The Case:
Sarasota County v. Atlantic Utilities of Sarasota, Inc., et al. Sarasota County condemned a privately-held utility company, offering $9.5 million. As a result of a two-week jury trial, the owner of the utility was awarded $17.5 million, the largest single jury award to date in a condemnation case on the West Coast of Florida.

Awarded:
$17.5 million

The Case:
Southwest Florida Water Management District v. J. Crayton Pruitt, et al. Represented the owner in a taking of over 2,500 acres by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in Hillsborough County. The result was an award that was nearly double the District’s initial offer. The case involved complex land use issues that had to be litigated. Our representation resulted in a court order that enabled the owner to present evidence that there was a reasonable probability that the property could be rezoned. This ruling lead to an enhancement of the highest and best use, and increased the value.

The Case:
Department of Transportation v. W. William Ellsworth, Jr.Representing the fee simple owner in a total taking by the FDOT of the Red Lobster restaurant located on the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa, the owners successfully secured a $3 million settlement where the FDOT’s ultimate trial position was $1.9 million. In the ensuing apportionment matter with the tenant, we preserved the landowner’s recovery at a bench trial, obtaining an order which awarded the tenant $0 versus their $720,000 leasehold claim then successfully defended the award from an attempted appeal.