1 week ago
Ethics reform was one of the highest priorities on the legislative agenda this year in Tallahassee. The bill that eventually became law makes rather significant changes to Florida’s ethics statute (Chapter 112.313) and several changes will impact local elected officials.
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Categories: Local Government, Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Tags: Municipal Government, Ethics, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Florida Legislature, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Robert Meyers
Author(s): Robert Meyers
4 months ago
On January 10, WSH obtained a trial victory for the City of Miramar in a lawsuit brought by Wheelabrator/Waste Management. The lawsuit challenged the award by the City of a contract for solid waste disposal. The contract was the result of the first competitive process in Broward County for solid waste disposal in more than twenty years, and broke the monopoly that Wheelabrator has held during that time period. The Court ruled that the City's procurement process was fair and proper, including the use of a "best and final offer" procedure. WSH Partner Daniel L. Abbott and Managing Director Jamie A. Cole litigated the case over 5 days, with substantial pre-trial assistance from Partner Douglas R. Gonzales and Associates Anthony C. Soroka and Samuel I. Zeskind.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Contracts
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Daniel L. Abbott, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Douglas R. Gonzales, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Anthony C. Soroka, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Samuel I. Zeskind, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyers, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Lawyers, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Jamie A. Cole
4 months ago
Municipal market participants are breathing a sigh of relief that the recent fiscal cliff agreement did not include any changes to the tax-exempt status of interest on municipal bonds.
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Categories: Local Government
Tags: Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Jeffrey DeCarlo, Chad S. Friedman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Bonds, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Private Transactions Attorneys, Miami Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Public Finance, Municipal Bonds
Author(s): Jeffrey DeCarlo
5 months ago
In an opinion issued on Thursday, December 13, 2012, the Florida Supreme Court declared Section 316.3045, Florida Statutes (2007), to be invalid. The law prohibits motorist from playing music or amplified sound at a volume that is “plainly audible” to someone 25 feet away.
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Categories: Litigation, Local Government, Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida Supreme Court, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, Laura K. Wendell, James E. White, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Litigators, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): James E. White
6 months ago
Last week, WSH Founding Member Joseph H. Serota and Partner Matthew H. Mandel achieved a significant victory for the City of Homestead in a high-profile case brought by a former city employee. Circuit Court Judge Jorge E. Cueto dismissed former city administrator Johanna Faddis’ lawsuit against the city and its elected officials finding that Faddis lied under oath multiple times and thereby forfeited her right to seek relief from the court.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Litigation, Torts
Tags: Public Employees, Public Employers, Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Jamie A. Cole, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Florida Employment Attorneys, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Matthew H. Mandel & Brooke P. Dolara
6 months ago
On November 15, the Florida Supreme Court (the “Court”) unanimously ruled in Keck v. Eminisor, 2012 WL 5516053 (Fla. Nov. 15, 2012) that public employees do not have to wait until lawsuits are resolved to appeal non-final orders denying summary judgment based on claims of sovereign immunity.
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Categories: Litigation, Appellate Law & Practice, Torts
Tags: Public Employees, Public Employers, Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Jamie A. Cole, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Laura K. Wendell, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
6 months ago
On November 14, the Fourth District Court of Appeal issued a per curiam affirmance of the trial victory obtained by WSH Partner Daniel L. Abbott in a long-lasting battle between a homeowner and the Town of Manalapan over a zoning issue.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Litigation, Local Government
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Rule Enforcement, Daniel L. Abbott, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys
Author(s): Daniel L. Abbott
8 months ago
WSH Member Susan L. Trevarthen will be speaking at an upcoming live seminar entitled “Digital Signs and Billboards: Crafting and Enforcing Local Regulations.” The seminar will be conducted via phone and the web on Thursday, September 27 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm EST. Affiliates with WSH are eligible to attend the seminar at 50% off. For more information or to register at half price, please call 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10 (mention code: ZDFCT).
