ARTICLE
Icard Merrill Receives Legacy Business Award for its Contributions to the City of Sarasota Contact Name: Beth Douglas Contact Email: [email protected] Contact Phone Number: 4077748108 SARASOTA, FL – The City Commission recognized Icard Merrill as one of the first three businesses in the city’s new Legacy Business Program on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The City Commission adopted this new program in August 2023 to honor local businesses for the contributions they make to the overall culture, economic development and prosperity of the city. Robert G. Lyons, Attorney and Shareholder with Icard Merrill, accepted the award on behalf of the law firm, and recognized Thomas Icard, Senior; William Merrill, Senior; James “Woody” Cullis; Curtis Timm; and Michael Furen, stating that they have been “great contributors to the fabric of this city" and also commended the City of Sarasota for “embarking upon this great new program" which recognizes the contributions of local longstanding businesses as an important part of the growth and prosperity of the city. Following his graduation from the University of Florida College of Law in the Spring of 1953, Tom Icard, Sr. entered the legal profession as a sole practitioner. He established his first office in a small frame house at 1802 Main Street (the house is still there today), next to Reese’s Chevron gas station. He moved shortly thereafter to larger quarters at 2046 Main Street and was joined by Bill Merrill, Sr. in 1955 to form Icard & Merrill. The firm currently employs over 100 people, including attorneys and staff, making it one of the largest law firms in the area and a significant contributor to the Sarasota economy. The firm has also expanded its reach and ability to help those in surrounding Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, Hillsborough, Pasco, and other counties, with offices in Lakewood Ranch and Punta Gorda to accompany the firm’s downtown Sarasota office. Icard Merrill is proud to deliver innovative and effective legal solutions through dedicated and caring professionals.