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YMCA of the Palm Beaches Announces $1.25M Funding from State of Florida in Support of New Community Facility at Lake Lytal Park
Earlier this year the YMCA of the Palm Beaches announced a $46 million capital project, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation department, that will relocate and dramatically expand its flagship branch. The Florida State Legislature has approved a $1.25 million appropriation for construction costs associated with the Y’s future community center, scheduled to break ground later this year. The grant was sponsored locally by State Senator Bobby Powell and State Representative Michael
Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office Awarded for Finance Excellence
West Palm Beach, Fla. – Constitutional Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon is pleased to announce the office’s Finance & Budget Department has received state honors from the Florida Tax Collector’s Association (FTCA) at its conference last month. The agency was awarded the 2023 Legacy Award for Financial Operations and Certificate of Merit for Audit. The Legacy Award for Financial Operations recognizes the innovation and automation the Finance & Budget Department developed for a new process to regularly post
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Jones Foster Attorneys Named to 2023 ‘Top Lawyers’ List in Palm Beach Illustrated
Jones Foster, a private and commercial law firm with offices in Palm Beach, Florida, is proud to announce that several Palm Beach-based attorneys have been recognized in Palm Beach Media Group’s “Top Lawyers” 2023 list, which appears in the September issue of Palm Beach Illustrated. Jones Foster Chairman and Florida Bar Board Certified real estate attorney Larry B. Alexander has been named to the annual list for real estate law, a practice area he has been recognized for since 2018. Shareholder L. Benton
Jones Foster's Palm Beach Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition
Jones Foster, a private and commercial law firm with offices in Palm Beach, Florida, is proud to announce that several attorneys have again been named in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, including Larry B. Alexander, L. Benton “Ben” Alexander, Jr., John C. “Skip” Randolph, and Joanne M. O’Connor. The prestigious legal peer-review publication recognizes the top 6% of practicing lawyers in the nation and is the result of exhaustive peer-review surveys of leading lawyers about the professional
Shawmut Design and Construction Adds Julio Cruz as Project Executive in South Florida
As part of its aggressive growth plan to increase market share in large-scale projects and expand into new sectors, Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading $1.3 billion national construction management firm, has hired Julio Cruz as a project executive in South Florida. In his role, Cruz will leverage his 25 years of experience to lead large, ground-up projects and develop teams of experts to increase Shawmut’s market share of projects with substantial scope and complexity. Expansion in the region,
American Humane Provides Critical Tips to Keep Pets Safe in Summer Heat
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is issuing key tips to help keep your pets safe in the summer heat. Many parts of the United States are facing triple digit temperatures with no letup in sight. On August 8, an Excessive Heat Warning was issued in South Florida, as the heat index climbed to a near 115 degrees. The extreme heat and humidity significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, for both people and pets.“Severe heat is dangerous not just for humans,
YMCA of the Palm Beaches Appoints Matthew Komma as Director of Finance
The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has appointed Matthew Komma as its new Director of Finance, overseeing all aspects of the organizations’ financial operations, including its multi-million dollar capital campaign initiative for a new location, in partnership with Palm Beach County, at Lake Lytal Park. Komma joined the YMCA after seven years as Chief Financial Officer at the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency in West Palm Beach. Prior to that, he served as Manager of Operations at BioZone Scientific
YMCA of the Palm Beaches Announces the Addition of Two New Members to its Board of Directors
YMCA of the Palm Beaches has announced the addition of two members to its Board of Directors - Philip Cambo and Thomas P. Hunt. Both are active members of the community and supporters of the West Palm Beach-based nonprofit. As CEO of Massachusetts-based Northern Tree Service, Philip Cambo brings extensive leadership experience and business acumen to his new role. Cambo is actively involved in renewable energy projects in Massachusetts and real estate investments in Florida. He is a member of the World
Jones Foster Attorneys Appointed to Palm Beach County Bar Association Committees