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Government Affairs, Local Government
Tags: Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, First Amendment, Electronic Signs
8 months ago
The Fourth District Court of Appeal recently released a decision that provides municipalities and law enforcement with significant firepower against public records requests for information obtained in criminal investigations. In Harvard v. Village of Palm Springs, 11-1192, the issue was whether the Village of Palm Springs (the "Village") properly withheld law enforcement records, including a juvenile offense report and copy of a videotaped interview. The Fourth District sided with the Village, holding that the release was discretionary under 985.04(3) and that the investigation fell within one of the exemptions set forth in 119.071(2)(h)(1)a-c.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government
Tags: Public Records, Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators
Author(s): John J. Quick & Brooke P. Dolara
10 months ago
The Eleventh Circuit recently upheld a Spaulding County, Georgia ordinance banning nude dancing in places where alcohol is sold. In holding for the County, the Court also upheld the Order of Summary Judgment by the District Court Jack Camp, a judge who was all-too familiar with the subject matter of after-hours entertainment.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Federal Law, Federal Courts
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Susan L. Trevarthen, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
10 months ago
On Tuesday, former Broward Teachers’ Union (“BTU”) President Pat Santeramo surrendered to authorities after he was charged with racketeering, grand theft, campaign contribution violations and money laundering. The arrest warrant alleges that Mr. Santeramo charged union credit cards for personal expenses, fraudulently obtained compensation for sick and vacation leave that he was not entitled to, and orchestrated an illegal campaign contribution scheme under which BTU members would be reimbursed with union funds after writing checks to political candidates. Mr. Santeramo is also charged with receiving numerous kickbacks from South Florida vendors while billing the union for the incurred expenses.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Government Affairs, Local Government, Criminal Law
Tags: Public Employees, Public Employers, Municipal Government, Ethics, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Alan L. Gabriel, Brett J. Schneider, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Labor Law Attorneys, Miami Labor Law Attorneys, South Florida Labor Law Attorneys, Florida Employment Attorneys, Florida Labor Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, South Florida Employment Lawyers
Author(s): Michael S. Popok & Brooke P. Dolara
10 months ago
WSH was recently retained by the Miami-Dade School Board to take the lead in a difficult, ongoing appeal before the Third District Court of Appeal of a decision by the State Board of Education. The ruling had overturned the School Board’s politically sensitive decision to terminate the charter of an existing charter school, which the School Board had determined was performing poorly and jeopardizing the students’ education. After the School Board’s decision to revoke the charter, the school appealed the decision to the State Board of Education in Tallahassee. Despite a recommendation from the Charter School Appeal Commission favorable to the School Board, the State Board of Education rejected the recommendation and upheld the school’s appeal, directing the School Board to reinstate the school’s charter.
The School Board appealed the decision to the Third District Court of Appeal, and WSH, led by Appellate Practice Group Chair Edward G. Guedes, stepped in to complete the briefing for the School Board and handle the oral argument. In The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida v. Rise Academy of South Dade Charter School, The Third District reversed the State Board’s decision, finding that the decision was erroneous under “any standard of review,” and remanded the matter to the State Board with directions to deny the charter school’s appeal, thus upholding the School Board’s original decision.
To read a copy of the Opinion, please click here.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Appellate Law & Practice, Federal Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, Laura K. Wendell, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Edward G. Guedes
11 months ago
In 2011, the city of Baltimore and the New Britain Firefighters' Benefit Fund sued more than a dozen major U.S. banks, alleging that the banks engaged in antitrust violations that resulted in injured investment returns for the plaintiffs. Specifically, the plaintiffs allege that the banks manipulated the Libor, a key metric that sets interest rates using data computed daily from domestic and international banks. The plaintiffs claim that by "suppressing" the Libor, the banks concealed their level of risk during the financial crisis. The allegations of wrongdoing carry serious weight: last week, the British banking behemoth Barclays Plc agreed to pay U.S. and British regulators $455 million in fines for manipulating the Libor.
