Professionals – Stone & Gerken, P.A. https://stoneandgerken.com We are a civil law firm, located in Mount Dora, Florida, with your interest at heart. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:24:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.3 https://stoneandgerken.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-SG-Favicon-32x32.png Professionals – Stone & Gerken, P.A. https://stoneandgerken.com 32 32 Kevin M. Stone https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/kevin-m-stone/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:48:57 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=1969

Kevin M. Stone

Partner

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: kevin@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About Kevin M. Stone

Kevin is a partner at Stone & Gerken, where he runs a local government law and finance practice. He counsels special districts, municipalities, and utilities that own and operate critical public infrastructure. His clients use innovative financing for critical projects, and he regularly serves as issuer’s counsel on tax-exempt and taxable municipal bond deals with premier underwriters. Kevin is listed in the Municipal Marketplace (The Red Book).

Kevin’s practice extends to comprehensive representation of special districts, municipalities, school facilities, and general aviation airports throughout the region. He serves as outside general counsel to the district management in one of the nation’s largest master-planned communities and to a highly regarded technical college. With deep expertise in public finance and local government operations, Kevin provides strategic counsel on matters that shape Florida’s infrastructure and communities.

In addition to governmental clients, private firms involved in facilities development and management call on Kevin with corporate and  business law matters.

He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as a National Merit Scholar, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Decision Science and Marketing. After graduating, he attended law school at the University of Cincinnati where he was a member of the Cincinnati Law Review. He graduated with his J.D. in 2006 and was admitted to the Florida Bar later that same year.

Kevin is a partner at Stone & Gerken, where he runs a local government law and finance practice. He counsels special districts, municipalities, and utilities that own and operate critical public infrastructure. His clients use innovative financing for critical projects, and he regularly serves as issuer’s counsel on tax-exempt and taxable municipal bond deals with premier underwriters. Kevin is listed in the Municipal Marketplace (The Red Book).

Kevin’s practice extends to comprehensive representation of special districts, municipalities, school facilities, and general aviation airports throughout the region. He serves as outside general counsel to the district management in one of the nation’s largest master-planned communities and to a highly regarded technical college. With deep expertise in public finance and local government operations, Kevin provides strategic counsel on matters that shape Florida’s infrastructure and communities.

In addition to governmental clients, private firms involved in facilities development and management call on Kevin with corporate and  business law matters.

He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as a National Merit Scholar, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Decision Science and Marketing. After graduating, he attended law school at the University of Cincinnati where he was a member of the Cincinnati Law Review. He graduated with his J.D. in 2006 and was admitted to the Florida Bar later that same year.

Miami University, Oxford, OH
Bachelor of Science, 2003, National Merit Scholar; Double Major in Decision Science and Marketing; Harrison Scholar

University of Cincinnati, College of Law, Cincinnati, OH
Juris Doctor, 2006, Cum Laude; Cincinnati Law Review; UC Public Interest Fellowship

  • Local Government Law & Finance
  • Utility Law
  • Business law
  • Member, The Florida Bar (2006-Present)
    • City County and Local Government Law Section
    • Tax Section
    • Environmental & Land Use Law Section
    • Business Law Section
  • Associate Member, Florida Government Finance Officers Association (2025-Present)
  • Past Member, Chair, and Vice Chair Florida Bar Small Claims Rules Committee
  • Florida Bar Board Certification in City County and Local Government Law (2017-Present)
  • Florida Bar Certificate of Meritorious Service, 2022
  • Florida Bar President’s Award, 2022
  • National Merit Scholar
  • Miami University Harrison Scholar
  • Treasurer, Innovation Montessori Ocoee – Board of Directors (2020-Present)
  • Pro Bono Board Counsel, Educational Foundation of Lake County (2017-Present)
  • Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
  • Member, NABL Issuer’s Counsel Committee
  • Member, American Bar Association
    • Section of State and Local Government Law
    • Business Law Section
    • Forum on Construction Law

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]]> Katrina T. Stone https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/katrina-t-stone/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:18:13 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=1944

Katrina T. Stone

Of Counsel

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: katrina@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About Katrina T. Stone

Katrina Stone was born in Fort Pierce, Florida. She attended the University of Miami, graduating in 2002 with her bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law with her J.D. in 2005. 

