THE OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
LAND & SEA
SANIBEL BACK
Love Sanibel Back
Drunk
Serious Injury Cases
Family Law
Custody
Hurricane
Paralysis Cases
Apartment Shootings
Gun Violence Cases
Courtroom Trials
Workers Compensation
Wrongful Death Cases
Pedestrian Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Dog Bite Cases
Slip & Fall Accidents
Negligent Security Cases Settlements
Exciting Plans Ahead
Our Law Week Luncheon was a huge success, and we also had the distinct honor of hosting a dinner with the judges of Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal. We appreciate our judges taking the time to come visit us here in Lee County. And, of course, congratulations to everyone who was recognized with special honors and recognition on this special occasion!
I want to extend special thanks to our Law Week Chair, the Honorable John Carlin, for his leadership, and to our Executive Director, Lauren Baugh, for her tireless work in coordinating this week of meaningful engagement. Obviously, these events would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions helped make Law Week such a tremendous success. Thank you to each and every sponsor for their commitment to our mission and community.
Beyond Law Week, we hosted an innovative and energizing Health and Wellness Symposium, where participants explored the latest in health optimization and “biohacking” techniques. This was a fresh take on the importance of well-being in our profession. I am grateful to everyone who participated and helped make it such a success.
We also teed off at the beautiful Gateway Golf & Country Club for the LCBA Foundation Golf Tournament. Thanks to a fantastic turnout and the generosity of our sponsors and players, we raised $20,000 for our Foundation’s ongoing charitable efforts.
As we look toward the fall, I’m excited to announce that planning is already well underway for our Annual Bench-Bar Gala, which will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Veranda Restaurant in downtown Fort Myers. This signature event is a highlight of our year and an opportunity to gather in celebration of our profession, our judiciary, and our community. We are currently seeking sponsors, and I encourage anyone interested in supporting this special evening to contact Lauren Baugh.
ADMINISTRATION
Executive Director
Lauren Baugh
LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
Administrative Assistant Mairelis Tamayo
John Miller, III, Esq., LCBA President
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
President
John Miller, III, Esq.
Vice President
John Dommerich, Jr., Esq.
YLD President
Kevin Huguelet, Esq.
BOARD MEMBERS
Erin Casey, Esq.
Jerry Olivo, Esq.
Blake Rizzolo, Esq.
Megan Strayhorn, Esq.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Bench-Bar Gala
Diana “Dawn” Maselli, Esq.
Health and Wellness
Hon. Kimberly Davis Bocelli
Ashley Kogan-Weed, Esq.
John Miller, III, Esq.
History
Hon. Jenna Persons-Mulicka
E. Bruce Strayhorn, Esq.
Megan Strayhorn, Esq.
Law-Related Education
T. Rankin Terry, Jr., JD, LLM
Law Week
Hon. John Carlin
PRACTICE SECTION CHAIRS
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Anne Dalton, Esq.
Alexandra Kleinfeldt, Esq.
Criminal Law
Asma Anwar, Esq.
Elder Law
Lisa Gelman, Esq.
Blake Hampton, Esq.
Family Law
Kayla Richmond, Esq.
Magistrate Christopher Whitney
General Civil and Business Litigation
Joel Hyatt, Esq.
Kara Jursinski Murphy, Esq.
President Emeritus Hon. Kathy Smith
Secretary
Kristianna Soto, Esq.
Treasurer
Dawn Maselli, Esq.
JUDICIAL LIAISONS
Hon. Robert Branning Hon. Devin George
LCBA Foundation Charity
Golf Tournament
Ryan Downey, Esq.
Andrew Koehler, Esq.
Mock Trial
Maria Alaimo, Esq.
Shaina Zuppke, Esq.
Paralegal
TBA
Pro Bono
Andrew Banyai, Esq.
Peter Dennis, Esq.
Mental Health Initiative Committee
Holly Cosby, Esq.
Dawn Maselli, Esq.
Immigration Law
Nirupa Netram, Esq.
Pablo Hurtado, Esq.
Intellectual Property Law
Mark Nieds, Esq.
Land Use and Governmental Law
Zachary Liebetreu, Esq.
Real Property, Probate and Trust Law
Peter Knize, JD, LLM
Kenneth Kemp, Esq.
Robbie Merriman II, Esq.
Solo & Small Firm
Conor Foley, Esq.
Tort Litigation
Diana “Dawn” Maselli, Esq.
FAMILY DRAMA
Roetzel & Andress, LPA offers solutions for your most puzzling trust and estate matters. As a leading law firm located in Naples and Fort Myers, our attorneys regularly represent beneficiaries, fiduciaries and corporations in all aspects of estate and trust administrations. Then, if family drama ensues, Roetzel’s team of trust and estate litigators and appellate attorneys will be ready to protect your interests. 999
Summer Events on the Horizon
Alright, it is summer. What is everyone doing?! I have been busy for the first half of this year and have no plans to slow down for the second half!
Summer has historically been slow, but as we have seen in the past five years, that is no longer the case. This is your reminder: Take the time off to enjoy your family, friends and pets!
If you need a break but want to also work, try our exclusive YLD Junk Food with Judges and annual Baseball with The Bar events. Thanks to Spencer Cordell, we get to enjoy the Mighty Mussels game from the air-conditioned suites at Hammond Stadium, rather than sitting in the humidity!
Also, this year (2024/2025) I have the honor of serving as The Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Leaders Committee vice co-chair and conference co-chair. The Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference is a two-day conference held at Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, where you can collect a TON of CLE while learning how to successfully become a voluntary Bar leader. If you are looking into taking one of our LCBA MAL seats, this is a great opportunity to learn how to engage our membership and network with other attorneys who are currently in leadership roles, AND it is so much fun!
Speaking of fun… We are planning our Bench Bar Gala for October 25 at the Veranda restaurant in downtown Fort Myers again, and we cannot wait! This year’s theme is “Tropical Night,” so look for the flyer for full event details and sponsorship opportunities!
Between now and then, we have a plethora of CLEs and other activities, so be sure to check out my weekly newsletter “News You Can Use,” our website (LeeBar.org), and the Lee County Bar Association Facebook page!
If for some reason you are not getting my emails, please contact me so I can check that for you! Enjoy your summer, and I hope to see you soon!
The official award-winning publication of the Lee County Bar Association, which has served citizens and the legal community since 1949.
STAFF
Publisher Teri Hansen, APR
Advertising Account Executive
Ed Kitsos
Co-Editors
Jada Bigord
Olivia Orth
Editors In Law
Hon. Kathy Smith
Lauren Baugh
Creative/Art Director
Christi Finger
Graphic Designer
Lynsey Gill
Contributing Writers
Sarah Nadal
John Agnew, Esq.
Lauren Baugh
Matthew H. Caldwell
Katherine R. English, Esq.
Kevin Huguelet, Esq.
John Miller, III, Esq.
Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
T. Rankin Terry, Jr., JD, LLM
Contributing Photographers
Jim Jett Photography
Res Gestae is an award-winning magazine published monthly by Priority Marketing in partnership with the Lee County Bar Association. All editorial, advertising and photos may be submitted for consideration through email to rgeditor@prioritymarketing.com. To advertise, contact Ed Kitsos at (239) 267-2638 or rgsales@prioritymarketing.com. For billing inquiries, call (239) 334-0047.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but we cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions shared by LCBA, Res Gestae or Priority Marketing.
Copyright©2025 Lee County Bar Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without prior written permission from the Lee County Bar Association. To inquire about such permission, please contact Lee County Bar Association at info@leebar.org.
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2025
As you plan ahead for the remainder of the year, here are special LCBA events to note for your calendar. All dates are subject to change, and any updates will be posted on LeeBar.org.
JULY 2025
17 ADR Virtual Lunch and Learn
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Casey Gartland, Esq.
Topic: “Mediations, Arbitrations, and Hybrids… Oh My!”
AUGUST 2025
1 Junk Food with the Judges
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: LCJC CR2B
EXCLUSIVE YLD and Bench Event
Cost: FREE for all YLD Members
7 Baseball with the Bar
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Location: Hammond Stadium
Tickets: $35
See flyer on page 23 for full details!
8 RPPTL Virtual Brown Bag
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams
Speaker: Ted Wolfendale, Esq.
Topic: The Intersection of Estate Planning & Medicaid Planning
15 Membership Luncheon
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: LCJC CR1A
Speaker: The Florida Bar President-Elect, Michael Orr, Esq.
Cost: LCBA Members $15; Non-LCBA Members $25
See flyer on page 11 for full details!
21 ADR Virtual Lunch and Learn
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Shannon Puopolo, Esq.
Topic: Insolvency to Resolution:
The Role of Mediation in Bankruptcy
See flyer on page 45 for full details!