The case is being litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Most recently, the banks filed a Motion to Dismiss , arguing that the evidence does not support the existence of a conspiracy to manipulate rates.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Federal Courts
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Michael S. Popok
11 months ago
On June 12, Judge Ungaro of the Federal Southern District of Florida, granted the City of North Bay Village's motion for summary judgment seeking the dismissal on standing grounds of a First Amendment challenge to the City's Land Use Code. Applicant Isle of Dreams, Inc., which has indicated that it would like to operate an adult-use nightclub, filed its suit without first applying for and obtaining a decision on a site plan application. Without that, the Court ruled, Isle of Dreams had no standing to raise any constitutional challenges to the City's Land Use Code. Congratulations to WSH litigators Edward G. Guedes, Matthew H. Mandel and Michael S. Popok, and land use attorneys' Stephen J. Helfman, Susan L. Trevarthen and City Attorney Nina L. Boniske on the victory.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Land Use & Zoning (Private), Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Nina L. Boniske, Jamie A. Cole, Edward G. Guedes, Stephen J. Helfman, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Susan L. Trevarthen, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Litigators, First Amendment, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Michael S. Popok
12 months ago
Each year, the South Florida Business Journal lists the area’s most reputable firms and noteworthy attorneys in its Book of Law. We are thrilled to announce that the South Florida Business Journal selected three WSH attorneys as "Leading Lawyers" in its 2012 Book of Law. Members Mitchell J. Burnstein, Michael S. Popok and Jamie Alan Cole all have extensive litigation experience and hold top management positions at our firm.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Awards & Recognitions, Eminent Domain
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell J. Burnstein, Jamie A. Cole, Michael S. Popok, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyers, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Lawyers, South Florida Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Private Transactions Attorneys, Miami Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Fort Lauderdale Eminent Domain Attorneys, Miami Eminent Domain Attorneys, Sourth Florida Eminent Domain Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Eminent Domain Attorney
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
12 months ago
We are thrilled to report that several WSH attorneys were recently selected as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars by Super Lawyers magazine.
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Categories: Litigation, Condominium Associations, Government Affairs, Local Government, Homeowners' Associations, Appellate Law & Practice, Federal Law, Awards & Recognitions, Land Use & Zoning (Private), Federal Courts, Construction Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Gary L. Brown, Jamie A. Cole, Joshua D. Krut, Matthew J. Pearl, Michael S. Popok, Anthony L. Recio, Richard Jay Weiss, Samuel I. Zeskind, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyers, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Miami Aviation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Condominium Association Attorneys, Miami Condominium Association Attorneys, South Florida Condominium Association Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Airport Law, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Lawyers, South Florida Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Private Transactions Attorneys, Miami Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Eminent Domain Attorneys, Miami Eminent Domain Attorneys, Sourth Florida Eminent Domain Attorneys, Scope of the Project Rule, Fort Lauderdale Homeowners' Association Attorneys, Miami Homeowners' Association Attorneys, South Florida Homeowners' Association Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Attorneys, Miami Bankruptcy Attorneys, South Florida Bankruptcy Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys , South Florida Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Labor Law Attorneys, Miami Labor Law Attorneys, South Florida Labor Law Attorneys, Adrian J. Alvarez, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Florida Community Association Law, Florida Condo Association Law, Florida Employment Attorneys, Florida Environmental Law, Florida Labor Lawyers, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Construction Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Tax Attorney, Miami Construction Lawyer, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Eminent Domain Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Labor Lawyer, Miami Litigation Attorney, Miami Real Estate Lawyer, South Florida Employment Lawyers
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
John M. DeGrove, the father of growth management in Florida and many other states, recently passed away at age 87. As one of the hundreds of planners, policymakers and attorneys around the state who got their start working with Dr. DeGrove, I can attest that the state and the planning profession have suffered a great loss. A political scientist by training, he was a planner by choice. While he held high ideals, he was a pragmatist, and more than willing to work across party lines and find consensus on solutions to protect and improve the quality of life in Florida. While we can look back from this point and regret what may not have worked as intended, in large part because it was never funded properly by the Florida Legislature, we must not lose sight of what was accomplished under the 1985 Growth Management Act. The state has chosen to move on from Dr. DeGrove’s brand of growth management, but it will always benefit from the many poor decisions averted and wise decisions nurtured under the policies he fathered.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Awards & Recognitions, Land Use & Zoning (Private)
Tags: Florida Growth Management Act, Community Planning Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Susan L. Trevarthen
Author(s): Susan L. Trevarthen
1 year ago
On Tuesday, Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously voted to lift the County moratorium on city incorporations.
