Blalock Walters, one of the largest and oldest law firms in Manatee and Sarasota counties, was founded in the early 1920s. Originally, the firm occupied a modest suite on the second floor of the First National Bank of Bradenton, which was located at the Southwest corner of Manatee Avenue and 12th Street West. The firm has moved several times, including to a new building in 1967 across from the Carnegie Library, now the Manatee County Historical Records Library, and the old Dixie Grande Hotel building. We have been at our present location since 1969, although the building has undergone extensive changes since that time. In 2005, the firm opened its Sarasota location at One Sarasota Tower.
Throughout our rich history, our attorneys have served as Presidents or Chairs of a number of major civic and charitable organizations, including the United Way of Manatee County, Inc.; Manatee Chamber of Commerce; Bradenton Kiwanis Club; Manatee Healthcare Alliance; Tidewell Hospice; Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation; and Goodwill Industries Manasota, Inc. and its Foundation.
We also serve on various Boards of cultural and educational institutions in the Manatee-Sarasota region including USF Sarasota-Manatee; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Asolo Repertory Theatre; South Florida Museum; Manatee Players; Sarasota Orchestra; Bradenton Public Art Committee; Manatee Library Foundation; Manatee County Historical Commission; and New College of Florida and its Foundation.
Our attorneys have held leadership positions of their professional associations serving as Presidents or Chairs of the Manatee County Bar Association; The Florida Bar Grievance Committee; the Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission; the Manatee County Estate Planning Council; Florida Planning and Zoning Association; City, County and Local Government Law Section of The Florida Bar; and the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council.
We are very proud of the Firm’s historical commitment to the community, its residents, and to the solution of its clients’ legal matters. We remain committed to continuing this legacy as we move forward.