Pathman Lewis: Wayne Pathman (Commercial Litigation; Land Use and Zoning Law, 2013) is representing a property owner who would like to build a hotel in a space on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. The Miami Beach City Commission may allow an ordinance that could pave way for a boutique hotel on a stretch of road that is set to have $67 million invested into it. The Lincoln Road area is a popular tourist destination and frequent hang out for Miami Beach residents.
A brand new convention center was recently constructed just a few blocks away from Lincoln Road, making it all the more attractive to build hotels in the adjacent vicinity.
Pathman’s client is asking the commission to extend their ordinance one block further, so it can include a building that is home to a notable Italian eatery. “Having a boutique hotel on Lincoln Road would be the complement to the convention center,” Pathman said. “That’s why you’re seeing more interest, proximity to the convention center. There’s never enough convention hotel rooms.” The design of the boutique hotel would likely be limited to 10 to 12 rooms.
The Lincoln Road redesign is aiming to have the popular area keep up with most modern renovations in big cities. It would include an amphitheater, flower garden, public space and infrastructure upgrades such as drainage and security posts. The final decision on the ordinance is expected in October.
Conrad & Scherer: William R. Scherer (Commercial Litigation, 2018) is representing a group of 27 hospitals that have suffered operational and financial harm related to treating opioid addiction. Fraud, negligence, and civil conspiracy concerning a decades-long practice of deception and misleading statements are among the complaints filed against major manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of the opioids. Many hospitals had to make capital investments to their infrastructure, increase security and deal with an increase of uninsured patients while treating the epidemic. “No party is better positioned, given the appropriate financial resources, to lead us out of this public health crisis than our hospitals,” said Scherer. “They have measurable damages and must be active participants in any opioid settlement discussions.” In 2018, there were 2,733 opioid-related deaths in the state of Florida.
Farr, Farr, Emerich, Hackett, Carr and Holmes: David Holmes (Litigation – Construction, 2019) is representing a construction contractor who built a police shooting range and was denied a certificate of occupancy. After the contractor appeared to have passed all of the inspections, the county building official suddenly changed their mind. The bullet catching system may not be up to code to deal with Florida’s hurricane-level winds. “No one ever thought about or designed this system to meet the wind codes,” said David Holmes, one of A2’s lawyers. “That’s what this is all about.” The shooting range is unique because it is a hybrid indoor-outdoor facility with no roof.
Larmoyeux & Bone: Bill Bone (Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2015) represented a 15-year-old boy who suffered multiple broken bones in his back, feet and left hand after losing his grip on a zip line at a church-sponsored picnic. The young boy was awarded a $4 million settlement after it was accused that a 71-year-old Royal Palm Beach resident had illegally and negligently built the zip line on property that he owned. The boy is now 17 years old and will not be able to access the money until he is 21, as the settlement outlined.
Honorable Mention:
Roetzel & Andress: Beverly Grady (Government Relations Law; Land Use & Zoning Law; Real Estate Law, 2007) represented a marina in the Shell Harbor and Sanibel Estates area during a special meeting to assess the costs relates to waste disposal and dredging of the canal entrance. "The marina has always recognized the importance of this dredging," she said. The issue arose after the city levied a retroactive assessment to recoup payments that they had covered on behalf of the marina and estates related to the dredging. The City Attorney noted that the residents and marina have always covered the full costs related to the dredging. The dispute was resolved, and the Sanibel City Council approved the assessment with a 4-0 vote.
Greenberg Traurig: Emilio J. Alvarez-Farré (Corporate Law; International Mergers & Acquisitions; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2006) led the transaction team for Bio Pappel, S.A.B de C.V. and U.S. Corrugated Holdings II, Inc. in a U.S. $150 million dual-tranche private placement of senior secured notes. “We are pleased to assist our client, Bio Pappel, in this financing transaction — the most attractive in its history.” Alvarez-Farré said. “The terms achieved attest to Bio Pappel’s strong position in the market.” Existing debt and general corporate purposes will be covered by the issuance of the notes.