Katrina was admitted to the Florida Bar in October 2005 and to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida in 2009. Before shifting to part-time practice in 2020, she served as Assistant City Attorney to the cities of Minneola and Fruitland Park and as City Attorney to the City of Umatilla.  

After having her third child, Katrina opted to work in an abbreviated capacity to allow her time to dedicate to her children. She is heavily involved with the PTO, assists with fundraisers, and is an active volunteer at her children’s school. She is available for appointments on a limited basis.  

Katrina Stone was born in Fort Pierce, Florida. She attended the University of Miami, graduating in 2002 with her bachelor’s degree in English  Literature.She graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law with her J.D. in 2005. 

atrina was admitted to the Florida Bar in October 2005 and to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida in 2009. Before shifting to part-time practice in 2020, she served as Assistant City Attorney to the cities of Minneola and Fruitland Park and as City Attorney to the City of Umatilla.  

After having her third child, Katrina opted to work in an abbreviated capacity to allow her time to dedicate to her children. She is heavily involved with the PTO, assists with fundraisers, and is an active volunteer at her children’s school. She is available for appointments on a limited basis.  

University of Miami
Bachelor of Arts, 2002, English Literature

University of Miami
Bachelor of Science, 2002, Magna Cum Laude; Minors in Business Law and Philosophy  

University of Florida Levin College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2005

  • Local Government Law
  • Wills, Trusts & Probate
  • Member, The Florida Bar (2005-Present)
    • City County and Local Government Law Section
  • Member, The Florida Bar
  • Member, Lake County Bar Association
  • Graduate, Lake Leadership, Class of 2009
  • Parishioner, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
  • Past Member, Planned Giving Advisory Board of the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation
  • Past Member, We Care of Lake County Board of Directors
  • Past Member, Mount Dora Center of the Arts Board of Directors

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]]> Jennifer M. Cotch https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/jennifer-m-cotch/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:13:34 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=1932

Jennifer M. Cotch

Associate

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: jennifer@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About Jennifer M. Cotch

Jennifer M. Cotch, originally from Cohoes, New York, made the move to Central Florida to pursue her passion for environmental science at Stetson University, where she graduated in 2004. Before attending law school, she gained valuable experience working in both state and local governments and the private sector as a land use planner and paralegal. In 2019, Jennifer returned to school at Florida A&M College of Law, earning her J.D. cum laude in 2023 and being admitted to the Florida Bar shortly thereafter. She joined Stone & Gerken, where she continues to thrive in her legal career.

With a strong background in the construction industry, Jennifer assists clients with a variety of land use issues, including site plan development, community redevelopment planning, due diligence research, land development regulations, and comprehensive planning. She represents clients across the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors in Central Florida, focusing on planned developments of regional impacts (DRI) and sustainable community projects. Additionally, Jennifer provides counsel to real estate and local government clients, drawing on her diverse experiences.

Outside of her professional life, Jennifer is happily married and shares her home with her dog, Bianca, who was adopted from the Lake County Animal Shelter. 

Jennifer M. Cotch, originally from Cohoes, New York, made the move to Central Florida to pursue her passion for environmental science at Stetson University, where she graduated in 2004. Before attending law school, she gained valuable experience working in both state and local governments and the private sector as a land use planner and paralegal. In 2019, Jennifer returned to school at Florida A&M College of Law, earning her J.D. cum laude in 2023 and being admitted to the Florida Bar shortly thereafter. She joined Stone & Gerken, where she continues to thrive in her legal career.

With a strong background in the construction industry, Jennifer assists clients with a variety of land use issues, including site plan development, community redevelopment planning, due diligence research, land development regulations, and comprehensive planning. She represents clients across the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors in Central Florida, focusing on planned developments of regional impacts (DRI) and sustainable community projects. Additionally, Jennifer provides counsel to real estate and local government clients, drawing on her diverse experiences.