26 Family Law and RPPTL Section Collab Lunch and Learn
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: The Collaboratory
Speaker: Robin Merriman II, Esq. and Kayla Richmond, Esq.
Topic: ‘Til Death [or Divorce] Do Us Part
Understanding the Interplay: Estate Planning, Divorce & Death
Sponsor: The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
Cost: FREE for all LCBA Members
SEPTEMBER
2025
1 Labor Day - LCBA and courts closed
5 YLD Chambers Luncheon with Judge Kimberly Davis Bocelli
See flyer on page 54 for full details!
23 Rosh Hashanah - LCBA and courts closed
26 Coffee with the Clerk's Office
See flyer on page 25 for full details!
OCTOBER
2025
2 Yom Kippur - LCBA and courts closed
4 2nd Annual LCBA YLD vs. CCBA YLS
Mini Golf Tourney Royale
See flyer on page 54 for full details!
9 Foundation Wine Tasting
See flyer on page 47 for full details!
25 Bench Bar Gala "Tropical Night"
NOVEMBER 2025
11 Veteran's Day - LCBA and courts closed
21 LCBA Luncheon - Topic TBA
27-28 Thanksgiving - LCBA and courts closed
Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
Junior Lawyer
Held Accountable by Court
A six-year lawyer could not avoid a 91-day rehabilitative suspension even though she was acting under the supervision of her employer. The Court imposed discipline on the lawyer who was co-counsel with her senior partner while representing plaintiffs in a federal employment discrimination case. In The Florida Bar v. Watson, SC23-416, the Court rejected the referee’s recommended sanction of an admonishment for minor misconduct for the junior lawyer. In so doing, the Court also rejected mitigation based on inexperience in the practice of law.
Ms. Watson’s co-counsel and senior partner was disbarred for the conduct in this case and other unrelated misconduct in The Florida Bar v. Leigh, SC34-518. Mr. Leigh was the primary lawyer in the conduct at issue, which involved a dispute with opposing counsel about the submission of a pretrial stipulation. Although Ms. Watson was not involved in the drafting of the stipulation and related pleadings, she allowed her signature to be affixed to them. She was also copied on emails with opposing counsel regarding the submissions.
Opposing counsel unwittingly submitted a version of the stipulation that she thought had been signed by Ms. Watson. Mr. Leigh had altered the language in the stipulation without informing opposing counsel. Opposing counsel then submitted the version of the document that she believed had been signed.
Instead of trying to correct the misunderstanding, Mr. Leigh immediately filed his silently altered version of the stipulation and accused opposing counsel of forging Ms. Watson’s signature. Ms. Watson allowed Mr. Leigh to affix her signature to the pleading accusing opposing counsel of forgery. Ms. Watson also failed to return phone calls from opposing counsel shortly after Mr. Leigh’s submission of the pleading that alleged forgery. Ms. Watson did not disassociate herself from this pleading.
Both co-counsel were sanctioned by the trial court for their involvement in making false allegations of forgery in the circumstances engineered by Mr. Leigh. The trial court stated, “Plaintiff’s counsel’s behavior was completely unfounded and in contravention of all the tenets of professionalism…. The pretrial stipulation issue could have been resolved quickly between the parties if Mr. Leigh or Ms. Watson had simply called or e-mailed Defendants….”
In a precedent setting opinion, the Court found that Ms. Watson should not be afforded leniency even though she had only been practicing for six years, and it was her first federal civil trial. To the contrary, the Court found that her six years of experience in the practice of law was an aggravating factor and stated that her “…reliance upon her co-counsel rather than investigating the matter herself does not negate the egregious nature of the misconduct.” The Court dramatically expanded the application of experience as an aggravating factor in disciplinary proceedings.
This opinion should serve as a warning to young lawyers. Even if a supervising attorney is directing improper conduct, all lawyers involved have an obligation to comply with fundamental ethical concepts. Rule 4-5.2(b) (Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer) only provides safe harbor to a subordinate lawyer for matters involving a “reasonable resolution of an arguable question of professional duty.”
Henry Lee Paul, Esq. is a former Bar Counsel who now represents lawyers in all matters before the Florida Bar and offers risk management services on all legal practice matters. He also represents applicants in all matters before The Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
ove L SANIBEL BACK
By John Agnew, Esq.
When Sanibel incorporated in 1974, it was already world-renowned for its beautiful, shell-filled white beaches, lush vegetation and low-key style. These extraordinary qualities are shining again, after substantial recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, and the setbacks from 2024 Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
With the recent completion of improvements to the Sanibel Causeway and the May 1 reopening of the Causeway Islands Park, the gateway to Sanibel is welcoming once again, no longer a constant reminder of the havoc Ian wrought. Sanibel’s 15 miles of beaches are fully renourished, all public beach parks and associated parking lots are open, and nearly all of Sanibel’s 26 miles of shared use paths are open, with $4M allocated for repaving them in the near future. Keeping with nature, also open are the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and its miles of paths and waterways, occupying a third of Sanibel Island, the BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and the Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), which recently broke ground on a new sea turtle complex. More than 30 restaurants are also open on the island, along with more than 40 retail shops. So, no one should hesitate to visit Sanibel (or neighboring Captiva, which is similarly postured), for fear of nothing to do or nowhere to eat or shop. Opportunities abound on these sister islands.
Highlighting those opportunities is “Love Sanibel Back 2025,” a community initiative started by Saint Michael’s Church and embraced by the SanCap Chamber of Commerce and the rest of the city. It began in May and runs through August 23, with a weekly spotlight on local businesses that form the heart of Sanibel. The celebration will culminate with a gathering on November 2, 2025. Details on the participating businesses
of the week and the dates/times for particular gatherings can be found at SaintMichaelsSanibel.org/Love-Sanibel-Back.
The City of Sanibel is also in the midst of a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary of incorporation, with festivities that began with a time capsule opening in November 2024 and will conclude with the Luminary Holiday Stroll on December 5, 2025.
Around 70% of Sanibel’s pre-Ian rental inventory is back online, so there are plenty of places to stay. Whether visitors come for a day trip or stay for a month, there is plenty to do. Bring a bike – or rent one while here – and enjoy paved bike trails from the Sanibel Lighthouse on the east end all the way to Blind Pass on the west end. Walk the white sand beaches to shell, observe sea turtle nests and other wildlife, or just soak up the sun. Stop by one of Sanibel’s fishing outfitters to buy or rent gear or charter a fishing trip. Walk nature trails on the conservation lands of SCCF, the city and “Ding” Darling and see the diverse wildlife. Step inside to take in exhibits or other entertainment at BIG ARTS or the Shell Museum or shop at one of the many open retailers. Enjoy great meals or treats at a wide selection of unique restaurants and ice cream or custard shops. Sanibel’s recovery has been quieter than many neighboring communities, but no one should mistake the quiet for being less robust. There have not been approved – or even proposed –redevelopments for high rises on the island or
John Agnew serves as the City Attorney for the City of Sanibel. He also has a diverse practice in other government, employment, and business matters, representing businesses, individuals, governmental entities and special districts. John holds the highest AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected annually by Florida Super Lawyers® for recognition every year since 2009. Prior to becoming an attorney, John was an Army Ranger, who served overseas on multiple deployments and competed three times in the annual Best Ranger Competition.
any other character-altering changes, nor should anyone expect there to be. Sanibel’s pre-Ian character is its post-Ian character. It is what makes Sanibel unique and beloved, and it’s one of the reasons I feel honored to have had the opportunity to serve as its city attorney since 2018.
Low-density, low-rise development is a key part of the blueprint for the island, as established in the Sanibel Plan, the city’s renown comprehensive plan that provides a blueprint for development within the community. Over 70% of the island is in conservation, under the stewardship of the city, the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Association (SCCF), or the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The tallest buildings on Sanibel are four stories, only because they were constructed before the city was incorporated. Shortly after incorporation, new construction was limited to three stories, and that restriction remains today.
Sanibel’s longstanding vision statement within the Sanibel Plan confirms the community’s shared values and goals to guide future decisions, and it begins with its environmental sanctuary quality as its dominant principal:
Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary, one in which a diverse population lives in harmony with the island’s wildlife and natural habitats. The Sanibel community must be vigilant in the protection and enhancement of its sanctuary characteristics.
The City of Sanibel will resist pressures to accommodate increased development and redevelopment that is inconsistent with the Sanibel Plan, including this Vision Statement.
Sanibel’s development followed these principles for nearly 50 years before Hurricane Ian. Florida law requires development within a local government to be consistent with its adopted comprehensive plan, and there is no expectation that this portion of the Sanibel Plan will ever change. So, visitors can expect Sanibel’s continued post-Ian redevelopment to continue to intentionally blend in more than stand out, preserving its small-town charm and unique natural environment — just the way most want it to be. There are no streetlights or traffic signals to blemish the island’s night sky, and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets never grow old.