Jones Foster litigation attorneys have received committee appointments and reappointments from the Palm Beach County Bar Association (PBCBA) to serve for the 2023-2024 term effective July 1. As members of PBCBA committees, the attorneys will further develop leadership skills and build and enhance relationships with fellow Bar members and the judiciary while meeting committee goals and contributing to the important work of the local bar. Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor was reappointed to serve as co-chair
Jones Foster Attorneys Named 2023 Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars
Jones Foster, a private and commercial law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, is proud to announce that nearly 50% of our shareholders and senior counsel have been selected for inclusion in the 2023 edition of Florida Super Lawyers, a prestigious and select list of no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state. Super Lawyers is a service that rates outstanding lawyers who are nominated from more than 70 practice areas. Candidates go through a rigorous and patented multiphase selection process involving
Shawmut Design and Construction Hires Alexis Leal as Head of Florida
As part of its aggressive growth plan to increase market share in large-scale projects and expand into new sectors, Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading $1.3 billion national construction management firm with offices in Palm Beach and Miami, has hired Alexis Leal as head of Florida. Expansion in South Florida, particularly Palm Beach and Miami, is a key driver in Shawmut’s ten-year strategic growth plan. As the market continues to experience rapid development, Shawmut is focused on leveraging its
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman Named President of ABOTA Palm Beach Chapter
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman has been inducted as President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Palm Beach Chapter at the Annual Judicial Recognition and Awards Ceremony held at the Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. Mr. Rothman, a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial attorney, has previously served as a Board Member, Vice President, and President-Elect of the local chapter. “I am honored to be the incoming president of the Palm Beach
Jones Foster Attorney Zachary M. Rothman Graduates from Florida Fellows Institute
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation and Private Wealth attorney Zachary M. Rothman has graduated from the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Class V. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a national organization of lawyers elected to membership by demonstrating the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence, and experience as trust and estate counselors. The Florida Fellows Institute was created by
Mark H. Dahlmeier Elected as Officer of Jones Foster
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Real Estate Shareholder Mark H. Dahlmeier has been elected as an officer of the Firm.“We congratulate Mark on his well-deserved promotion to Officer”, said Chairman Larry B. Alexander. “Mark began his career as an Associate at Jones Foster and has since built a highly successful real estate practice. He has distinguished himself through his ongoing commitment to legal excellence and dedication to his clients. Mark has earned the respect of his peers and we are proud
Jones Foster Adds to Litigation Practice Group with Attorney Spencer S. Keyser
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Spencer S. Keyser as an Associate in the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group based in West Palm Beach. “We are delighted that Spencer has joined the team. He is a skilled attorney who has distinguished himself in his field,” said Scott G. Hawkins, the Firm’s Vice Chair and Litigation Shareholder. “Our ongoing recruitment of talented young lawyers, along with our professional development and mentoring initiatives, positions the
Jones Foster Attorney Erica R. Haft Joins Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Committees
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that attorney Erica R. Haft has been named to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Business and Professionals Division Cabinet and the Working Women’s Task Force. Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is a non-profit organization based in West Palm Beach. Its many programs and extensive calendar of events are supported by the generosity, leadership, and volunteerism of community members. In collaboration with a network of partners, the organization addresses
Estate Planning Considerations for Cryptocurrency Investors
William G. Smith, LL.M. and Brittany E. Cobb, LL.M. Despite its volatile market, cryptocurrency investors are lured by its accessibility, skyrocketing gains, purchasing autonomy and anonymity, and the lack of governmental oversight. Particularly, the purchasing anonymity and lack of governmental oversight has led to major consequences for investors and their heirs and beneficiaries. When an owner of cryptocurrency dies without taking the appropriate steps to ensure their virtual wealth is identified and
Successful Defense of Municipality in FLSA Overtime Dispute