Outside of her professional life, Jennifer is happily married and shares her home with her dog, Bianca, who was adopted from the Lake County Animal Shelter.

Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science, 2004

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law, Orlando, FL
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, 2023

  • Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law
  • Construction Lien Law
  • Local Government Law
  • Member, The Florida Bar (2023-Present)
    • City County and Local Government Law Section
  • Member, The Lake County Bar (2023-Present)
  • Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SADLF) Board Member (2021-2023)
  • Max Cleland Scholarship Award Recipient for Washington Semester (2002)
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (2003-2008)
  • Lake County Planning & Zoning Department (2008-2013)

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]]> W. Grant Watson https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/w-grant-watson/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:08:57 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=1926

W. Grant Watson

Partner

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: grant@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About W. Grant Watson

Grant Watson is originally from Greenville, South Carolina and spent his youth in Fernandina Beach, Florida. After three years at the University of Central Florida he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002, with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, and then went on to attend law school at the University of Florida where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2005, along with a Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law. Before his admission to the Florida Bar in 2006, Grant worked alongside Professor Thomas Ankersen on local government and public interest projects at the University of Florida Levin College of Law Center for Governmental Responsibility. Grant has spent his entire legal career serving clients in and around Central Florida and has extensive experience representing various businesses and local government entities including municipalities, special districts, tax collectors, and utilities. He is the primary attorney for the City of Leesburg, serves as the Special Magistrate for the Town of Astatula, and represents residential and commercial property owners, buyers, and sellers in transactional, operational, and litigation matters. He also serves as the general counsel for the Florida Council on Affordable and Rural Housing and represents owners and managers of multi-family affordable housing communities across the state of Florida.  Grant happily resides in Lake County with his wife and two children.

Grant Watson is originally from Greenville, South Carolina and spent his youth in Fernandina Beach, Florida. After three years at the University of Central Florida he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002, with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, and then went on to attend law school at the University of Florida where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2005, along with a Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law. Before his admission to the Florida Bar in 2006, Grant worked alongside Professor Thomas Ankersen on local government and public interest projects at the University of Florida Levin College of Law Center for Governmental Responsibility. Grant has spent his entire legal career serving clients in and around Central Florida and has extensive experience representing various businesses and local government entities including municipalities, special districts, tax collectors, and utilities. He is the primary attorney for the City of Leesburg, serves as the Special Magistrate for the Town of Astatula, and represents residential and commercial property owners, buyers, and sellers in transactional, operational, and litigation matters. He also serves as the general counsel for the Florida Council on Affordable and Rural Housing and represents owners and managers of multi-family affordable housing communities across the state of Florida.  Grant happily resides in Lake County with his wife and two children.

University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Science, 2002, Magna Cum Laude; Major in Legal Studies, Minor in Criminal Justice

University of Florida Levin College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2005; Certificate in Environmental and Land Use Law
Certificate from University of Florida and University of Costa Rica Joint Program in Comparative and International Environmental Law, 2004

  • Local Government Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Business Law
  • Construction Lien Law
  • Litigation
  • Member, The Florida Bar (2006-Present)
    • City, County and Local Government Section
    • Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section
  • Member, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (2008-Present)
  • Member, The Fund (2017-Present)
  • Member, Florida Municipal Attorneys Association (2022-Present)
  • Special Magistrate – Code Enforcement, Town of Astatula (Present)
  • Special Magistrate – Local Planning Agency, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement, City of Wildwood (Past)
  • Rated by Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2016-2021)
  • Past President of Young Lawyers Division of Lake County Bar Association (2011)
  • Leadership Lake County, Class of 2007
  • Cum Laude, University of Florida Levin College of Law (2003-2005)
  • President’s List, University of Central Florida (2000-2002)
  • Dean’s List, University of Central Florida (1999-2002)

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]]> Scott A. Gerken https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/scott-gerken/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:52:40 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=1908

Scott A. Gerken

Co-Founder & PArtner

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: scott@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About Scott A. Gerken

