Arnold, Bacot join Fowler White

FORT MYERS -- Fowler White Boggs recently added J. Keith Arnold and Brett Bacot to its Government Relations and Lobbying Practice Group.

Arnold is a 16-year veteran of the Florida House of Representatives, and was first elected to serve in the Legislature in 1982, at age 23. Five years later, he became the youngest majority leader in state history; between 1992 and 1996 he chaired the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He will work from Fowler White's Fort Myers office, a release says.

Bacot, a registered lobbyist, has 11 years of experience with the state's legislative process. He specializes in health care, appropriations and local government issues, and will work from Fowler White's Tallahassee office.

Both join a practice group led by John McKager Stipanovich, former campaign director and chief of staff for former Gov. Bob Martinez, and senior adviser for former Gov. Jeb Bush's gubernatorial campaign.

Fowler White Boggs employs 130 attorneys at five offices in Florida, including locations in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale.