Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region.

In this episode of The Land Use Lowdown, Greenspoon Marder Partner Liz Somerstein sits down with Matt Levinson, Chief Operating Officer of O’Connell Goldberg, a leading PR and public affairs firm representing developers and builders across Florida. Together, they unpack the often misunderstood but critically important role that public relations plays in navigating land use and entitlement processes.

Matt shares insights from more than two decades of experience guiding developers through complex rezonings, land use changes, and politically sensitive projects. From why PR needs to begin before a single document is submitted under Florida’s broad Sunshine Law, to how early community engagement can prevent costly delays, this episode explores the strategies that shape the outcome of development proposals long before they reach a commission agenda.

Whether you're a developer, attorney, planner, or anyone involved in Florida’s land use landscape, this conversation offers invaluable insight into how thoughtful, early-stage PR can influence outcomes, build trust, and keep projects on track.

Tune in to learn how effective storytelling, community engagement, and coordinated messaging can make all the difference in land use decisions long before a project ever hits the headlines.

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Featured Speaker Contact:

Name: Liz Somerstein (Host)

Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder

Phone: (954)527-2459

Email: elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com

Company Website: www.gmlaw.com

Connect with and learn more about Liz at:

• Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/elizabeth-somerstein/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-somerstein-896187192/

Name: Matt Levinson

Title & Company: O’Connell & Goldberg PR

Phone: (954)593-7208

Email: mlevinson@oandgpr.com

Company Website: www.oandgpr.com

Connect with and learn more about Matt at:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malevinsonpr/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlevinson/

Additional information: https://oandgpr.com/our-clients/top-florida-real-estate-pr-firm/

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To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region.

In this episode of The Land Use Lowdown, we dive into the emerging trends shaping today’s land development landscape across South Florida. Building on our earlier discussion of the Live Local Act, this episode explores new legislation, market trends, and the evolving forces driving how communities are planned and built. If you’re involved in planning, development, real estate, or local government in South Florida, this episode offers valuable insights into the forces reshaping the region.

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Featured Speaker Contact:

• Dennis Mele, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2409, dennis.mele@gmlaw.com
• Matthew Scott, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)333-4372, matthew.scott@gmlaw.com
• Liz Somerstein, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2459, elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com

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To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region.

In this episode of The Land Use Lowdown, the Greenspoon Marder land use team breaks down the transformative Live Local Act and what it means for development across South Florida. Dennis, Matt, and Liz unpack how the Act aims to accelerate affordable housing, the ways it redefines zoning, height, and density approvals, and how recent legislative updates—from SB 328 to SB 1730—are reshaping its implementation. They explore the impact on municipalities, developers, and local control, highlight the types of properties best positioned for Live Local opportunities, and discuss the real-world benefits and risks emerging from this sweeping preemption-driven law. Whether you're a planner, developer, or community stakeholder, this episode offers a clear, practical look at how Live Local is influencing South Florida’s growth and the future of affordable housing.

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Featured Speaker Contact:

Dennis Mele, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2409, dennis.mele@gmlaw.com

Matthew Scott, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)333-4372, matthew.scott@gmlaw.com

Liz Somerstein, Partner, Greenspoon Marder, (954)527-2459, elizabeth.somerstein@gmlaw.com

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To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.