Scott Gerken was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and moved to Eustis when he was young to enjoy an idyllic Lake County upbringing.  After graduating as valedictorian of Eustis High School, Scott attended Florida State University and earned his bachelor’s degree, Summa Cum Laude, in finance.  While at Florida State, Scott received numerous academic awards and was recognized as the top student at the College of Business.  He went on to attend the University of Florida College of Law on a full merit-based scholarship and earned his Juris Doctor degree with honors.  He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1991 and has spent his entire legal career guiding individuals, businesses, and local governments, including municipalities, banks, residential and commercial property owners and developers, and utilities.  A proud husband and father, Scott enjoys serving his community in various leadership roles with local organizations, including recently serving as Board Chair for Faith Lutheran School in Eustis and the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, among others.

Scott Gerken was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and moved to Eustis when he was young to enjoy an idyllic Lake County upbringing.  After graduating as valedictorian of Eustis High School, Scott attended Florida State University and earned his bachelor’s degree, Summa Cum Laude, in finance.  While at Florida State, Scott received numerous academic awards and was recognized as the top student at the College of Business.  He went on to attend the University of Florida College of Law on a full merit-based scholarship and earned his Juris Doctor degree with honors.  He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1991 and has spent his entire legal career guiding individuals, businesses, and local governments, including municipalities, banks, residential and commercial property owners and developers, and utilities.  A proud husband and father, Scott enjoys serving his community in various leadership roles with local organizations, including recently serving as Board Chair for Faith Lutheran School in Eustis and the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, among others.

Florida State University
Bachelor of Science, 1988, Summa Cum Laude; Major in Finance, Minor in English (Twice named Florida State Male Scholar of the year)

University of Florida College of Law
Juris Doctor with honors, 1991 (Terrye Coggin Proctor Memorial Scholarship recipient)

  • Residential and Commercial Real Estate
  • Local Government Law
  • Business Law
  • Wills, Estates, Trusts & Probate
  • Member, The Florida Bar (1991-present)
    • City, County and Local Government Law Section
    • Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
    • Business Law Section
  • Member, Lake County Bar Association (Past Director and Bar President; Chairman,
    Bench and Bar Committee)
  • Member, U.S. District Courts, Northern and Middle Districts of Florida
  • Member, Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, LLC
  • Agent, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
  • Member, Florida Municipal Attorneys Association
  • Member, Electric Cooperative Bar Association
  • Member, Faith Lutheran Church, Eustis Florida, Past Member of Board of Elders and
    Board of Christian Education
  • Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, Past Chair and Executive Board Member
  • Guest Speaker, Stetson University, School of Business, on “Legal Ethics”
  • Qualified as Expert Witness in Business and Corporate Law matters
  • Leadership Lake County Graduate
  • Past Director, Mount Dora Center for the Arts
  • Past Member, City of Mount Dora Planning & Zoning Board and Code Enforcement Board
  • Past Director, The Arc Sunrise of Central Florida
  • Former City Attorney, Fruitland Park, Florida
  • Former Special Magistrate, City of Mount Dora, Florida
  • Former Special Master for Lake County, Florida

AV® Preeminent™ Peer and Judicial Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®

  • City Attorney, Minneola, Florida
  • Cooperative Attorney, SECO Energy
  • Board Member, Chapters Health System

Be a Part of Our Team

View our open positions by clicking below.

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]]> Lewis W. Stone https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/lewis-stone/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:24:58 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=1899

Lewis W. Stone

Co-Founder & PArtner

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: lewis@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About Lewis w. Stone

Lewis W. Stone was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1954. He grew up primarily in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and attended Stetson University for both his bachelor’s degree and his J.D. He came to Lake County to work for a local law firm, then served as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office and later as a defense attorney in the Public Defender’s Office.

Lewis was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1979, to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida in 1980, and then to the United States Supreme Court Bar in 1982. Lewis is a certified circuit court mediator. In the last few years, Lewis has significantly reduced and limited his practice to estate planning, probate and business matters.

Lewis W. Stone was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1954. He grew up primarily in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and attended Stetson University for both his bachelor’s degree and his J.D. He came to Lake County to work for a local law firm, then served as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office and later as a defense attorney in the Public Defender’s Office.

Lewis was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1979, to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida in 1980, and then to the United States Supreme Court Bar in 1982. Lewis is a certified circuit court mediator. In the last few years, Lewis has significantly reduced and limited his practice to estate planning, probate and business matters.

Stetson University

Bachelor of Arts, 1976

Juris Doctor, 1979

  • Civil Litigation
  • Utility Law
  • Local Government Law
  • Real Estate
  • Wills, Trusts & Probate
  • Member, The Florida Bar (1979-present)
    • Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
    • Business Law Section
  • Member, Lake County Bar Association (Past Director and Bar President)
  • Past Chair, Florida Bar 5th District Grievance Committee
  • Recipient, Florida Bar Meritorious Service Award
  • Past Member, Electric Cooperative Bar Association.
  • Member, The Lake 100 Business Group of Lake County
  • Special Master for Central Florida Local Governments
  • Graduate, Leadership Lake County
  • Member, First Presbyterian Church of Eustis
  • Past Director, Lake County Boys Ranch
  • Past Director, The Eustis Library Foundation, Inc.
  • Past Director, Lake Eustis Museum of Art
  • Past Director, Agape House of Lake County
  • Past Director, Eustis Rotary Club
  • Past Director, Cornerstone Hospice Foundation
  • Chariman of Board Emeritus, Cornerstone Hospice, Inc.

AV® PreeminentTM Peer and Judicial Review Rating by Martindale0Hubbell®

Be a Part of Our Team

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]]> Cynthia F. O’Donnell https://stoneandgerken.com/our-team/odonnell/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:20:57 +0000 https://stoneandgerken.com/?page_id=342

CYNTHIA F. O’DONNELL

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

P: 352-357-0330
F: 352-357-2474
E: cynthia@stoneandgerken.com

4850 N. Highway 19A
Mount Dora, FL 32757

About Cynthia F. O'Donnell

Coming from a long line of military veterans, she joined the United States Navy in February 2001. She attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida and Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island. She served aboard USS Mahan (DDG-72) as the Strike Warfare Officer and later aboard USS Hue City (CG-66) as the Damage Control Assistant. Cynthia made two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2008, she graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with honors and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii to practice bankruptcy and business litigation at Case Lombardi.

After returning to Florida, Cynthia started her own firm in Mount Dora, Florida focused entirely on representing consumers struggling with debt, including mortgage foreclosures, automobile repossessions, federal and private student loans, medical debt, credit card debt, and bankruptcy.

Cynthia joined Stone & Gerken in April 2023 where she handles a wide variety of litigation matters for governmental entities, businesses, and individuals.

Cynthia F. O’Donnell was born and raised in the Florida panhandle. She graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in Music. Coming from a long line of military veterans, she joined the U.S. Navy and attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida in February 2001. While in the Navy, she served aboard the USS Mahan (DDG-72) as the Strike Warfare Office and USS Hue City (CG-66) as the Damage Control Officer making two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2008, she graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with honors and practiced law in the field of bankruptcy and business litigation at Case, Lombardi, and Pettit in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In 2018, Cynthia started her own firm in Mount Dora, Florida focused entirely on representing consumers struggling with debt, including mortgage foreclosures, automobile repossessions, federal and private student loans, medical debt, credit card debt, and bankruptcy.

Cynthia joined Stone & Gerken in April 2023 and handles a wide variety of litigation matters for local governments and business clients.

Florida State University
Bachelor of Arts in Music, 1999, magna cum laude

University of Florida Levin College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2008, cum laude

  • Real Estate and Construction Litigation
  • Foreclosure Litigation
  • Civil and Commercial Litigation
  • Member, The Florida Bar
  • Member, Lake County Bar Association

Practice Areas

Real Estate & Construction Litigation

Foreclosure Litigation

Civil & Commercial Litigation

Real Estate & Construction Litigation

Foreclosure Litigation

Civil & Commercial Litigation

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