With little ceremony and no controversy, Cliff Shepard returned to Apopka.
The City Council, at its July 5th meeting, approved Shepard as its next City Attorney with a 5-0 vote. It was a refreshing transition back to normalcy after a tumultuous period between the Council and former City Attorney Michael Rodriguez.
"It's good to see you in that seat again," said Commissioner Kyle Becker.
"Welcome back," said Commissioner Diane Velazquez
"It's good to be back," Shepard said. "Anything happen while I was gone?"
Thus ended the term of Rodriguez, who resigned at the May 4th meeting but remained on the payroll for almost two additional months before signing a separation agreement that ended his employment on June 22nd. Just 13 days later, Shepard was hired, ratified by Council, and acting as City Attorney, a position he took on for Apopka from 2014-2019.
"I'm happy to be back, and I'll be here as long as they need me," Shepard said. "I'm glad to have the opportunity, but I know attorneys and relatives have a shelf life."
According to his firm's website (Shepard, Smith, Kohlmyer & Hand, P.A.), Shepard obtained his undergraduate degree in journalism and graduated from law school at the University of Florida.
His practice developed in the areas of local government law, complex commercial and business litigation, community redevelopment, land use, real estate development, insurance defense, construction law, and homeowner and condominium association representation. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified circuit and appellate mediator and an approved agent for Attorneys’ Title Fund. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law.
Shepard is also the City Attorney for the City of Maitland and the Town Attorney for the Town of Ponce Inlet.
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MamaMia
Also Cliff worked previously, for Mt Dora, at one time, until?.... I guess that is why he said attorneys have shelf lives, lol. Yeah, I think Cliff is okay. I think Rodriguez was okay too, but some people just can"t get along with anybody! Yeah, I heard Cliff talking about "building a better mousetrap"....well, there are lots of rats up there in city hall, figuratively speaking, that is.
Thursday, July 6, 2023 Report this
MamaMia
Yes, Cliff Shepard is not going to be run over!
Friday, July 7, 2023 Report this