Jeffrey Bernstein, Vincent Curcio, and John Angelone v. Town Of Jupiter, Case No. 9:21-cv-81215 (S.D. Fla.)Jones Foster attorneys across multiple practice groups combined their extensive knowledge and experience to successfully defend the Town of Jupiter in an attempted collective action lawsuit brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The team included Shareholder and Chair of the Firm’s Land Use & Governmental Practice
Get to Know Corporate & Tax Attorney Brittany E. Cobb
Brittany Cobb is a member of Jones Foster's Corporate & Tax and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estate practice groups. With an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and experience working for a national tax and business consultancy, Brittany advises clients on legal matters including corporate and individual tax planning. We sat down with Brittany to discuss her background and her practice here at Jones Foster. How do you describe your practice?The simplest explanation is that
Jones Foster Adds Attorneys to Litigation and Real Estate Practice Groups
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the addition of two attorneys, Hanna B. Rubin and John J. Campo. Hanna Rubin has joined the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group and will be based in the West Palm Beach office and John Campo has joined the Real Estate practice group and will work out of both the West Palm Beach and Palm Beach offices.“Hanna and John are talented attorneys, and we are pleased to have them rejoin the Firm following their participation in our Summer Associate Program last
Jones Foster Attorney Brittany E. Cobb Joins the Armory Arts Center Advisory Board
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that attorney Brittany E. Cobb has joined the Advisory Board of the Armory Art Center. The Armory Art Center offers art classes to thousands of emerging artists of all ages and cultures, hosts workshops taught by national and international visiting master artists, provides summer art camp for thousands of young people, and has developed arts enrichment and arts for healing programs that serve teens, young adults, and veterans. Enhancing artistic life in the Palm
Jones Foster Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor Named Chair, Florida Bar Business Litigation Certification Committee
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor has been appointed Chair of The Florida Bar’s Business Litigation Certification Committee for a 3-year term. She previously served as a member of the Committee. The Business Litigation Certification Committee oversees the certification of qualifying applicants practicing in the business litigation area of law. Candidates must meet rigorous requirements including a written examination and peer review to ensure they possess
Jones Foster’s Community Involvement Program Raises Funds for Local Nonprofit Loggerhead
Jones Foster raised funds for a local nonprofit, Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), as the result of its first annual “JF Impact Week”, a component of its community involvement program, Jones Foster Impact. LMC in Juno Beach was chosen by employees as the recipient of this year’s week-long fundraising efforts. The agenda of activities and events included raffles, contests, games, and a food truck, all designed to generate awareness and support for the organization while offering employees the
Jones Foster Appoints Shareholder Roberto M. Vargas to Vice Chair, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder Roberto M. Vargas has been named Vice Chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. Rob will work closely with Litigation Practice Group Leader, Robert W. Wilkins, providing leadership to the expanding litigation team as well as establishing priorities, strategy, and fostering further growth. “Our litigation department offers a wide array of services and specialties and we believe that the decades of experience and proven
Jones Foster Shareholder Peter A. Sachs Elected to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation Board of Directors
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Shareholder Peter A. Sachs has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation for a 3-year term. Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, formerly Hospice of Palm Beach/Broward County Foundation and Hospice by the Sea Foundation, is the philanthropic arm of Trustbridge. The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the organization’s programs and services, including comfort care, charitable care, music therapy, pet therapy, adult and
South Florida Legal Guide 2021 Names Jones Foster Attorneys ''Top Lawyers''
Jones Foster is proud to announce that the South Florida Legal Guide 2021 has named several Shareholders to their annual “Top Lawyers” list. For more than 2 decades the South Florida Legal Guide has been a valuable resource, using peer nominations to determine the most well-regarded attorneys in the community, in addition to a review process that weighs factors such as board certifications, industry rankings, and distinguished records of achievement that attest to the attorney’s credentials. The