While this article focuses primarily on the visitor experience, Sanibel is also a wonderful community within which to live and work. It is tight knit, and the same attributes making Sanibel a vacationer’s delight serve as the base of interest for the island’s working and residential community. For those with children, The Sanibel School (K-8) is ranked the #10 elementary school and #5 middle school in the State of Florida.
Sanibel is not perfectly recovered from Ian, but it’s a long way toward it and certainly paradise, once again. Come see for yourself.
ANNIVERSARIES & MILESTONES
Special Advertising Section
This special advertising section showcases Lee County firms celebrating a special anniversary or milestone this year. Join us in celebrating these anniversaries and milestones!
A Rich Legacy of Legal Representation in Southwest Florida
STRAYHORN PERSONS-
At Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka, the practice of law is not just a job, but a commitment to their fellow man. This sense of duty to its Southwest Florida community has been a part of the firm’s fabric since Guy M. Strayhorn and his brotherin-law, Leonidas Y. Redwine, first opened the firm of Redwine & Strayhorn in downtown Fort Myers in 1915.
Years later, Norwood Strayhorn, father to Bruce Strayhorn, served as the Lee County Bar Association president in 1953. “It was my predecessors who instilled in me respect for the law and public service, and I am honored to carry on their legacy today, 100 years after they began practicing law in Fort Myers,” said Bruce.
Bruce founded Strayhorn & Persons in 2009, after practicing for many years with his brother, Guy R. Strayhorn, at the firm of Strayhorn & Strayhorn.
Strayhorn partner Jenna Persons-Mulicka, whose own great-great-great grandfather, John Powell, sat on the original Lee County Board of Commissioners, shares Bruce’s passion for practicing law. “I love what we do, how we help people solve unique problems and advocate for what’s best for our community,” she said.
Megan Strayhorn, Bruce’s daughter, joined the Southwest Florida law firm in 2022. Born and raised in Fort Myers, she pursued her law degree at Ave Maria School of Law and gained experience working at the Public Defender’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit in Fort Myers, including five years as an assistant public defender.
“Not only does she continue the family’s heritage at our practice, but Megan brings an intense desire to help others. I’m proud to bring a fourth generation Strayhorn into the business,” said Bruce.
With its history dating back to the early 1900s, the firm has unique knowledge of Southwest Florida’s history, decades of involvement in planning and growth, and noted insight into current issues. Today, the firm represents a diverse group of private sector clients through all facets of the legal and legislative processes in Lee County.
Each of the firm’s attorneys are highly respected as leaders in Fort Myers and excel in administrative, land development, government relations, business and real estate law in Southwest Florida.
Jenna Persons-Mulicka
Megan Strayhorn
Bruce Strayhorn
By Katherine R. English, Esq.
DEFINITION OF "WOTUS" EPA REVISES
Several Supreme Court decisions and “waters of the United States” definitions ago, I told a congressional subcommittee that a farmer should not need a lawyer, an engineer and a biologist to grow food without risking financial ruin or federal prison by violating the Clean Water Act.
Many have advocated for a clear and comprehensible definition of the “waters” that are so important under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution that they require protection from harm under the Clean Water Act. In March, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the intention to move towards a clear definition of the “waters” the Clean Water Act protects.
Katherine R. English, Esq. joined Pavese Law Firm in 1994 and became a partner in the firm in 2000. Her practice concentrates on agricultural, environmental and land use law. In 2024, she was appointed to serve as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee for a two-year term.
Refining the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) matters. The definition of WOTUS is the key to determining whether an activity that moves dirt on property requires a Clean Water Act permit. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires a permit prior to the discharge of fill or any other material into a WOTUS. The costs and delays related to obtaining a 404 permit, or worse, resolving a violation of the Clean Water Act, even if done unknowingly, have significant adverse impacts for farms, landowners and businesses.
Applications requesting binding identifications of WOTUS on a property or 404 permits authorizing work on a property provide proof of compliance with Section 404, but they can languish for months and, sometimes, years. Vague language and complex interpretations of WOTUS provisions cloud the permitting and compliance process for agency reviewers, delaying their decisions. The civil and criminal penalties for failing to comply with the Clean Water Act can be draconian, highlighting the need for clarity and simplicity in the regulatory definition of a WOTUS.
On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a collaborative effort with
the United States Army Corps of Engineers to revise the 2023 definition of "Waters of the United States" with the intention of resolving the uncertainty and risk that farmers, landowners and businesses face when trying to apply the present definition of WOTUS to their properties.
During listening sessions held in April and May, EPA staff stated it will craft and adopt a clear, simple and durable definition of WOTUS for the regulated community in compliance with the Clean Water Act and case law. Staff emphasized that this definition of WOTUS will be guided by the Supreme Court's ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, 598 U.S. 651 (2023), which states that WOTUS encompasses only relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes and those wetlands that have a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are “WOTUS.
EPA specifically asked for input to help it craft language defining:
• The scope of “relatively permanent” waters and to which waters this phrase applies;
• The scope of “continuous surface connection” and to which connections this phrase applies; and
• The scope of jurisdictional ditches.
EPA’s next step is to initiate rulemaking for its revised definition of WOTUS. If recent history is any indication, this will take time and will result in litigation from environmentalists and the regulated community.
Farmers, landowners and businesses need a clear WOTUS definition so they can comply with the law and get on with their work; and so do the lawyers, biologists and engineers who work with them.
WELCOME ,
NEW MEMBERS
Please join the Lee County Bar Association in welcoming these newest additions to our membership rolls.
RICHARD ANNUNZIATA, ESQ. Annunziata Resolution
PETER AGBEYEGBE, ESQ. Office of the Public Defender
KACI JO BARBER, PARALEGAL Pavese Law Firm
ASHLEY DALEY, ESQ. The Office of the Attorney General
REBEKAH DAVIES, PARALEGAL Pavese Law Firm
LYNN EMERSON, ESQ. BusinessLegal PC
VERONICA FIUZA Fiuza CPA
AMY GLASSER, ESQ. True North Resolution, LLC
MICHAEL HOPKINS, ESQ. The Law Office of Donald Day
STEPHEN JONES, ESQ. Climate First Bank
GABRIEL KLEIN, ESQ. 20C Public Defenders Office
TERESA LOMBARDELLI, PARALEGAL Pavese Law Firm
YOE LOPEZ JR, ESQ. City of Cape Coral Attorney’s Office
LETICIA LOW, LAW STUDENT Florida State University: College of Law
WILLIAM MCMAHON, ESQ. The State Attorney’s Office
JUSTIN PATAK, ESQ. ZinnLaw, PLLC
CARLOS SARDI, ESQ. Sardi Law, PLLC
MICHAEL SLERIOUS Student at Campbell School of Law
MORGAN WILLIAMSON, ESQ. Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan PLLC
LEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER'S OFFICE IS MOVING
Matthew H. Caldwell is a seventh-generation Floridian. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Florida Gulf Coast University and a master’s degree in geomatics from the University of Florida. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 20102018 and was elected to serve as Lee County Property Appraiser in 2020. He lives in Lee County with his wife Yvonne and his daughter Ava.
Your Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office (LCPA) is moving to a new location. Our current home on Thompson Street, affectionately (or perhaps more nefariously) known as the “Darth Vader Building,” was designed and built in 1992 when the county’s population was about 400,000. Fast forward to today, and that number has more than doubled to 860,000 residents. The one million mark is on the horizon!
As a result, the shared facility no longer has enough office space to accommodate the LCPA, Lee County Tax Collector and Lee County Supervisor of Elections to serve the public effectively. In response to this critical need, we collaborated with Lee County to spearhead the search for a new location for the office.
This mutually beneficial move will allow the Lee County Tax Collector to expand their public service area on the first floor and move some of their administrative functions to the fourth floor, where our office is currently situated. Finding a suitable new location for us was a particular challenge due to the State’s mandate that Constitutional offices maintain a presence in the county seat.
The “Century Link Building” at 1520 Lee Street checked all the right boxes and came with a rich history spanning over seven decades. The building’s core dates back to 1948. An office tower was added in 1961, and further expansion
was made for the call center space in the 1980s. Today, with the evolution of technology, only a small fraction of the campus is being used, which presents a unique opportunity for us. We are preserving, recycling and reusing where we can, so the remodeling will take a bit of time, but the finished product will help us serve Lee County residents more efficiently. We will communicate further once we have set the public grand opening date.