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Categories: Local Government
Tags: Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida League of Cities, Florida City Government Week, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
Michael and Chantell Sackett were the victims of EPA’s “strong arming” according to Justice Scalia’s scathing opinion in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, 566 U.S._______ (2012)(Supreme Court Case No. 10-162). All the Sacketts wanted to do was build a home near, but not adjacent, to a lake. Their 2/3 acre lot is located in Bonner County, Idaho, and others had already built structures closer to the lake. Having received their local building approval, they began to fill part of their lot with dirt and rock. Then the EPA hammer descended.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Litigation, Government Affairs, Appellate Law & Practice, Federal Law, Land Use & Zoning (Private), Federal Courts, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Clifford A. Schulman, Joseph H. Serota, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys , South Florida Litigators, United States Congress, United States Senate, Florida Environmental Law, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys
Author(s): Clifford A. Schulman
1 year ago
WSH Member Susan L. Trevarthen will be speaking at the American Planning Association's 2012 National Planning Conference. In "Bridging the Attorney-Planner Gap," Susan will join Kimberley Mickelson and Edward J. Koconis to discuss effective working relationships between attorneys and planners. The conference will be held in Los Angeles from April 14-17.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Government Affairs, Local Government, Awards & Recognitions
Tags: Florida Growth Management Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Urban Development Boundary
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
Associate Estrellita S. Sibila will be speaking at the Smart Planning for a Green Future 2012 Virtual Conference & Expo taking place on April 4 – 6, 2012. On April 5, 2012, Estrellita will speaking as part of a six member panel of state and national environmental leaders offering discussions and insights on Smart Planning for a Green Future. The program is hosted by the Future Is Now Foundation and 1000 Friends of Florida (@floridafriends) and will showcase timely topics on energy and environment including clean energy needs and options, green infrastructure, economic development and Florida jobs.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Land Use & Zoning (Private)
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Gilberto Pastoriza, Clifford A. Schulman, Estrellita S. Sibila, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys , Urban Development Boundary, Florida Environmental Law
Author(s): Estrellita S. Sibila
1 year ago
On March 22, Founding Member Richard Jay Weiss will be speaking at the Good Government Initiative as part of a four member panel discussing “The Tension over Pensions: Good Public Policy or Obsolete Extravagance?” The Good Government Initiative is a program that provides early-career elected and appointed officials with leadership training and community conversations with the public to consider issues important to governance in the community. The Good Government Initiative was founded by former Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson, who will serve as the moderator for the upcoming panel.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Contracts
Tags: Public Employees, Employment Agreements, Public Employers, Collective Bargaining, Sunshine Law, Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Ethics, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Brett J. Schneider, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Unemployment Compensation, Employee Misconduct, National Labor Relations Board, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Labor Law Attorneys, Miami Labor Law Attorneys, South Florida Labor Law Attorneys, Florida Employment Attorneys, Florida Labor Lawyers, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Labor Lawyer, Miami Litigation Attorney, South Florida Employment Lawyers
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
In a long awaited opinion, Judge Jackie Fulford issued a decision on March 6, 2012, in which shedeclared unconstitutional a requirement that government employees in Florida contribute 3% of their earnings to a state retirement fund (i.e., the Florida Retirement System). Judge Fulford wrote in her opinion that the Legislature committed “an unconstitutional impairment of plaintiff’s contract with the State of Florida, an unconstitutional taking of private property without full compensation, and an abridgement of the rights of public employees to collectively bargain over conditions of employment.” This ruling could cost the state more than $1 billion a year. The ruling does not impact the 3% contribution to the state retirement fund from employees hired after July 1, 2011, when the law went into place.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Litigation, Constitutional Law, Contracts
Tags: Public Employees, Public Employers, Collective Bargaining, Governmental Litigation, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida Supreme Court, Jamie A. Cole, Raquel Elejabarrieta, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Brett J. Schneider, Joseph H. Serota, Florida Legislature, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Labor Law Attorneys, Miami Labor Law Attorneys, South Florida Labor Law Attorneys, Florida Employment Attorneys, Florida Labor Lawyers, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Labor Lawyer, Miami Litigation Attorney, South Florida Employment Lawyers
Author(s): Brett J. Schneider & Raquel Elejabarrieta
1 year ago
On February 22, WSH Partners Matthew H. Mandel, Jamie A. Cole and Laura K. Wendell obtained a favorable en banc decision on behalf of the City of Boca Raton in a wrongful death action from the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The issue in the appeal was whether the police, after releasing an impaired person from their custody, owed a duty of care to that person. Holding that the police did not owe a duty of care, the entire panel of judges from Court reversed an earlier decision by 3 of its judges and affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the plaintiff’s complaint.
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Categories: Litigation, Local Government, Torts
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Vicarious Liability, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, Laura K. Wendell, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney, Negligence
Author(s): Matthew H. Mandel & Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
On February 23 at 5:00 p.m., WSH associate Estrellita S. Sibila will be speaking on the popular “Fried on Business” radio show. Estrellita will join Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida and the University of Miami U-Health Program to discuss developments in business in a segment entitled “Business Information for the Business Person from Business People.”
You can listen to “Fried on Business” on 880 the Biz on your A.M. radio dial.
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Categories: Awards & Recognitions
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Estrellita S. Sibila, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyers, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Lawyers, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
On January 24, 2012, Administrative Law Judge David Maloney issued a recommended order finding the Farmton Local Plan (FLP) incorporated into the Volusia County Comprehensive Plan as “in compliance” with the Community Planning Act.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Government Affairs, Local Government, Land Use & Zoning (Private), Administrative Law
Tags: Florida Growth Management Act, Community Planning Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Gilberto Pastoriza, Clifford A. Schulman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, James E. White, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys
Author(s): James E. White
1 year ago
Last week, WSH obtained a significant arbitration victory for the Town of Golden Beach in a case involving a former police officer who was terminated for sleeping on the job.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Government Affairs, Local Government, Contracts, Alternative Dispute Resolution
Tags: Public Employees, Employment Agreements, Public Employers, Collective Bargaining, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Brett J. Schneider, Alison F. Smith, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Labor Law Attorneys, Miami Labor Law Attorneys, South Florida Labor Law Attorneys, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Florida Employment Attorneys, Florida Labor Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Employment Attorney, Miami Labor Lawyer, South Florida Employment Lawyers
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
Judge Barbara Areces of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court for Miami-Dade County entered a declaratory ruling today that the lease between the City of Miami and Miami Art Museum of Dade County Association, Inc. to construct a world-class art museum near downtown Miami complies with the City’s Charter. Judge Areces rejected efforts by Miami Neighborhoods United and a Miami resident to void the lease and prevent the project.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Real Estate
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jonathan Cohen, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Eric P. Hockman, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Matthew H. Mandel, Miami Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Florida Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Eric P. Hockman
1 year ago
The Miami-Dade County Commission recently approved two applications that could move the Urban Development Boundary (“UDB") and allow more development on previously sacrosanct property.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Government Affairs, Local Government, Land Use & Zoning (Private)
Tags: Florida Growth Management Act, Community Planning Act, Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Gilberto Pastoriza, Clifford A. Schulman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys , Urban Development Boundary
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
The Securities and Exchange Commission subpoenaed Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami seeking information on any investigation and analysis they did prior to issuing millions of dollars in bonds to pay for the stadium and adjacent parking lots.