Jones Foster Adds Attorneys to Real Estate and Litigation Practice Groups
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the addition of two attorneys, Greg S. DeMeuse and Travis J. Foels. Greg DeMeuse has joined the Firm’s Real Estate practice group and is based out of the Palm Beach office, while Travis Foels has joined the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group in the West Palm Beach office. “Greg and Travis are talented young attorneys who add to our capabilities in key areas where we continue to see an increased need and anticipate long-term growth,” said Chairman
Jones Foster Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor, Featured Speaker at The Florida Bar CLE Webinar
Litigation Shareholder Joanne O’Connor was one of several distinguished speakers at The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyer’s Section continuing legal education (CLE) webinar titled “Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review 2021.” Joanne, a Board Certified Business Litigation Specialist and member of The Florida Bar’s Business Litigation Certification Committee, presented “Recent Developments in Business Litigation”, and discussed a variety of topics including the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade
Jones Foster Shareholder Robert W. Wilkins Serves as Panelist at Palm Beach County Bar Association Virtual Seminar
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Robert W. Wilkins served as a panelist at the Palm Beach County Bar Association (PBCBA) virtual seminar titled "ADR Now - What the Covid Are We Doing?” The seminar, presented by the organization’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Business Litigation Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committees, was comprised of several presentations by legal practitioners and industry professionals. Rob, the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group Leader, was
Successful Defense of Developer's Claim for Specific Performance Regarding Purchase of Property
M & M Realty Partners, LLC v. Mazzoni in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Jones Foster Litigation Shareholders Roberto M. Vargas and James C. Gavigan, Jr. successfully represented a Palm Beach County landowner in a lawsuit and subsequent court appeal brought by a developer seeking to compel specific performance regarding the purchase of an undeveloped 5-acre commercial parcel in Boynton Beach. A purchase agreement was entered into between the landowner (seller) and developer
Joanne M. O’Connor Elected as a Jones Foster Officer
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder, Joanne M. O’Connor, has been elected as an Officer of the Firm. “We congratulate Joanne on her well-deserved elevation to Officer”, said Chairman Larry B. Alexander. “Joanne began her career as an Associate at Jones Foster and has built a highly successful practice through her exceptional talent, leadership ability, and dedication to her clients, earning the respect of her peers and the legal community.” Joanne is a Florida Bar Board
Successful Representation of The City of Delray Beach in City Manager Termination
George Gretsas vs. City of Delray Beach, Florida, Shelly Petrolia, Adam Frankel, Ryan Boyston, Shirley Johnson, and Julie Casale Delray Beach City Commissioners voted to suspend City Manager, George Gretsas, along with a preliminary notice to terminate for cause, pending an investigation into allegations of bullying several city employees. He was subsequently charged during a quasi-judicial proceeding with engaging in “a number of instances of misconduct” that warranted his firing. The City Manager filed
Jones Foster Serves as Proud Sponsor of Virtual Fundraiser for Local Legal Aid Society
Jones Foster is proud to have served as a sponsor of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s live virtual fundraiser in support of the organization’s work to provide equal access to our judicial system to qualified and low-income residents and non-profits in Palm Beach County. The event, Lawyers on the Front Lines: Caring for Palm Beach County During the COVID Crisis, was live-streamed on Facebook Live and YouTube and featured musical performances, videos, raffles, and an online
Jones Foster Shareholder David E. Bowers Discusses The SECURE Act and the Use of Trusts at ECEPC Virtual Luncheon
Shareholder David E. Bowers, head of Jones Foster’s Corporate & Tax and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates practice groups, was the featured speaker at the East Coast Estate Planning Council’s first virtual luncheon of the season. David’s CLE-accredited presentation entitled “Use of Trusts After SECURE” was tailored to the audience of estate and tax planning attorneys, CPAs, CFPs, and trust officers and highlighted key considerations and consequences of The SECURE Act. He offered insight into required
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman Appointed to Prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates Board of Directors
