A Tallahassee native, Joe has dedicated over forty-five years to the practice of law in Florida.  While in college and law school, Joe served seven years in the U.S. Army Reserve.  His big adventure during that time of his life was traveling Europe by motorcycle from London to Greece. Joe moved to Lakeland in 1982 and served as its City Attorney from 1989 to 2001.  Presently, he serves as Special Magistrate for five municipalities in Polk County.  His big adventures these days are working with his hands in the yard or woodshop, tending to his plants, walking/hiking, eating raw oysters at Gary’s Oyster Bar and listening to The Eagles by the fire pit with his buddy Jack Daniels. He is the proud father of three children and Papi to five grandkids.

Education

• Florida State University, Juris Doctor, 1976
• Florida State University, Bachelor of Science, Accounting, 1973
• Gordon Military College, High School, 1969
• Leadership Lakeland, Class VIII
• Leadership Brandon

ADMISSIONS

• United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
• United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
• United States District Court, Northern District of Florida
• Florida Bar

AFFILIATIONS

• Lakeland Bar Association
• Polk County Trial Lawyers Association
• Florida Municipal Attorneys Association, President 1998-1999

COMMUNITY

• Lakeland Kiwanis Club, 1990 – Present (President 1998-1999)
• Charter Review Committee, City of Lakeland, Chairman 2016-2017
• Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, 2002-2011
• Downtown Lakeland CRA Advisory Committee, 2002-2011
• Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
• Lakeland Regional Health Foundation
• Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
• Camp Fire Boys and Girls

HONORS

• Paul S. Buchman Award, Local Government Section of the Florida Bar, 1995

PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

• EMERGE Serves Presentation, Non-Profit Board Governance, annually since inception