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Categories: Government Affairs, Local Government, Federal Law, Contracts
Tags: Sunshine Law, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jonathan Cohen, Jamie A. Cole, Ignacio G. Del Valle, Chad S. Friedman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Private Transactions Attorneys, Miami Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Commercial Real Estate Attorneys
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske, P.L. is currently in the Broward League of Cities’ Member Spotlight. The League is currently profiling our Firm on its website, citing our service as city attorney to several Broward municipalities. Firm Member Susan L. Trevarthen and Partner Matthew H. Mandel devote substantial time and energy to League Committees, while Managing Director Jamie A. Cole and Member David M. Wolpin provide counsel to the League on an ongoing basis. We are thrilled and humbled to be acknowledged on the League’s website.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Government Affairs, Local Government, Awards & Recognitions
Tags: Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida League of Cities, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
Today, in a much anticipated decision for local governments, the Third District Court of Appeal ruled that the City of Aventura’s red light camera program, operated pursuant to its police and code enforcement powers, was valid and enforceable, and was not preempted by the State’s Uniform Traffic Control Law set forth in Chapter 316, Florida Statutes.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Red Light Cameras, Rule Enforcement, Preemption, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, Laura K. Wendell, David M. Wolpin, Florida Legislature, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Litigators
Author(s): Michael S. Popok
1 year ago
On Wednesday, WSH litigators achieved a big win for the Village of Indian Creek in an emergency injunction trial before the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, Laura K. Wendell, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
1 year ago
This week, the Fourth DCA affirmed the jury verdict WSH obtained on behalf of the City of Boca Raton in a false arrest case. The Plaintiff, an attorney, claimed that the City’s police officers stormed his house and arrested him without provocation when the City responded to a 911 hangup call traced to the Plaintiff’s residence. After a 4 day trial in March 2010, the jury returned a full defense verdict in 15 minutes. The Plaintiff appealed, and the Fourth District affirmed without an opinion.
Congratulations go out to Matthew H. Mandel (who handled the trial) and to Laura K. Wendell (who handled the appeal)!
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Torts
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Jamie A. Cole, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
The Act continues to require local governments to discourage the proliferation of urban sprawl.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Government Affairs, Local Government, Land Use & Zoning (Private)
Tags: Community Planning Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Clifford A. Schulman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys
Author(s): Susan L. Trevarthen
2 years ago
The Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) as you have known it is dead. In its place is a requirement that local governments evaluate, every seven years, whether changes to the comprehensive plan are necessary to reflect changes in state law, and notify the state land planning agency of its determination. Instead of the detailed and prescriptive requirements that used to apply to EARs, local governments need only provide a simple letter indicating whether or not changes are necessary, as determined in the judgment of the local government.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Government Affairs, Local Government, Land Use & Zoning (Private)
Tags: Community Planning Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Gilberto Pastoriza, Clifford A. Schulman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys
Author(s): Susan L. Trevarthen
2 years ago
On November 2, City Commissioners in Hallandale Beach approved a settlement that would enable red camera violators cited by the City before July 2010 to each receive $20 refunds for issued citations.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Class Actions, Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Red Light Cameras, Rule Enforcement, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Litigators
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
This week, Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske, P.L. announced the addition of attorney Robert Meyers to our Municipal Government, Governmental Litigation and Special Counsel to Local Government Practice Areas. Robert will be Of Counsel to the firm, and will concentrate his practice on governmental ethics. Robert is the immediate past Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. During his thirteen year tenure as Director, he authored hundreds of ethical opinions tackling State, county and municipal ethics codes. Robert also assisted in the drafting of model ethics codes and amendments to existing ethics codes in Miami-Dade County and other local governments. Robert often publishes and lectures on topics of ethics and government leadership.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Government Affairs, Local Government, Awards & Recognitions
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Ethics, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida League of Cities, Florida City Government Week, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Brett J. Schneider, Gail D. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Employment Law Attorneys, Miami Employment Law Attorneys, South Florida Employment Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Labor Law Attorneys, Miami Labor Law Attorneys, South Florida Labor Law Attorneys, Robert Meyers
