A prominent Florida law firm has added a new partner in its corporate practice field.

Shutts & Bowen hired Andrew W. McLaughlin to its stable of lawyers. McLaughlin was given partner status for the Corporate Practice Group in the Tampa office for Shutts & Bowen. The firm operates  in eight markets in the state

“Andy’s depth of experience in employee benefit matters and his strategic approach to HR (human resources) counsel will be invaluable to our corporate team and will serve our clients well,” said Amanda Buffinton, Managing Partner of the firm’s Tampa office. “We are excited to welcome Andy to the firm and look forward to working with him.”

McLaughlin’s legal practice background includes handling employee benefits issues and 401(k) plans, along with health benefits. He also has experience in executive compensation and equity incentive plans. He’s also dealt with IRS legal matters, along with issues involving the U.S. Department of Labor.

“I am thrilled to join the powerhouse corporate law group at Shutts,” McLaughlin said. “The firm is known for its corporate work and I look forward to contributing to its success by helping clients navigate complex benefits and tax issues.”

McLaughlin’s experience in labor and employment law has involved public, private and nonprofit organizations. He’s handled litigation that’s addressed employment discrimination, wrongful termination, severance resolution, wage disputes, employment contracts and employee benefits.

McLaughlin earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law where he graduated cum laude.

Shutts & Bowen is one of Florida’s oldest law firms. It was established as a full-service business law firm in 1910. The firm has a roster of some 280 lawyers across the state. The firm has major offices in Florida’s largest metropolitan markets including Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee and West Palm Beach.

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Republican Randy Fine holds the edge ahead of a Special Election for Congress. But his lead over Democrat Josh Weil falls within the poll’s margin of error despite the heavy GOP tilt of Florida’s 6th Congressional District.

That’s according to a survey done for Florida Politics by St. Pete Polls ahead of the Tuesday Special Election to succeed former U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz.

The results show Fine winning just over 48% of the vote, while Weil received just over 44%.

The poll of 403 likely voters in CD 6 was conducted on March 22. Pollsters report a 4.9% margin of error, greater than Fine’s lead.

And among those polled who said they already voted, more than half supported the Democrat. Weil leads 51% to 43% among those whose decision has already been made via a mail-in ballot or in-person early voting. According to the survey, about 38% of likely voters have already cast their ballots in the race.

That means Fine will have to make up the difference with those who vote between now and the close of polls on Tuesday at 7 p.m. if he intends to move into Congress. He definitely hopes for that, having already submitted an irrevocable resignation letter from the Florida Senate to run.

But Weil has massively outraised Fine. As of reports on fundraising through March 12, Weil had $1.3 million in cash on hand for the race’s final stretch, while Fine had just $93,000.

Democrats hope to capitalize on outrage at President Donald Trump. Indeed, while Trump won CD 6 by double digits in November and Waltz won re-election with 66.5% of the vote, less than 51% of voters in the district approve of the job Trump is doing as President. Trump is still above water in the district, with 45% disapproving. However, Fine underperforms Trump’s approval ratings in the poll.

According to the poll, voters without party affiliation are voting heavily for Weil, with 57% of those polled intending to back the Democrat and 34% supporting Fine. Meanwhile, about 14% of voters in the district are supporting Weil, while Fine is winning over just 9% of Democrats.

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Lucy’s Law (HB 289) is on Special Order Calendar in the House Wednesday. And on the eve of the vote, Lucy’s parents share their story in a heart-wrenching video.

“Lucy was a ray of light, just like her name,” said Meli Fernandez. “She was known for her wisdom. She was kind. She was so self-disciplined. She was an amazing friend, incredible daughter, sister, granddaughter.”

Andy and Meli Fernandez suffered an unimaginable loss Labor Day Weekend in 2022, when their daughter Lucy was killed in a tragic boating accident. Now, the Fernandez family works to save the lives of others by advocating for greater safety on the water.

“For us, this tragedy has shaken us to our core because boating was our way of life, is our way of life, still,” Meli explains.

“What we are aiming to do through Lucy’s Law is to make the water and boating a safer environment,” Andy said.

HB 289, sponsored by Reps. Vanessa Oliver and Vicki Lopez, introduces new requirements for boating safety education among boat operators who are new to Florida or visiting the state. The bill passed every committee with overwhelming support.

“There is a direct correlation between a lack of preparedness, a lack of education and a lack of experience on the water, and these tragic boating accidents,” Meli said. “Florida leads the nation in registered vessels. It also leads the nation in reportable accidents and fatalities.”

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are on average 65 boating fatalities per year. In 2023 alone, there were 408 injuries and 59 deaths tied to boating. 83% of those responsible for fatalities had no boater education.

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