ORANGE PARK – The Town Council moved forward in replacing General Counsel Sam Garrison by ranking five law firms that filed for Requests of Qualifications,

The council pared the list to three, with Jody Lane Brooks earning the highest ranking. Vose Law was second, followed by Balch & Bingham in third.

Representatives from those three firms were invited to a special meeting on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. where they will be asked to participate in interviews with members. The process started when Garrison, who represents Clay County in the Florida House of Representatives and is a partner at Kopelousos, Bradley and Garrison, resigned in August.

“This was a very good task for us. There was a lot of reading and (working) to (identify) the correct solution. The entire council did a great job at it, and I want to thank all of you for what you did,” said Mayor Randy Anderson. 
Garrison addressed residents and his colleagues during Attorney Reports before being given the ultimate sendoff from members during their comments. 
Garrison thanked the council for their continued patience during his recent years serving constituents in Tallahassee, who showed graciousness by allowing him to attend meetings remotely when needed. Among countless of his other duties, including Committee meetings and more, most of Garrison’s memories serving were good, he said.