By DOTTIE PARIS, Features Editor MIAMI -- The International SeaKeepers Society recently presented Prince Albert of Monaco with its highly coveted SeaKeeper Award at the group's annual Bal de la Mer, held at the Musee Oceanographique in Monaco.  On hand to make the presentation was attorney Michael Moore, founder of Moore & Co. of Miami. The group, comprised of many of the world's top business people, notables, and philanthropists, honors those making a difference in keeping our oceans healthy. "Prince Albert Rainier was selected because there is a great symmetry between SeaKeepers and Monaco's royal family," said Moore. Moore is chairman of of International SeaKeepers Society. "Prince Albert's great grandfather was a person many people consider to be the first oceanographer, and 100 years ago he founded the Musee Oceanographique, which is where we had our Bal de la … [Read more...]

For Blick Law Firm, Hard Work, Outreach and Faith make it Work By DONNA BALANCIA, TFLJ Editor TAMPA -- Mike Blickensderfer, president of Blick Law Firm, measures the success of his business by a unique standard: His family wants to work there too. "My wife and each of my children have different talents, and I'm fortunate because they are putting them to use at our law firm," said Blickensderfer, whose Tampa firm is well-known in motorcycle circles and in community groups on the West Coast. Mike's wife, Vivian, is the marketing manager of Blick Law Firm, Dana Blickensderfer, 22, is the public relations and social media director, and son Steven looks to be joining his father as an attorney at the firm after his graduation from University of Florida Levin College of Law in May. "It's such a blessing to see our each of our children use their talents to help out the … [Read more...]

By DONNA BALANCIA, Editor LAKE HELEN -- Attorney Lonnie Groot likes the balancing act. Over the years as attorney for various Central Florida municipalities, Groot has always sought to keep the balance between big city growth and small town identity. “There’s a special place in my heart for Seminole County and the surrounding towns,” he said. “The region has been very good to me.” As he looks out over Lake Monroe from the sea wall at Sanford, Groot, who is Of Counsel with Strenstrom McIntosh Colbert Wigham & Partlow PA, can see more than water and a couple of people fishing by the harbor. “It’s a hidden gem, don’t you think?” Groot says. “There is the desire here for Sanford to grow and there’s a lot of potential here.” Groot has a knack to see beyond face value, colleagues, friends and family members say. He likes to get down to the … [Read more...]

By DONNA BALANCIA, TFLJ Editor ORLANDO — It took many years for the College of Law at Florida A&M University to receive its accreditation by the American Bar Association, but Dean LeRoy Pernell said his real work is just beginning. See Dean LeRoy's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcdR8tMPloA Pernell said he and his staff have set goals to achieve in order to continue to improve. Recruiting, bar examination preparation and community outreach, are markers Pernell says the law school must hit. "We're building a financially strong foundation and were able to provide a source of legal education for students who want to take advantage of that here," Pernell said. "But more importantly, were moving towards providing a major resource for the county both in terms of regional interaction with the bench and bar and providing intellectual resources for the community and our … [Read more...]

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