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
On October 27, the South Florida Business Journal held its 2011 Broward Ultimate CEO Awards to honor influential, innovative and successful business leaders throughout Broward County. This year, the Journal selected WSH Member Jamie Alan Cole as one of its distinguished honorees.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Awards & Recognitions
Tags: Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyers, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Attorneys, South Florida Business Dispute Litigation Lawyers, South Florida Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Private Transactions Attorneys, Miami Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
The Act removes the state mandate for local governments to enforce transportation concurrency, the regulatory requirement that roadway and other transportation facilities be in place concurrent with the impact of new development. If local governments continue to enforce transportation concurrency, as most local governments appear to be doing at this time, then the Act requires that local governments must continue to obey the state mandate to provide proportionate share mitigation options to applicants for new development approvals, and to follow the revised statutory rules for calculating such mitigation.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability, Government Affairs, Local Government, Land Use & Zoning (Private)
Tags: Community Planning Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Gilberto Pastoriza, Clifford A. Schulman, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys
Author(s): Susan L. Trevarthen
2 years ago
As in the film “Groundhog Day,” local governments woke up at the end of the 2011 Legislative Session to find that yet another set of permit extensions were provided directly by the state, preempting local control of the renewal and extension of building permits and development orders.
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Categories: Land Use & Zoning (Public), Environmental/Sustainability
Tags: Community Planning Act, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Preemption, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Clifford A. Schulman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Florida Legislature, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys
Author(s): Susan L. Trevarthen
2 years ago
As we discussed in our prior blog post, various local governments in South Florida are embracing Property Assessment Clean Energy (“PACE”) programs to make green-friendly improvements to existing properties. WSHPC&B associate Chad S. Friedman significantly contributed to the creation of Florida’s first PACE program, the Green Corridor, under which participating local governments provide financing to property owners making qualifying improvements (such as efficiency improvements) to their buildings. Recently, Chad shared his thoughts on the new PACE programs that local governments are embracing and the highly publicized legal battles PACE programs are fighting in federal courts. You can read a copy of the article here.
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Categories: Environmental/Sustainability, Government Affairs, Local Government, Federal Law, Awards & Recognitions, Federal Courts, Real Estate
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jonathan Cohen, Jamie A. Cole, Jeffrey DeCarlo, Ignacio G. Del Valle, Chad S. Friedman, Gilberto Pastoriza, Clifford A. Schulman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Florida Legislature, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Private Transactions Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale Private Transactions Attorneys, Miami Private Transactions Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law , Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Miami Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, South Florida Commercial Real Estate Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Environmental Law Attorneys, Miami Environmental Law Attorneys, South Florida Environmental Law Attorneys
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently vacated a decision of U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida which had upheld the City’s of St. Petersburg municipal ordinance authorizing certain City officials to issue trespass warnings. In vacating the lower court, the Eleventh Circuit held that the City’s trespass warning ordinance was unconstitutional.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Appellate Law & Practice, Federal Law, Federal Courts, Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Sara E. Aulisio, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Florida Constitution, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Appellate Law Attorneys, Miami Appellate Law Attorneys, South Florida Appellate Law Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, Fort Lauderdale Constitutional Law Attorneys, Miami Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Constitutional Law Attorneys, South Florida Litigators, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Author(s): Sara E. Aulisio
2 years ago
On November 1, Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske, P.L. will host a breakfast briefing open to all elected and appointed officials in Broward County to discuss the County’s newly passed Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics, which was passed unanimously by County Commissioners this past Tuesday, drastically changes the rules governing the activities of municipal officials. Officials are encouraged to attend our briefing, which will address the new regulations on:
The briefing will be held on November 1 from 8:30 -10:30 am. at the Sheraton Design Center on Griffin Road just east of 1-95. There is no cost to attend, and a complimentary breakfast will be served. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Lisa Werner at (954) 763-4242 or lwerner@wsh-law.com.
