A Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel team served as lead counsel to St. Lucie County in its public-private deal with Derecktor, Inc. to open a shipyard at Port of Fort Pierce that will service and repair mega-yachts. Robert Alfert, Orlando partner, led the deal team, and Robert Mallett, Orlando of counsel, negotiated and prepared the final agreement.

The center reportedly will be one of the largest of its kind in the world. It is expected to bring in over $500 million in revenue, create up to 900 skilled-trades jobs, and spur ancillary growth in the sector and the local community. "Having deep-bay, direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, coupled with the unique ability to accommodate yachts up to 500 feet, this new port center near the Palm Beaches puts St. Lucie County on the world map for mega-yachts," Alfert said.

Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel was involved in early planning stages, development of all procurement and contract instruments, navigation of the highly publicized nature of this deal, and preparation and negotiation of the long-term franchise agreement. Alfert has represented St. Lucie County over the last eight years, most recently counseling the client in another public-private deal for the New York Mets Spring Stadium Complex.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 785 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in 11 states and Washington, DC. Nelson Mullins and Broad and Cassel LLP combined effective August 1, 2018 and does business in Florida as Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.