among them. There’s also a smattering of arepas filled with everything from ham and pineapple to beef and avocado. L, D, $$.

SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK 1018 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-4456; saltlifefoodshack.com); 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Enjoy a wide array of specialty menu items, including a tuna poke bowl, hand-rolled sushi, local fried shrimp and beer can chicken. L, D, $$.

TACOLU 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (249-TACO; tacolu.com). Offering a blend of Baja-style cuisine, this ever-popular, casual Beaches sit-down eatery offers a new twist on the traditional taco. But what really sets it apart from the pack isits selection of over 50 tequilas. L, D, SB, $.

TAVERNA 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; taverna.restaurant). San Marco Square’s upscale dining option features handcrafted Italian dishes with seasonal produce and meat from local purveyors. Handcrafted cocktails, salads, meats and pizzas made in a wood-burning oven are top sellers.

L, D, SB, $$.

TOWN HALL 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax.com). Town Hall is the kind of place where you can wile away the better part of an evening with a plate of duck fat cornbread and a bottle of rosé. The food is excellent but the experience is made even better by the fact that the space is appointed with comfortable couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches, such as outlets at every high-top table in the bar area (perfect when your phone needs a charge).

D, SB, $$$.

C R O S S W O R D A N S W E R S

TREE STEAK HOUSE 11362-1 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (262-0006; thetreesteakhousejax.com).

For over 35 years the Tree has been serving prime steaks, as well as pork tenderloin, rack of lamb and lobster tails. Extensive wine list. D, $$$$.

TREYLOR PARK 158 Marketside Ave., Ponte Vedra Beach (834-7356; treylorpark.com). Located in Nocatee's Town Center, Treylor Park leans into its name with wooden tables, industrial seating, televisions and bric-a-brac adorning the walls in its 100-seat main space that features a full bar. Executive Chef Marvin Sterling III’s offerings include inventive combos like PB&J chicken wings tossed in a peanut, pecan butter and peach jelly sauce, and Panko crusted avocado fries with Sriracha aioli. L, D, $$.

Chefs to the Rescue Dinner Rue Saint-Marc • April 28

VALLEY SMOKE 11 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3235; valleysmoke.com) . A new restaurant from Ben and Liza Groshell, the restauranteurs behind Marker 32 and the Fish Camps, Valley Smoke features a menu that’s a modern take on traditional barbecue. Heavy Southern influences like housemade cornbread, beef brisket and pulled pork plates are balanced by items such as Atlantic salmon and venison Jagerschnitzel. L, D, $$$.

VERNON'S SAWGRASS MARRIOTT 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-3405) Panoramic views, a robust sustainability program and an open concept kitchen are the draws at Vernon's.

The menu is peppered with locally sourced veggies, house-made honeys, prime steaks, chops and salads.

B, D, $$$.

V PIZZA 1406 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (527-1511; vpizza.com); 528 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (8536633); 12601 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (647-9424).

This eatery turns pizza-making into an art form.

Three wood-fired ovens show patrons just what they’re getting when they order one of the Neopolitan-style pizzas. Go with a classic margherita with mozzarella, basil and tomato or try the pizza carnivora with sausage, pepperoni, pancetta, red onion, roasted garlic, basil and mozzarella. In addition to pies, V Pizza offers salads, calzones, paninis and even roasts chicken wings in the wood-fired ovens.L, D, $$. u Send food and restaurant news, ideas or questions to mail@jacksonvillemag.com.

TIX

SOUTH KITCHEN + SPIRITS 3638 Park St., Avondale (475-2362, south.kitchen); 150 Pine Lake Dr., Nocatee. The varied menu at South features everything from popcorn shrimp to superfood salad, Bold City

braised beef stroganoff to the ham, egg and cheese burger. With seating for 230 and plenty of cocktails to try (try duck fat Sazerac), there’s no hurry to make up your mind here. A table on the covered patio is always nice, weather permitting. L, D, $$.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT 904TIX.COM APRIL 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[ BACKSTORY ]

Put It In the Bank When cash was king, keeping it safe was no small job.

BY AMANDA ALLAN

OF ITS 20TH CENTURY heyday but perhaps none of the structures are as permanent as its vaults. Beneath Laura and Forsyth streets lies a vault once belonging to Atlantic National Bank. For years, weekly tours guided visitors through a narrow and dimly lit tunnel into the cash repository and its adjacent rooms. These day, the old tunnels are mostly walled off and inaccessible, but back in the early 1900s, tellers used them when they had to physically transfer large quantities of bills and coins to and from customers.

The underground hiding place contains multiple, now-empty safes and was even used as a bomb shelter for a stint in the 1960s and ‘70s. Among the other notable Northeast Florida vaults is one in the former Graham Building Downtown (pictured left in 1949) and another that remains in St. Augustine’s Treasury on the Plaza. Though the St. Augustine vault is no longer used to store money, its enormous circular steel door serves as a focal point of the 1927 building, which has been turned into a private event space. Like its counterpart in the old Atlantic National building, the vault door remains long after the bank has closed up shop. Why? It’s simply too heavy and costly to move. u

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / APRIL 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF ????

NORTHEAST FLORIDA IS v LITTERED WITH THE REMNANTS

One of America’s top hospitals.

UF Health Jacksonville

UF Health Jacksonville is recognized for achieving some of the best clinical outcomes in the country.

Healthgrades, the nation’s leading medical review organization, has named us to its list of America’s Best Hospitals for delivering high-quality patient care across a wide range of conditions and procedures.

This honor is possible because of the dedication of our more than 5,000 physicians and staff who provide a level of comprehensive, compassionate care found in only a few hospitals throughout the nation.

Do you have a UF doctor? You can. Visit UFHealthJax.org to learn more.