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Categories: Government Affairs, Local Government
Tags: Municipal Government, Ethics, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida League of Cities, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
Founding Member Richard Jay Weiss has been named the 2012 Miami Government Relations Practice Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers, the leading survey of lawyers worldwide.
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Categories: Government Affairs, Local Government, Awards & Recognitions
Tags: Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Awards & Recognitions, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Public Transactions Law, Fort Lauderdale Public Transactions Law, Miami Public Transactions Law
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
Yesteday, Judge Steven Liefman ruled that the current programs operated by South Florida cities do not violate equal protection and that they are not unconstitutional.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Red Light Cameras, Rule Enforcement, Jamie A. Cole, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Laura K. Wendell, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel
Author(s): Michael S. Popok
2 years ago
The Florida Public Employees Relations Commission ("PERC") issued a Final Order yesterday dismissing an International Union of Painters and Allied Trades' unfair labor practice charge against the City of Deerfield Beach. Brett J. Schneider and Raquel Elejabarrieta represented the City in the unfair labor practice proceeding before PERC.
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Categories: Labor and Employment, Local Government
Tags: Public Employees, Employment Agreements, Public Employers, Collective Bargaining, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Raquel Elejabarrieta, Brett J. Schneider
Author(s): Brett J. Schneider & Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
Edward G. Guedes, Susan L. Trevarthen and Jamie A. Cole teamed together to prepare and file an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Florida League of Cities at the Florida Supreme Court. The case pending before the Supreme Court – City of Palm Bay v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. – is one of the most important municipal law cases to come before the Court in the last decade.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Florida Supreme Court, Florida League of Cities, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Susan L. Trevarthen, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel
Author(s): Edward G. Guedes
2 years ago
Yesterday, Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed a circuit court judgment holding that the Florida Constitution prohibited Broward County voters from amending the county charter to impose term limits upon its commissioners. As a result, term limits for Broward County Commissioners are set to be in place.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government, Appellate Law & Practice, Constitutional Law
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Special Counsel to Local Government, Jamie A. Cole, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Florida Constitution, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
2 years ago
On July 20, 2011, Daniel L. Abbott and Jamie A. Cole won a significant case for City of Hallandale Beach in the Fourth District Court of Appeals concerning the scope of records accessible to the public. A citizen sued the City after he was denied access to a list of e-mail addresses containing the recipients of an e-mail sent by the Mayor. The Mayor sent the email, which contained three articles the Mayor submitted as a columnist to the South Florida Sun Times, from her personal e-mail address on her personal computer. The trial court found that the Mayor had no obligation under Florida law or local ordinance to notify her friends and supporters that the article had been published. The trial court also found that the City played no role in the Mayor's decision to send the e-mail. The court found that the e-mail therefore fell outside the scope of the public records and the petitioner was not entitled to the names and e-mail addresses of the people who received the e-mail in question.
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Categories: Litigation, Government Affairs, Local Government
Tags: Governmental Litigation, Municipal Government, Ethics, Special Counsel to Local Government, Daniel L. Abbott, Mitchell A. Bierman, Jamie A. Cole, Chad S. Friedman, Edward G. Guedes, Michael S. Popok, Joseph H. Serota, Richard Jay Weiss, David M. Wolpin, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyers, Miami Commercial Litigation Attorney, Miami Commercial Litigation Lawyer, South Florida Commercial Litigation Attorney, South Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Local Government Law, Miami Local Government Law, South Florida Local Government Law, Fort Lauderdale Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Miami Governmental Affairs Attorneys, South Florida Governmental Affairs Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Municipal Attorneys, Miami Municipal Attorneys, South Florida Municipal Attorneys, Matthew H. Mandel, Fort Lauderdale Litigators, Miami Litigators, South Florida Litigators, Florida Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Commercial Litigation Attorneys, Miami Litigation Attorney
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