COUNTDOWN TO TRIM
Speaking of dates, July 1 started the countdown clock for the LCPA to begin preparing the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices. These notices are our official way of communicating with all property owners. Your TRIM Notice will clearly lay out the value we’ve determined for each parcel (over 565,000 land parcels and over 80,000 tangible personal property accounts) and the proposed ad valorem taxes. The TRIM notice empowers property owners to engage in the tax rate setting process by outlining each taxing authority and their proposed tax rate for services. TRIM notices are scheduled for mailing in mid-August. For more information, including an informational video, please visit LeePA.org. Remember, the LCPA's office is here to help; if you have any questions about your TRIM notice, values or exemptions, contact us, and our staff will be glad to assist you.
Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar
Represented Plaintiffs and Defendants
Former Plaintiff-side Personal Injury Attorney
Former Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney
Southwest Florida Resident Since 2005
Office in Collier County, Florida
Chad
. Brazzeal, Esquire
A TOPIC FLOODED WITH LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
On September 28, 2022, we had one of our most powerful “interactions with nature” in a long time. Hurricane Ian, and a couple of hurricanes since, have added significant flooding to many of our hurricane experiences.
Lawyers who chose to practice them were used to claims for hurricane wind damage. Within limits, flood damage claims were suppressed because most windstorm policies exclude flood damages, and few people carried flood policies. (They were hard to get.) I recall stories told going back to Hurricane Donna in September of 1960 of folks transposing an excluded flood claim into a covered wind claim by throwing a coconut through a window!
In the 1970s, enter the federal government with the “Flood Disaster Relief Act,” requiring property subject to a federally backed mortgage and in a floodplain (“special flood hazard areas”) to be covered by flood insurance.
When I first heard of this, I thought that I knew what the floodplain was in, say, the Ohio River Valley, but I was unsure what it meant in coastal Lee County. In time, I recall some lawsuits over docks along the river being taken out by high water, but there were not many claims because there was not much flooding. I know of a house built in 1928 with a crawl space within a block of the river that had never flooded before Ian.
I have heard of some strange post-Ian cases. The strangest is of an adjuster saying that water up to the top of an interior door was not a flood! However, I suggest that lawyers who
choose to take the cases will have a much more active time after the next hurricane that results in flooding. The most exciting will be cases involving flood claims for properties for which flood claims were made and repairs made post-Ian.
One of the ostensible purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is mitigation –that is, removing property out of the floodplain or building it up out of the anticipated water.
I am sure that it has happened, but I have not heard of anyone with three feet or less of water in their house that was put out of their property by the so-called 50% Rule, which says that if the improvements cost more than 50% of the fair market value of the property, you must bring it to code. If the property had been maintained, and the water didn’t get far above three feet on the walls, a competent appraiser could usually keep you out of the clutches of the 50% Rule.
Unless you sell, pay off your mortgage or selfinsure for flood, you will have flood insurance for the next storm. What will happen if the water comes up the same three feet as it did in the recent storms? I suspect that we will see a good deal of 50% Rule litigation.
I don’t have the space or knowledge of the “raise your house” program to say much about it, but apparently within certain limits FEMA (depending on President Donald Trump) will pay 75% of the “cost to raise.”
We live in interesting times!
T. Rankin Terry, Jr. is a longtime Southwest Florida practitioner. He was board certified in civil trial for 35 years and has been a certified mediator for 29 years. His undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering is from the University of Kentucky, his juris doctor is from Washington University in St. Louis, and his LLM in tax is from the University of Florida.
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YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
u Honorable Tamara Nicola
1. I would say my greatest professional accomplishment is becoming a Judge. After having my own law firm, I felt that I accomplished everything professionally that I wanted as a lawyer. The ultimate opportunity for me in my career came when I had the ability to become a Judge. For me, this is the ultimate career goal, and I love it!
2. I love creating pottery and have been both hand-building and wheel throwing since I was in high school. I love it because it gives you the opportunity to be lost in your own thoughts while you create something unusual. When I was an attorney, I used to auction off some of my creations annually at the Empty Bowls event. Now, I donate them anonymously.
3. There are probably too many things to list but here is probably my most adventurous: I went on Semester at Sea in college and went to Spain, Greece, Turkey, Sri Lanka, India, Israel, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and China. At the time, I probably did not appreciate how lucky I was to go.
4. I have lived in Naples since I was five years old. I took some "breaks" from Naples to explore other places and almost ended up in Boston. As soon as it started to get cold in October, I headed right back home. I loved the small town feel when I grew up here and feel like I have grown with the town, despite missing some of the things I loved in my childhood. Ultimately, what keeps me here is my family, my friends and my connection to the community. Right now, I can't imagine living anywhere else.
5. I grew up in a household with a father who always had at least 10 classic cars. When he died, there were 13. I sold them all except his Ford Model A, which I kept until about a year ago, and sold it to someone who wanted to restore it. For a while, I thought I was taking after my dad and had seven cars, including the Model A. I am currently down to four. The one car I have not parted with is my 2007 Mini Cooper Convertible. It is a 6-Speed and has 30,000 miles on it. It brings me great joy!
PRECEDENT UPHELD
WITH 2025 LAW WEEK
Law Week is always a fan favorite for Lee County Bar Association (LCBA) members! The many activities presented by the LCBA and its partner organizations bring us all together in timehonored tradition.
While it is a lot of hard work, and certainly a group effort, each year when Law Week is over, we say it was the best yet and cannot wait to top it again the next year!
We kicked off the weeklong celebration with our pro bono Law in the Mall clinic, and this year we ventured beyond the “mall” and out to the North Fort Myers Library, in hopes of reaching out to the North Fort Myers community. Since we only served a few people, we are hoping to revitalize this part of Law Week for next year.
Also during Law Week, we present awards to honor local law enforcement officers and teachers. In addition to presenting the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year and The Dr. James Adams Teacher of the Year awards, we bestow our coveted Liberty Bell Award.
To give back to our community, we hold an annual blood drive during Law Week, where we partner with Lee Health to raise
awareness of the need for blood donations in our community. We call on our membership to show up to donate blood. If you were not able to join us this year, please consider donating next year!
Whenever possible, the Sixth District Court of Appeals comes down to hear oral arguments and participate in our other Law Week Events!
The Lee County Association for Women Lawyers (LCAWL) always hosts their “Judicial Reception” each year during Law Week as well, and I am always happy to partner with them to help get this event off the ground. This year they honored one of our very own LCBA Board Members, the Honorable Devin George!
With the help of the Honorable John Carlin and his judicial assistant Beth Nichols, I was able to put together these Law Week activities for all of us to enjoy!
I would love to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for Law Week: Letspeak Inc, Leslea Ellis LLC, Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, and Jamie’s Cuisine. If you would like to get involved with the next Law Week in 2026, please contact me at LBaugh@leebar.org.
3.
4.
5. Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell, Mayor Kevin Anderson, Vice Mayor Holly Smith, Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin
6.
7.
1. Dawn Maselli, Hon. Kathy Smith, Ita Neymotin, Hon. Amira Fox, Lauren Baugh, Hon. Kevin Karnes
2. Dawn Maselli and Hon. Lindsay Garza
Law Week Attendees
William F. Ribble, Jr., Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin, Armor Persons, Mayor Kevin Anderson, Commissioner David Mulicka
John Agnew, John Miller III, Spencer Cordell
Principal Andrew Miller, Mr. Michael Pape, John Miller III, Allendy Doxy
8. John Miller III, Bridgette Washburn with Daughter, Leslea Ellis, Becky Washburn, Lauren Baugh
9. Rachel Kaduk, Jennifer Nelson, John Agnew
10. John Dommerich Jr., Jerry Olivo, Abe Thornburg
11. John Miller III, Mayor Kevin Anderson
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Scored a Hole-In-One
On May 23, the Lee County Bar Association Foundation (LCBAF) held its 2025 Annual Charity Golf Tournament at The Club at Gateway. The four-player scramble tournament brought together local attorneys, judges and community leaders to raise funds for a variety of non-profit organizations serving Southwest Florida.
Participants and their guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and swag bags filled with goodies! After playing golf, the crowd engaged in mulligans, a 50/50 raffle, and silent and live auctions together.
Thanks to the LCBA members’ generosity, the event raised $20,000 for local community charities. Matched with the LCBA member dues contributions, this event raised at least $40,000 to go toward grant recipients later this year.
