THE PLANNING COLLABORATIVE
expert witness testimony
Expert witness testimony requires great and in-depth knowledge in a specific field of work, with qualifications that reflect and prove an individual can be accepted as an expert in their field. Allara has been a certified land use planner since 2001 by the American Institute of Certified Planners, and in conjunction with her work experience and education has qualified and been accepted as an expert witness before local government Boards of Adjustment, Local Planning Agencies, City Councils, County Commissions and additionally in Circuit Court.
When requested as an expert witness, Allara judiciously reviews the case and relevant applicable documents to prepare her testimony and arguments. Early in her career, Allara became very attuned to the technical and legal aspects of the adopted regulatory framework of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code, in addition to the Florida Statutory requirements that apply to land development. She applies her knowledge and experience to the case, while providing clear and concise testimony at the hearing or proceeding.
Allara has represented developers, local governments, and citizens in hearings before local boards, commissions, and judges. She has worked with several law firms throughout Northwest Florida to represent the needs of the client.
List of Work
Escambia County Board of Adjustment: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified in support of a conditional use request.
Client: Teramore Development, LLC
Pensacola, FL
August 26, 2020
Florida Division of Administrative Hearing Case No. 19-004486GM
Testified on the compliance of a Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use amendment
Client: Theriaque & Spain/City of Panama City
Panama City, FL
December 2, 2019
City of Destin Board of Adjustment: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified for an administrative appeal to a Planning Official decision
Client: Pointe Mezzanine, LLC
Destin, FL
October 2, 2019
Escambia County Planning Board: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on suitability/compatibility of a rezoning request.
Client: Florida Power & Light
Pensacola, FL
September 3, 2019
Escambia County Board of Adjustment: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified in support of a conditional use request.
Client: Florida Power & Light
Pensacola, FL
May 15, 2019
Escambia County Board of Adjustment: Administrative Appeal hearing
Testified on the compatibility of a Dollar General Store.
Client: Teramore Development, LLC
Pensacola, FL
February 20, 2019
Walton County Circuit Court: Sandestin Owners Association, Inc. v. Reeves,
et al., Case No: 2013-CA-000620
Testified on allowable uses in a Future Land Use category.
Client: Sandestin Owners Association, Inc.
DeFuniak Springs, Florida
December 8 and 11, 2017
Walton County Zoning Board of Adjustment: Administrative Appeal hearing
Testified on merits and compatibility of Kaiya Strand Development Order.
Client: SBG-PR, LLC
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
November 27, 2017
Escambia County Board of Adjustment: Administrative Appeal hearing
Testified on compatibility of proposed development.
Client: Teramore Development, LLC
Pensacola, Florida
October 18, 2017 and appeal in 2019 (noted above).
City of Apalachicola Planning & Zoning Board: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on merits of development order for a CVS store as compared to
the City Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code
Client: Bonnie Davis
Apalachicola, FL
October 16, 2017
Walton County Commission hearing: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on compatibility of proposed development (Azzurro).
Client: Leah McDowell, property owner
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
June and August, 2017
Walton County Commission hearing: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on compatibility of Kaiya PUD development order.
Client: SBG-PR, LLC
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
2016
City of Apalachicola Planning Commission: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on consistency of Blue Current Development, LLC request for
development order compared to the Comprehensive Plan.
Client: Citizens group via Steve Watkins, esq.
City of Apalachicola, Florida
2015
Panama City Commission: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on Marie Hotel One Ltd. development consistency to Land
Development Code.
Client: Marie Hotel One Ltd.
Panama City, Florida
September 8, 2014
Mexico Beach City Commission: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified on the Land Development Code requirements for creation of a lot.
Joe A. Bush vs. City of Mexico Beach
Client: City of Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach, Florida
July 16, 2013
Walton County Zoning Board of Adjustments: Quasi-judicial hearing
Testified regarding zoning violation citation for use of a business as it
relates to the consistency of the Comprehensive Plan.
Client: Sky Dive Live
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
February 28, 2013