Shumaker Attorney Continues to Pave the Way for Sarasota Bayfront

Sarasota Managing Partner and Vice Chair of Shumaker’s Management Committee Jennifer B. Compton has been elected Chair of the Bay Park (The Bay) Conservancy (BPC) Board of Directors.

Jennifer is one of the founding members of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization (SBPO) and subsequently served as Secretary for the BPC. She is recognized for using her legal and leadership acumen to create a first-of-its-kind private/public partnership agreement between The Bay and City of Sarasota. This partnership was instrumental in supporting Bay Park Conservancy’s initiatives to develop the precious city-owned land along Sarasota Bay, establishing a cultural and economic legacy for the region while ensuring open, public access to the bayfront.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work closely with Jennie for two years on the SBPO and four years on the Executive Committee as Secretary of the BPC Board,” said AG Lafley, founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy. “Jennie focuses on what matters most and works collaboratively and constructively with the City, our community, and the BPC team to get the most important things done. She is the perfect Chair for this moment to lead the BPC as they build out the team to operate, maintain, and program the park that just opened, while they continue to develop and implement Phase Two of the park.”

The Bay opened the first phase of the park to the public in October 2022 with a 10-day Grand Opening—transforming the city’s bayfront into a world-class destination offering an open and accessible, free, and welcoming gathering place for everyone in the community to enjoy. More than 50,000 people were estimated to be in attendance during the park’s first 10 days. The completed park will encompass 53 acres, cost about $150-200 million, and take between 7-10 years over three or more phases to complete. Phase Two development of the park is expected to begin as early as Spring 2023.

“It is a privilege to lead an organization that is focused on making the place I call home a better place for all,” Jennie said. “The BPC is ensuring the Sarasota Bay is a vibrant destination where people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds can explore and appreciate all that the Bay has to offer, and I am proud to be a part of this legacy.”  

With over 20 years practicing employment law counseling and litigation, Jennifer has a wealth of experience, which she attributes to the variety of clients she guides through the changes in law, the economy, and the world.