IN THE NEWS
March 25, 2025
Florida Legislature's bills to end CRAs could negatively impact Apopka | The Apopka Voice

An article published in The Apopka Voice discusses the potential elimination of Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) in Florida due to two bills being considered by the legislature. CRAs are special government entities designed to revitalize economically distressed areas by promoting infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and economic development. If these bills pass, CRAs could cease to exist by 2045, with the House bill (HB 991) posing a more immediate threat by halting funding for new projects after October 2025.
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Clifford B. "Cliff" Shepard, Apopka City Attorney and General Counsel of the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA), played a key role in alerting the City Council about the impact of the two bills being considered by the legislature. At the March 19th meeting, Shepard explained that the bills would end CRAs by 2045, but the House bill specifically would halt funding for new CRA projects after October 2025. He voiced concerns over the potential consequences, particularly for cities like Apopka, which rely on CRAs for funding infrastructure, affordable housing, and small business development. Shepard has been actively involved in lobbying efforts to address these bills and remains cautiously optimistic that the Senate bill, which is less restrictive, may be the more likely outcome.
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The elimination of CRAs could significantly affect local communities, including Apopka and Orange County, by slowing economic development, halting affordable housing projects, and potentially increasing financial burdens on local governments to fund redevelopment efforts. If the bills pass, local leaders will need to find alternative ways to finance redevelopment, which could slow down progress and lead to unfinished projects.
March 7, 2025
Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A.
Welcomes New Associate, Abigayl Osborne-Liborio

Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. is pleased to announce that Abigayl Osborne-Liborio has joined the firm as an associate attorney.
Abby is a 2024 graduate of Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, where she received her J.D. Abby’s practice is focused on the areas of Government and Municipal Law, Civil Litigation, and Business Law.
We are confident that she will significantly contribute to our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients.
Welcome aboard, Abby!
November 8, 2024
Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A.
Recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in Maitland, FL

We are thrilled to announce that Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. has once again earned recognition in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® as one of the best law firms in Maitland, FL for Administrative / Regulatory Law!
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Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. 2025 Ranking
The Best Law Firms® rankings result from a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation process. This includes feedback from clients and professional references, peer reviews from top attorneys, interviews with industry leaders, and a thorough review of firm credentials. To qualify for a ranking, firms must have at least one attorney recognized in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in a specific practice area and metro jurisdiction.
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We are proud to be acknowledged as one of the best in the field and look forward to continuing to serve our clients with excellence in the years to come!
September 12, 2024
D. Andrew Smith, III

We at Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. are proud to announce that Drew Smith was recently featured in Orlando Style Magazine's annual "Orlando's Attorneys of the Year" issue. This prominent recognition was due to his unwavering dedication and commitment to his clients.
The article can be found at the following link: https://orlandostylemagazine.com/d-andrew-smith-iii/
September 11, 2023
Andrew J. Hand Named As One Of
Orlando’s Attorneys Of The Year For 2023

Andrew J. Hand has been named as one of “Orlando’s Attorneys of the Year” for 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine. Each year, Orlando Style Magazine honors exceptional attorneys who have made outstanding achievements in their respective fields of practice. These individuals are recognized by their peers and readers, showcasing their dedication and hard work in the legal profession.
Mr. Hand was pleased to receive the award and said, “I am honored and grateful to receive this recognition and will continue to dedicate my efforts to providing top-notch legal services to all of our firm’s clients. Thank all of you for your support and for the opportunity to serve you!”
We at Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. are proud to have Andrew as part of our team, and we invite you to learn more about him by visiting his bio page.
Please join us in congratulating Andrew on this well-deserved recognition!
September 5, 2023
Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. Welcomes New Associate, Holli R. New

Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A. is pleased to announce that Holli R. New has joined the firm as an Associate.
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Ms. New graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2017, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. She then obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Florida International University College of Law in 2022, where she focused on environmental and local government work. She was a Dean's Merit Scholar throughout law school and served on the Negotiation and Mediation Competition Team.
Prior to joining us, Holli gained valuable insights into municipal law and governmental affairs while clerking for a firm representing five municipalities in and around Alachua County. Her professional and personal experience working with local government renders her well-versed in administrative law, Sunshine Law, procurement, and property and zoning law. We greatly value her knowledge and are confident that she will help us improve and expand our selection of legal services for our valued clients.
Holli is admitted to the Bar in Florida and is a member of the Florida Bar Association.
Holli was born and raised in North Central Florida, and now, she and her Samoyed, Alba, happily call Orange County home.