Special thanks to the following sponsors for making this event possible:
2. Hon. Kathy Smith and the Bench Warmers (Hon. Tara Paluck, Hon. Devin George, Hon. Margaret Steinbeck, Hon. Lisa Porter)
3. Cameron Sadighi, James White, Jr., Kevin Houston, Brandon Sadighi, Frankie Alaimo
4. Bench Warmers (Hon. Lisa Porter, Hon. Devin George, Hon. Tara Paluck, Hon. Margaret Steinbeck)
5. Stephen Smith, Michael Healy, James Thomas, William Ferris
6. Kyle Petrick, Jarred Duke, Samantha Encalada, Ryan Downey
7. Keith Ryan, Samantha Encalada, Jarred Duke, Kyle Petrick
8. Cassandra Jude, Kyle Jude, Jacob Armpriester, Keri Armpriester
9. Senator Jonathan Martin
10. Robert White, Edward Canterbury, Nick Stokke, Jerry Olivo
11. Pete Fisher, Raychel Thomas, Stephen Dwyer, Joe Uecker, Erin Casey
12. Hon. Kathy Smith and Michael Healy
13. Casey Garland and David Seitz
1. Jonathan Huffman, Tylan Ricketts, Jamie Muni, Alex Rabinowitz
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
When you think of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, your first thought probably isn’t about food pantries. However, there are people in need on these beautiful barrier islands, just like there are in any community. Thanks to generous donors, FISH of SANCAP is available to provide support when neighbors need it most!
FISH of SANCAP was launched in 1982 from the kitchens and vehicles of island residents who wanted to make their Sanibel-Captiva community a better place to live, work and visit. For more than four decades, they have worked together to enrich the lives of all people on Sanibel and Captiva Islands by being neighbors helping neighbors with social services, education and assistance.
The nonprofit does this through wrap-around services with a collaborative case management approach. After a full assessment of an individual’s needs, FISH can help create, implement and monitor a plan of support for neighbors of all ages through its four pillars of service:
Food programs
Island-based education
Senior services
Helping hands and financial assistance
How do people get assistance? FISH offers a 24-hour HELP LINE at 239-472-0404.
2024 Impact
Top-rated for six consecutive years (2019-2024) by GreatNonprofits, FISH is a trusted partner for those who want to make a difference in the lives of their island neighbors. In fact, they’ve made a significant impact already!
• 5,823 instances of case management
• 5,680 emergency meals distributed
• 243 smile boxes delivered and 1,249 Meals-By-FISH delivered
• 809 holiday meals and 312 families adopted for the holidays
• 2,226 miscellaneous items distributed to those in need
• 312 children provided with school supplies
• 586 hurricane preparedness packets distributed
• 373 pieces of medical equipment loaned to those in need
Ways to Give
In addition to food pantry donations, individuals can support FISH year-round by purchasing items on the nonprofit organization’s Amazon Wishlist or donating online at FishofSanCap.org. On the website, you can also find information about sponsoring or participating in the two-day 2025 JOG N JAM celebration. Mark your calendars for the Nov. 1 JOG at the Sanibel Community House on Sanibel Island and the Dec. 6 JAM – featuring Ben Allen Band – at ‘Tween Waters Resort on Captiva Island.
By Lauren Baugh
RECIPE OF SUCCESS A with
When you plan corporate-style events for a living, it can be challenging to find a suitable venue. You may need décor, or possibly even parking for your guests… However, what does not have to be hard is finding a great caterer. In fact, it can actually be pretty easy!
Over the years, the Lee County Bar Association (LCBA) has served some great meals at our events. What might surprise you, though, is the story behind our current preferred catering partner, Jamie’s Cuisine.
Jamie’s Cuisine is a high-end catering company, specializing in flavorful food crafted with high-quality ingredients and presented in a manner that elevates any event. In addition to serving great food, Jamie’s Cuisine focuses on providing exceptional service, and its team consistently strives to exceed clients’ expectations. Catering services are offered in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties.
If you attended the recent Swearing In Luncheon, you got a glimpse of what this catering partner can cook up. During this
Lauren Baugh is the Executive Director at Lee County Bar Association and can be reached at LBaugh@leebar.org.
January event, Jamie’s Cuisine offered small plates. Themed hors d'oeuvres with fresh, local fruit and veggies accompanied by scratch-made hummus and a variety of other sides. LCBA received such great feedback that we had to bring them back as soon as the opportunity arose!
Fast forward to the planning of the Annual Law Week Awards Luncheon, and I knew I had to call on them to arrange something even more spectacular. Wow, did they hit the mark! In case you were unable to attend, let me describe the lay of the culinary landscape.
Imagine walking into the smell of delicious fresh vegetables – and bacon! Chef Jamie and his team set out the most amazing salad bar buffet to appease any appetite, along with a freshly made tuna fish salad for those who are not bacon or chicken fans.
Now, this salad bar was not just your typical iceberg lettuce, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes. It offered far more than that! The accoutrements included hard-boiled eggs,
sunflower seeds, cottage cheese, cubed cheese, freshly candied walnuts, craisins, bacon crumbles, shredded cheese blend and much more! The made-from-scratch dressings included buttermilk ranch (my personal fav!), beautifully fresh raspberry vinaigrette and balsamic vinaigrette!
Of course, many arrive at a luncheon wanting more than just salad, and Jamie’s Cuisine arrived prepared! As guests moved down the buffet line, they were greeted by three containers of Jamie’s special recipe: baked macaroni and cheese. Two offered bacon intertwined with the dish and one did not, again keeping in mind those who prefer not to eat bacon. The cheese? Melty and rich. The noodles? Perfectly cooked. The bacon? Not too crispy, but not too soft. Jamie’s mac and cheese turned out to be the absolute best and cheesiest concoction one could have… Perfection in a pan!
Does it get any better? Yes, it does – because next on the buffet line sat three pans of chicken skewers. Most people might assume, upon hearing there’s chicken at a catered event, that it will be rubbery and not great. But this chicken was cooked just right, leaving it juicy and tender, covered in a homemade bacon-onion jam. Bacon jam, folks! It was sweet and savory, beyond delicious, and perfectly cooked. Frankly, it worked beautifully as both a salad topper and an excellent closing buffet entrée.
As the LCBA discovered during these two events, every dish by Jamie’s Cuisine is made from scratch. This catering company takes no shortcuts in preparing a delicious feast, which becomes obvious when you sample the final product. You can taste the passion that Jamie’s Cuisine brings to the catering industry and infuses into every dish. The proof is in the pudding, as they say!
MEET THE MAESTRO OF FLAVOR
So, who is Chef Jamie, and what is his story? Raised in Fort Myers, Chef Jamie Crisp brings a lifetime of culinary experience to his catering business. He started humbly by rolling silverware and prepping food in the 1980s, working in kitchens where his father served as an executive chef.
Self-taught and shop-taught, Jamie followed his passion for food, refining his skills while learning under French-trained chefs at local resorts. He soon evolved into a fine dining chef, gaining 15 years of experience in AAA Four-Diamond Resorts.
Prior to starting Jamie’s Cuisine, Chef Jamie spent a decade serving as the executive banquet chef and executive sous chef at Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island. He fell in love with the islands, the locals and their visitors. As a result, he has an affinity for catering on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
In his role as the executive banquet chef at Casa Ybel for 10 years, he specialized in weddings. In fact, after starting Jamie’s Cuisine in late 2017, he primarily focused on wedding catering. But as time passed, he quickly discovered a greater demand for a vast variety of catering. In fact, Chef Jamie’s very first job as a caterer took him to Gullivan Key, located in the Ten Thousand Islands near Marco Island, to serve a private chef's dinner for two. He had to travel by boat with all his supplies, including ingredients, tables, cooking equipment and more, getting appetizers ready before his clients arrived by seaplane.
Continuing along these lines, Chef Jamie started catering for high-end cocktail parties, corporate events, and gourmet private chef dinners. This proved highly beneficial just a few years later, when COVID-19 hit and the wedding and tourism industries came to a screeching halt. Wedding and event venues shut down, and people were only allowed to go to work or home.
Although many large gatherings and planned events had to be canceled, Jamie’s Cuisine had clients who still needed catering services to supply office lunches and small-group gatherings of close friends and neighbors. Most impressively, to this day he still employs most of the staff who worked with him during that era!
Jamie’s Cuisine has been named as a top three Lee County caterer in Gulfshore Life Magazine’s annual “Best of the Gulfshore” for 5 years in a row, as voted on by local readers.
CATERING TO EVERY CRAVING
Today, Jamie’s Cuisine is a family-owned business. Chef Jamie makes magic in the kitchen while his wife of 18 years, Jennifer, handles all of the administrative and business aspects of the operation. She also runs the front-of-house team and can be found smiling and chatting with guests. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Jennifer has also worked in restaurants and the hospitality industry since the age of 14.
Chef Jamie, his wife Jennifer, and their three children: Layne (24), Savannah (15), and Liam (12)
Any time the LCBA has needed to communicate, Chef Jamie, Jennifer and his staff have welcomed each call and email with a smile.
Together, this team believes in delighting people through food and attentive service, listening to the kind of experience guests desire and striving to exceed their expectations.