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman has been named to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Palm Beach chapter Board of Directors, effective January 2021. “It will be an honor to serve the local chapter as a Board Member alongside some of the most accomplished lawyers in Palm Beach County. I look forward to actively supporting the important work of ABOTA.” In addition to Steve’s Board of Directors role, he currently serves on the Remote Jury Trials
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Sidney A. Stubbs Receives ‘Distinguished Leader’ Award from Daily Business Review
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder and Former Chairman, Sid Stubbs, has been named a 2020 Distinguished Leader honoree by the Daily Business Review. The Daily Business Review’s annual Professional Excellence Awards recognizes exemplary members of the South Florida legal community in various areas of the law and relies upon extensive industry research to make its selections. An esteemed litigator and revered leader in the legal field, Mr. Stubbs has focused his practice in the
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Getting Comfortable with Electronic Signings
Enforceability of E-Signatures, E-Notarization and E-Witnesses in Florida Transactions By L. Benton Alexander, Jr. and Laura D. MaxwellThe current pandemic has made obtaining original signatures and having documents witnessed and notarized difficult, if not impossible at times. This has particularly affected real estate transactions in Florida, where, like other states, certain documents must be witnessed and notarized to be recorded. Consequently, many are asking whether documents can be signed,
Jones Foster Expands Practice Groups with Two Attorneys
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the addition of two new attorneys, Laura D. Maxwell and Brittany E. Cobb, to the Firm’s West Palm Beach office. Laura Maxwell has joined the Real Estate practice group, while Brittany Cobb has joined the Firm’s Corporate & Tax and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates practice groups. These hires denote the Firm’s resilience and commitment to its clients during a time of unprecedented adversity within the community and the nation. “Our continued emphasis on recruitment of
David E. Bowers, Featured Guest on Hall of Champions Florida Bar Tax Section Podcast
David E. Bowers, Corporate & Tax Practice Group Leader, was a featured guest on The Florida Bar Tax Section’s Hall of Champions Interview Series podcast. The purpose of the interview series is to “record and preserve the wisdom of lawyers like David who have meant so much to the development of tax law and policy in the State of Florida”, offering Tax Section members the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. In the hour-long interview, David discusses his distinguished legal career and why the
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman Joins Prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder, Steven Rothman, has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Membership in ABOTA is by invitation-only and is considered to be one of the most prestigious affiliations for trial attorneys. All members must meet a list of professional requirements as well as extol the virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism. The local Palm Beach Chapter of ABOTA is comprised of only 107 select members of the legal
Jones Foster Launches New Community Program
Jones Foster Impact, a firmwide community program, was announced this week by the Board of Directors. Jones Foster Impact will offer all employees a platform to collaborate, engage, and collectively impact the community through efforts designed to support local charitable organizations. Board Member and Litigation Shareholder, Theo Kypreos, expects that many positive outcomes will result from this initiative. “I am personally very excited about Jones Foster Impact. For almost a century, our Firm and
John C. Randolph Receives Proclamation from the Mayor of the Town of Palm Beach
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Land Use and Governmental Shareholder, John “Skip” Randolph, has received a Proclamation of the Mayor of the Town of Palm Beach, Gail Coniglio, in appreciation of his 40 years of service to the Town of Palm Beach. Mayor Coniglio proclaimed the date of December 11, 2019, a day of gratitude for his outstanding commitment to the community.Mr. Randolph began his service to the Town of Palm Beach on September 19, 1979, and during his tenure as Town Attorney, he
Upcoming Music & Memories: Palm Beach County Book to Include Foreword by Philanthropist and Arts Patron, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr.
Photo: (L-R) Don McClintock, Brenda Star, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr.West Palm Beach, November 11, 2019 – West Palm Beach-based philanthropist and Arts patron, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr., will contribute his thoughts on the significance of music and its impact on the community, in an upcoming coffee table book being produced by StarGroup Books, entitled, Music & Memories: Palm Beach County. Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. is one of the most prominent and notable patrons of the Arts in Palm Beach County. In
