CLERK
Continued from Page 17 until February , 1927 that construction for the county courthouse was complete and open for business ; its architectural style celebrated throughout Sarasota .
In 1925 , the county commissioners hired renowned architect Dwight James Baum to design the courthouse building . Back in the 1920s , architecture was aspirational and the Florida land boom and roaring 20s made for a perfect combination to introduce the Mediterranean Revival Style of architecture to the community . Baum first visited Sarasota in 1922 and drew the attention of John and Mable Ringling , who hired him to design their beautiful home , Ca ’ d ’ Zan . He was also commissioned to design several more buildings , including the Sarasota Times Building , El Verona apartments and hotel , and the First Presbyterian Church , all of which have all become beloved landmarks of our community . Baum ’ s famed designs resulted in Sarasota becoming known as a cultural tourist destination throughout the world .
The Sarasota County Courthouse , which is now called the historic courthouse , was really majestic for its day . From intricate iron work styled by Spanish designer Samuel Yellin to the terrazzo floors , wide rotundas , marble walls and the incredibly detailed tower , the historic courthouse is a beautiful representation of the Mediterranean Revival Style prevalent in its day . When the building was opened , there was a great sense of pride throughout the community , and its combined details really don ’ t exist in public buildings today .
But the Florida climate is not friendly to structures such as the historic courthouse , and after decades of rain , intense sun , high winds and humidity , the building fell into disrepair , especially the tower , which required major restructuring to ensure its integrity for the future . In addition , with the growth of our community , entities such as the Sheriff ’ s Office , county jail , judiciary and other government agencies vacated the historic courthouse in favor of their own facilities .
These changes created opportunity for renovations and remodeling to accommodate the Clerk ’ s Office ,
CLERK ’ S CORNER
The Sarasota County Courthouse , which is now called the historic courthouse , was really majestic for its day . which is the only remaining agency in the building . From the first renovation in 1955 to the most recent one in 2017 , architects , designers , artisans and craftsman have all worked together to preserve this courthouse and return it to its original splendor . Peeling back the layers of our history and discovering the original architecture of the building has been a personally rewarding experience and I am grateful for the financial support of the county commission to fund the vital renovations and maintain the building ’ s history .
I
am hopeful the choices we made during the renovations , as well as the desire to appreciate and restore landmarks throughout the county , will enable future generations to enjoy and celebrate the historic courthouse for the next 100 years .
Sarasota County is a special place for many people . For me , I raised my family here and have had the pleasure of serving as a public trustee of our community as the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller since 1987 . From providing essential services in-person to offering digital services 24 / 7 , the role of the Clerk ’ s Office has evolved during my tenure , and I have seen our government and the judiciary flourish during the last 34 years . Going to work every day in the historic courthouse still inspires me , even after all these years . If you ’ ve not yet had a tour of the building , the Centennial year is the perfect time to do so .
I ’ d like to thank the contributors to our Centennial documentary film who shared their stories and voices to this incredible project , including Judge Kimberly Bonner , Judge Stephen Dakan , Dan Bailey Jr . with Williams-Parker , Glenn Darling with Hall Darling Design Studio , historian Jeff LaHurd and Sheriff Kurt A . Hoffman .
LEGAL AID
Continued from Page 15 serve . I hope you will join us we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year and the giants before us who had a dream to make equal access to justice a possibility in our community .
NEWS OF NOTE
n The Judge John M . Scheb Inn of Court is now accepting applications for the 2021 – 2022 Inn year . The Inn ’ s members include judges , lawyers , legal educators , and law students . Part of the Inn ’ s purpose is to promote excellence in legal advocacy , foster greater understanding of the law , provide educational experiences that improve and enhance the skills of lawyers and judges , help the development of law students , promote collegiality among us , and carry ethical values from one generation to another . If you are interested in becoming a member , please contact Emily Garriott at
Emily _ k _ Garriott @ progressive . com to request an application .
CLASSIFIED ADS
EMPLOYMENT
Walters Levine Lozano & DeGrave is an “ AV ” rated mid-sized law firm with offices in Tampa and Sarasota , seeks an attorney for its Sarasota location with 2-4 yrs experience in construction / commercial litigation . Must have a strong academic background , hearing & deposition experience a must , excellent written & oral communication skills . Competitive salary . Benefits : 100 % paid family health insurance , 401k , profit sharing , paid long term disability insurance , vacation , personal / sick , marketing and CLE budgets . Send resume to :
lawfirmwlkt @ gmail . com
Farr Law Firm is seeking a Business Transactions and Civil Litigation Associate to join our growing litigation practice in Punta Gorda , Florida . The Attorney will handle general business transactions and civil litigation matters while representing clients from small locally owned businesses to large national corporations . Farr Law Firm ’ s multi-industry knowledge allows us to address a range of disputes and transactions relating to business acquisitions , employment and non-compete agreements , licensing and distribution agreements , commercial and residential leases and other types of commercial agreements . For more information please visit
www . farr . com / careers . Send resumes to
tfabiano @ farr . com
OFFICE SPACE
Wallace Ave Professional Center . Walk to Courthouse . 1400 Sq . Ft . 3 offices and conference room . Perfect for 2 – 3-person firm . $ 2,500 mo . gross + sales tax , utilities . Available immediately .
tia @ jlerealty . com or 941-906-4000
HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD
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