Jamie’s Cuisine is willing to work within your budget, dietary needs and restrictions. The team also brings great ideas to the table to complement your vision. You can count on them to deliver, set up and bring true hometown service with a smile. That is often hard to find!
Chef Jamie also knows the importance of convenience without substituting quality. His abilities are endless, and as any chef will tell you, he never stops learning.
Event planners at the LCBA appreciate the reliable way that Jamie’s Cuisine brings the restaurant to any setting. Starting with the menu of your choice, they source their ingredients and prepare your menu from their commercial
kitchen on Metro Parkway in Fort Myers.
As boutique caterers, they aim to focus on fresh, quality ingredients and, therefore, don’t keep a frozen stock of products in-house. Rather, they procure everything fresh, based on their client’s menu of choice. Ideally, they would need to know your menu about two weeks ahead of time. That way, they can source everything they would need from their vendors and local specialty stores.
On the day of your event, the chefs, servers and bartenders will arrive on time, bringing all of the necessary supplies to provide an elevated dining experience in your own home or at the venue of your choice. And rest assured – Jamie’s Cuisine is fully licensed and insured, including its own liquor license to cover all of your beverage needs.
Ready to plan your next special occasion? Jamie’s Cuisine may be reached by phone at 239-333-CHEF or by email at info@jamiescuisine.com. Be sure to visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to see their mouthwatering dishes and get inspiration for your event menu.
IS YOUR FIRM PART OF THE 100 CLUB?
Any firm with two or more attorneys and 100% membership in LCBA qualifies. If you feel your firm is eligible, email a listing of your attorneys to admin@leebar.org, and we will let you know.
Absolute Law, P.A.
All Injuries Law
Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC.
Arend & Sisk, P.A.
Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, P.A.
Bergermann Law Firm
Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, PLLC.
Boyle & Leonard & Anderson, P.A.
Burandt, Adamski, Feichthaler & Sanchez, PLLC.
Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law
City of Fort Myers Attorney’s Office
Freidin & Inglis, P.A.
Garvin Injury Law
Goldberg, Noone, Abraham
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith
GrayRobinson, P.A.
Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP
Hahn, Loeser & Parks, LLP
Holz Family Law
John Webb Legal Group, P.L.
Kagan Law Firm
Kemp & Mace, P.A.
Knott Ebelini Hart
Law Offices of Dennis L. Webb, P.A.
Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, Criminal Lawyer
Law Offices of Scott T. Moorey
Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Light Path Law, P.A.
Linde Law Group
Men’s Rights Law Firm
Office of the City Attorney (Cape Coral)
Osterhout & McKinney, P.A.
Patrone Bentley Law Group
Pavese Law Firm
Pope Mazzara & Menendez PLLC
Robert Harris Law Firm
Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A.
Scarmozzino/King Trial Lawyers
Schmucker & Lavy Legal, PLLC
Sheldon E. Finman, P.A.
Sheppard Law Firm
Simmons & Cook, PLLC
Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.
Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka
School District of Lee County
Viles & Beckman, LLC
Wilbur Smith, LLC
Yeslow, Koeppel & Anderson
THINGS
YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
u Veronica Batt, Esq.
1. I root for AS Roma’s soccer team. My family is originally from Rome, and when I lived there during college, I went to many AS Roma games. If you are from central Italy, you are either an AS Roma fan or a Lazio fan, and this is a cutthroat rivalry. We bleed “giallo rosso” (yellow and red) – the team colors. I wore the soccer jerseys, and my dog had an AS Roma collar. It’s a pretty big deal if you’re Roman!
2. My greatest professional achievement is getting admitted to the United States Supreme Court Bar. Now, when I read a SCOTUS opinion, I will have a totally different perception of what I am reading and can almost imagine the tone and demeanor each justice is using. I look forward to going to watch oral arguments again soon.
3. An interesting item on my desk is definitely a group of “Best Speaker” ribbons that I earned at a Toastmasters meeting recently. It reminds me every day to step out of my comfort zone because good things can and will happen.
4. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love Christmas because I associate it with my favorite things: quality time with family, cozy winter weather, traveling and road trips.
5. I drive the antithesis of a classic car – a Tesla! It’s part of our family dynamic. We dress them up for Halloween, put lights on them for Christmas – they’re just an all-around blast! My kids especially love the “emissions” mode – look it up, it’s hilarious!
Kevin Huguelet, Esq. graduated from the University of Miami School of Law magna cum laude and Order of the Coif. After serving as a law clerk for Florida Supreme Court Justice, R. Fred Lewis, and the Honorable Sheri Polster Chappell of the Middle District Court, he assumed his current role as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Fort Myers.
By Kevin Huguelet, Esq.
Broadening Your Skill, Career and Passion TACKLING NEW PRACTICE AREAS
For young and not-as-young lawyers alike, it can be daunting to take on an unfamiliar area of law. Many of us dedicate years to mastering certain types of work. So, it is only natural to hesitate before jumping into a new practice area, particularly as a young lawyer. Specialization is important; however, it is crucial for the personal and professional growth of new lawyers to try different areas of law for a number of reasons.
1. Discover a Passion
You don’t know what you don’t know. Perhaps the most compelling reason to try different areas early is the chance to discover what truly excites you. The practice of law is vast. Early exposure to multiple areas allows you to find your niche — not based on where you landed your first job, but on personal interests and values. You might find a passion for land use or intellectual property never fleshed out in the standard law school courses. Trying different areas is the quickest way to pinpoint the work you enjoy, leading to a fulfilling career.
2. Diversify Skills
Working across various disciplines builds well-rounded skill sets. Every practice area presents unique challenges demanding tailored approaches. Exposure to multiple practice areas allows you to grow and become a more versatile lawyer. In the long run, a broad expertise makes you more valuable to your clients. Diversifying your skill sets also helps you adapt to the constantly changing legal landscape. Employers and clients alike increasingly seek lawyers with the skills to handle the innumerable situations requiring legal help.
3. Expand Network
Each practice area has its own network of professionals, clients and industries. When you explore different legal fields, you naturally
expand your connections. Whether you’re networking with clients, lawyers or experts, your professional network becomes more robust with new cases. This can lead to mentorship, new career opportunities and even referrals. The ability to draw on a diverse set of relationships is invaluable for a career in law.
4. Enhance Career Flexibility
The legal market is constantly evolving; what may be in high demand today may not be next month. By trying different practice areas, young lawyers can position themselves for career flexibility. For example, if you start in real estate, but the market shifts, you may be able to pivot into an unrelated but growing field, like data privacy law. In the short-term, this flexibility makes you more marketable and opens doors for career advancement. In the long-term, experience in multiple areas gives you flexibility to adapt with the unknown legal market of the future.
5. Improve Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Different areas of law require different methods of analysis and problem-solving. Plus, new cases compel you to get up to speed on a potentially unknown practice. Working across various legal fields enhances your ability to think critically and creatively. Contract disputes are fundamentally different from personal injury cases. The skills you develop by tackling problems in one practice area can often be applied to others, enriching your ability to approach legal challenges with flexibility and innovation. By embracing the exploration of different practice areas, you position yourself to have a more dynamic and rewarding career. Consider taking a chance on new practice areas and investing in your immediate success and long-term satisfaction as a lawyer.
You're invited to the annual
Lee County Bar Association Foundation
The evening will feature delicious food prepared by FineMark’s Executive Chef Jillian Lane, fabulous wine and of course, wonderful company.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 9, 2025 · 5:30PM
FineMark National Bank & Trust • 8695 College Pkwy, Fort Myers
TICKETS & INQUIRIES
$75/person • Tables Available
PURCHASE TICKETS
All funds raised benefit the Foundation. Sponsorship and Ticket Inquiries please contact: Asma Anwar at AsmaA@pd20.org
HOSTED BY
Burritos with the Bench
2 3 4
On June 6, the LCBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) held its annual Burritos with the Bench (BwB) event. This year saw record attendance! Roughly fifty judges, lawyers and law students packed into the Lee County Justice Center to enjoy a free lunch. Circuit, County and Magistrate judges from across the 20th Circuit attended. Participants had the opportunity to gather in an informal environment for networking through an open discussion format.
As one can guess, the event offers a catered lunch with delicious burritos, bowls and tacos from Tijuana Flats. BwB takes place every year, and it has become a staple event for both the YLD and LCBA at large. Every year, attendance grows and builds on the success of the year before. BwB gives the bench and bar — regardless of age — a chance to mingle with various judges and fellow lawyers in Lee County.
This event was generously sponsored with grant funds awarded by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division. Iman Zekri, YLD’s grants chair, did a fantastic job securing those funds. Thanks to that funding, BwB was completely free for attendees.
As with most LCBA events, BwB would not have been possible without all the work of Lauren Baugh, executive director of the LCBA. Lauren did all organizing, marketing, ordering and coordinating. Said differently, she did most everything to turn BwB from plan into reality. The entire YLD Board is grateful for all her help and dedication.
2. Ryan Downey, Blake Rizzolo, Robert Bowen, Gabriel Klein
3. Kristianna Soto, Michael Anthony Pica, Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell, Brooke Birkey
4. Hon. Rachel Loukonen, Kati Cook, Kelly Tackett, Ben Bartlett, Kevin Huguelet
5. Hon. Kathy Smith, Megan Garner, Lauren Baugh
6. Paul Thomas, Statewide Prosecution Intern, Hon. Lindsay Garza
7. Brooke Birkey, Kevin Huguelet, Hon. Trent Reichling
8. Hon. Tracey Redd and Magistrate Christopher
1. John Miller III, Carlos Kelly, Hon. Tara Paluck, Hon. Michael McHugh
Jane Abaravich, Esq.
Benjamin Abdulnour, Esq.
Andrew Abel, Esq.
Sheba Abraham, Esq.
Robert Adamski, Esq.
John Agnew, Esq.
Louis D’Agostino, Esq.
Maria Alaimo, Esq.
Albert Alguadich, Esq.
Frank Aloia Jr, Esq.
Jeremiah Ambabo, Esq.
Amanda Anderson, Esq.
Robert Anderson, Esq.
Francesa Anon, Esq.
Gabriel Arbois, Esq.
Ronald Arend, Esq.
Scott Atwood, Esq.
Mark Bannon, Esq.
Alexis Barkis, Esq.
Andrew Barnett, Esq.
Melissa Barris, Esq.
Albert Batista, Esq.
Michael Beckman, Esq.
John Belcastro, Esq.
Elizabeth Bentley, Esq.
Vera Bergermann, Esq.
Victor Bermudez, Esq.
Madaline Bischel, Esq.
Ljubica Bjazeric, Esq.
Brooke Blackman, Esq.
William Boltrek, Esq.
Braxton Bowen, Esq.
Suzanne Boy, Esq.
Donald Boyd, Esq.
Mark Boyle, Esq.
Alexander Brockmeyer, Esq.
Molly Brockmeyer, Esq.
Heidi Brown, Esq.
Benjamin Brown, Esq.
Robert Burandt, Esq.
Philip Burnett, Esq.
Garey Butler, Esq.
Katheryn Calvo, Esq.
Jose Calvo, Esq.
Katherine Camadeco, Esq.
Karla Campos-Andersen Esq.
Edward Canterbury, Esq.
Gary Carmen, Esq.
Mark Casassa, Esq.
Joe Cerino, Esq.
Michael Cheffer, Esq.
Michael Chionopoulos, Esq.
Michael Colombo, Esq.
Kati Cook, Esq.
Jay Cooper, Esq.
Spencer Cordell, Esq.
Michael Corso, Esq.
Terry Cramer III, Esq.
Timothy Culhane, Esq.
Taylor Curley, Esq.
Dan Dalesandro, Esq.
L. David Sims, Esq.
Thank You
To Our 2025 Foundation Contributors!
Donald Day, Esq.
Indera DeMine, Esq.
Olimpia DePena, Esq.
Ody Dickman, Esq.
Stephen Dommerich, Esq.
Hayley Donaldson, Esq.
Lauren Drasites, Esq.
Jarred Duke, Esq.
Gordon Duncan, Esq.
Lance Dunford, Esq.
Mark Ebelini, Esq.
Thomas Eckerty, Esq.
Samantha Encalada, Esq.
Harold Eskin, Esq.
Jennifer Fairbanks, Esq.
Kelly Fayer, Esq.
Eric Feichthaler, Esq.
Charles Ferber, Esq.
William Ferris, Esq.
Julia Finman, Esq.
Shelly Finman, Esq.
Jennifer Fisher, Esq.
Eric Fluharty, Esq.
Howard Freidin, Esq.
Herbert Fried, Esq.
Linda Fried, Esq.
Chris Frohlich, Esq.
Wayne Frohlich, Esq.
Kimberly Fuentes, Esq.
Casey Gartland, Esq.
Leland Garvin, Esq.
Daniel Garza, Esq.
Steven Gendreau, Esq.
Lisa Curia George, Esq.
George Gift, Esq.
Paul Giordano, Esq.
Malcam Godwin, Esq.
James Goetz, Esq.
Logan Goldberg, Esq.
Scot Goldberg, Esq.
Douglas Gould, Esq.
Brian Greenberg, Esq.
George Griffin, Esq.
Jesse Gubernat, Esq.
Thomas Gunderson, Esq.
Samuel Hagan, Esq.
Jennifer Hammond, Esq.
Blake Hampton, Esq.
Ginine Hanco, Esq.
Daniel Hanuka, Esq.
Robert Harris, Esq.
Simon Harrison, Esq.
Thomas Hart, Esq.
Ernest Hatch Jr, Esq.
Stacey Haverfield, Esq.
Hon. Hugh D. Hayes
Michael Haymans, Esq.
Joan DeMichael Henry, Esq.
Craig Hersch, Esq.
Scott Hertz, Esq.
Michael Hill, Esq.
Emily Hogentogeler, Esq.
David Holley, Esq.
Frank Holley II, Esq.
James Holloway, Esq.
Christina Holly, Esq.
Rana Holz, Esq.
Dominika Honisch, Esq.
Michael Hornung, Esq.
William Horowitz, Esq.
Philip Howard, Esq.
Jonathan Huffman, Esq.
Pablo Hurtado, Esq.
Joel Hyatt, Esq.
Richard Inglis, Esq.
Wes Jacobs, Esq.
Richard Johnston Jr, Esq.
Ken Jones, Esq.
Kara Jursinksi, Esq.
Christopher Kagan, Esq.
Elizabeth Kagan, Esq.
Stephen Kagan, Esq.
Peter Kamm, Esq.
Luke Kane, Esq.
Colby Keefe, Esq.
Anna Kegelmeyer, Esq.
Carlos Kelly, Esq.
Kenny Kemp, Esq.
James Kerr, Esq.
Jason King, Esq.
D. Hugh Kinsey Jr, Esq.
Tim Kizzire, Esq.
Asher Knipe, Esq.
Peter Knize, Esq.
George Knott, Esq.
Steven Koeppel, Esq.
Kevin Kyle, Esq.
Mike Dal Lago, Esq.
Ronnie Lamm, Esq.
Vee Leonard, Esq.
Michael Leonard, Esq.
Steven Leskovich, Esq.
Matthew Linde, Esq.
Drew Lipscher, Esq.
Courtney Lovejoy, Esq.
Evan Lubell, Esq.
Donna Lugar, Esq.
Benjamin Lusk, Esq.
T. Brandon Mace, Esq.
Joseph Madden, Esq.
Richard Mancini, Esq.
Ian Mann, Esq.
L. Gail Markham
Jonathan Martin, Esq.
Dawn Maselli, Esq.
Jason Maughan, Esq.
Justin Mazzara, Esq.
TJ McCann, Esq.
Stephen McCann, Esq.
Eve McClurg, Esq.
Matthew McConnell, Esq.
Garrett McIntyre, Esq.
Lance McKinney, Esq.
Patrick McLain, Esq.
Margaret McMorrow, Esq.
Michael McQuagge, Esq.
Lisa Mead, Esq.
Anthony Melchiorre, Esq.
Alexander Menendez, Esq.
Jason Mikes, Esq.
John Miller III, Esq.
Mark Miller, Esq.
Elaine Minnis, Esq.
George Mitar III, Esq.
Lori Moore, Esq.
Scott Moorey, Esq.
Jack Morgan III, Esq.
John Morgan, Esq.
William “Scott” Morris, Esq.
Timothy Murty, Esq.
John Musca, Esq.
R. Frank Myers, Esq.
Terry Nelson, Esq.
John Noland, Esq.
Michael Noone, Esq.
Joseph North Jr., Esq.
Joseph North, Esq.
Aaron O’Brien, Esq.
Christina O'Brien, Esq.
Kenneth Oliver, Esq.
Jerry Olivo III, Esq.
Andre Patrone, Esq.
Henry Lee Paul, Esq.
Raymond Pelstring, Esq.
Shelly Perry, Esq.
Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Esq.
Evan Pfeifer, Esq.
Michael Anthony Pica, Esq.
Rochelle Pitts, Esq.
Barbara Pizzolato, Esq.
Minerva Poblet, Esq.
Genet Polly, Esq.
Christopher Pope, Esq.
John Potanovic, Esq.
Beth Prather, Esq.
Jill Prenger, Esq.
Caleb Pringle, Esq.
Richard Pringle, Esq.
Robert Pritt, Esq.
Shannon Puopolo, Esq.
Michael Raheb, Esq.
Michael Randolph, Esq.
Lee Rendeiro, Esq.
Gary Rhodes, Esq.
Michael Rich, Esq.
Kayla Richmond, Esq.
Luis Rivera II, Esq.
Collette Rodgers, Esq.
Adrian Roe, Esq.
Matthew Roepstorff, Esq.
Kara Rogers, Esq.
Ty Roland, Esq.
Derek Rooney, Esq.
David Roos, Esq.
Amanda Sharkey-Ross, Esq.
Ben Russell, Esq.
Cameron Sadighi, Esq.
Alvaro Sanchez, Esq.
Chris Santospirito, Esq.
James Scarmozzino, Esq.
PJ Scheiner, Esq.
Bruce Scheiner, Esq.
Lowell Schoenfeld, Esq.
Kristie Scott, Esq.
Alessandro Secino, Esq.
Danielle Seitz, Esq.
Carol Sellers, Esq.
Samuel Sendrow, Esq.
Spencer Shaw, Esq.
Brendan Shearman, Esq.
Robert Shearman, Esq.
Thomas Shepard, Esq.
Melissa Sherman, Esq.
Gus Simmons, Esq.
Deans Sisk, Esq.
Alexis Sitka, Esq.
Joeie Skelly, Esq.
Ellen Smith, Esq.
Sawyer Smith, Esq.
J. Tom Smoot III, Esq.
John Spear, Esq.
Tricia Spivey, Esq.
Randall Spivey, Esq.
Vicki Sproat, Esq.
Dan Stengle, Esq.
William Stockman, Esq.
Bruce Strayhorn, Esq.
Megan Strayhorn, Esq.
Janet Strickland, Esq.
Brian Sutter, Esq.
Corbin Sutter, Esq.
Britton Swank, Esq.
Carolann Swanson, Esq.
Richard Swift, Esq.
Doug Szabo, Esq.
Dr. Frank Talty, Esq.
Dr. Patty Talty, Esq.
Madison Tanner, Esq.
T. Rankin Terry, Esq.
Michael Tew, Esq.
Colten Thomas, Esq.
Justin Thomas, Esq.
S. Thomas Ullman, Esq.
Aisha Cruz Tirado, Esq.
Vincent Tolisano, Esq.
Matthew Toll, Esq.
Greg Toomey, Esq.
Michael Traficante, Esq.
Thedore Tripp, Esq.
Curtight Truitt, Esq.
Kaylee Tuck, Esq.
Denise Molina-Vel, Esq.
Michael Versnik, Esq.
Barbara Walsh, Esq.
Robert White, Esq.
Michael Whitt, Esq.
Charles Whittington, Esq.
Mark Yeslow, Esq.
Benjamin Yormack, Esq.
IN THE NEWS
GOVERNOR APPOINTS NEW JUDGES
The Honorable Amanda Levy-Reis of Bonita Springs fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Joseph Fuller. With a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, Levy-Reis began her legal career as a pro se staff attorney for the Federal Judiciary in 2006. After more than 11 years with the Federal Judiciary, she transitioned to private practice, and from August 2018 to November 2020, she also served as a civil traffic infraction hearing officer for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. After leaving private practice, from 2020 to 2023, she served as a judicial law clerk for the United States District Court. In 2023, she began her most recent role as an attorney for Florida Rural Legal Services.
The Honorable James Stewart of Naples fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge James Sloan. After receiving his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 2007, he served as assistant state attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit for more than 17 years. In 2022, Judge Stewart became deputy chief assistant state attorney leading the Collier County Office where he trained, managed and mentored other prosecutors. Judge Stewart has served as a director on the boards of both the Collier County Bar Association and the Collier County Bar Foundation. Also, he was previously a member of the Michael R.N. McDonnell Chapter of the American Inns of Court. He also served as a vice chair of the Florida Bar’s Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, and in 2023 was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve on the Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases. He is currently a member of the Florida Bar’s Constitutional Judiciary Committee.
LEE COUNTY JUDGE ATTENDS US SUPREME COURT EVENT
The Honorable Judge Michael McHugh was invited to a program, reception and dinner at the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week. In attendance were five of the current Supreme Court justices and a retired justice who also participated. The event was for the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), an international organization of young chief executives. Judge McHugh had a group discussion on a recently decided U.S. Supreme Court case.
NORTH LAW FIRM, P.A. NAMES NEW PARTNER
The North Law Firm, P.A. is pleased to announce that Joseph North Jr. has earned the position of partner at the law firm. Since joining the law firm, he has worked diligently and tirelessly to obtain justice for the firm’s clients, and his hard work has resulted in numerous large trial verdicts and settlements on behalf of the firm’s clients.
ATTORNEYS FEATURED AT FAMILY LAW CLE
Christina (“Christy”) O’Brien and Kayla Richmond of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. were featured speakers at the family law seminar hosted by the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Subcommittee on Friday, April 4, at the Lee County Justice Center in downtown Fort Myers.
O’Brien and Richmond led the session on “Evidence,” sharing practical insight and legal guidance for attorneys navigating evidentiary issues in family law cases. The complimentary, half-day seminar was open to all attorneys, whether new to family law or experienced practitioners looking to refine their skills. The conference offered sessions on form review and appellate practice, and it included a judicial panel featuring members of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. O’Brien is chair of the firm’s Divorce, Marital, and Family Law Department, and Richmond is a Florida Bar Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney.
NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS HONORS ATTORNEYS
The National Trial Lawyers has named Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith Managing Partner Christopher J. Smith to the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff” list and Partner Eve T.K. Volkmann to the “Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff” list.
Volkmann has been a member of The National Trial Lawyers since 2024, and Smith, who is Florida Board Certified in civil trial, has been a member of The National Trial Lawyers since 2023. He made the Top 100 list for the first time in 2024.
The Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40 distinctions are bestowed upon a select group of attorneys who exhibit superior qualifications, exemplary trial results and exceptional leadership in the realms of criminal defense and/or civil plaintiff law. The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation based organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the legal profession. Comprising the top lawyers in each state, the organization provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and professional development within the legal community.
ATTORNEY SELECTED FOR FLORIDA BAR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Kathy Dupuy-Bruno, Esq., B.C.S., chief legal officer for the School District of Lee County, has been selected as a 2025-2026 Class XIII Fellow in the William Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy. She joins a group of attorneys from around the state of Florida who network, interact, collaborate and build relationships with state and national bar leaders to develop and enhance leadership skills that are important in the legal profession.
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Shelley R. PERRY, JD
Linda O. FLORES , CDP
TO OUR LCBA SPONSORS
Want to see your firm or business on this list? Contact Lauren Baugh at LBaugh@LeeBar.org or (239) 334-0047.
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DONOR LISTING
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS MISSION
Thank You, Mental Health and Wellness Mission Sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSOR - $10,000
SILVER SPONSORS - $2,000
Holly Cosby, Esq. | Honorable Kathy Smith
BRONZE SPONSORS - $1,000
Robert Bowen, Esq. | Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
Holly Cosby, Esq. | Joseph North, Esq.
PEARL SPONSORS - $350
Honorable Kathy Smith | Karla Campos-Andersen, Esq. Judge Joseph Foster | Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.
INDIVIDUAL MHWM CONTRIBUTORS
Michael Corso, Esq. | T. Rankin Terry, Esq. | Steven Spence, Esq.
Shelly Finman, Esq. | William Stockman, Esq.
Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law
Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., strictly limits its practice to representing people and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which has allowed the firm to develop specialized skills and experience in this area.
Additionally, Randall L. Spivey, the firm's president and founder, has achieved Board Certification by the Florida Bar in civil trial law, an honor that only 1% of the lawyers in Florida have achieved. He has an AV Preeminent Attorney Rating from Martindale Hubbell and was named by Florida Super Lawyers magazine to the Super Lawyers Top List.
Mr. Spivey personally believes in his clients and their cases and devotes himself to developing cases with the utmost passion and commitment. He has spent 30 years as a Florida attorney developing the team at Spivey Law Firm and utilizing his experience to build the strongest cases for his clients.
Randall Spivey personally guides his team of attorneys, legal professionals, and experts and utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality of representation. He personally manages and makes all strategic decisions on every case in the firm.
Most importantly, Randall Spivey personally stands behind every client and has dedicated his career to helping victims and their families who have suffered injuries, death and other losses because of another person’s actions. He truly cares about each client and devotes himself to making sure each client gets the best representation.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
Truck Accidents
Slip-and-fall Accidents
Premises Liability
Defective Products
Car Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bike Accidents/Pedestrian Accidents
Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse
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