Manatee County Law Library renamed in honor of first African American attorney in Manatee County

The Manatee County Law Library is now known as the Layon F. Robinson, II Law Library.

Friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the Manatee County Law Library to honor the life and legacy of the late Layon F. Robinson, II. 

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners adopted resolution R-21-124, designating the Manatee County Law Library as the Layon F. Robinson, II Law Library. On Monday, November 29, a renaming and dedication ceremony revealed the library's new name. 

The dedication ceremony was attended by many people whose lives were touched by Mr. Robinson's generosity and service. Speakers at the event included Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Angel Colonneso, Manatee County Commissioner Chair Vanessa Baugh, Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, and Manatee County Bar Association President Stephen R. Dye, Esq. 

 

Clerk Colonneso took a moment to reflect on the impact Mr. Robinson made in her life. "Mr. Robinson was a dear friend to me ever since I was a young deputy clerk working the counter at the courthouse. When I became a young attorney, he attended my swearing-in ceremony. He never let an interaction pass without saying how proud he was of me." Colonneso said she will miss him terribly but feels grateful to dedicate the Manatee County Law Library in his honor.

The Manatee County Bar Association released a statement saying they fully support the naming of the law library after Mr. Robinson. Manatee County Bar Association President Stephen R. Dye, Esq. says, "Attorney Robinson was a long-time member in good standing of the Manatee County Bar Association. He was both well-liked and highly regarded by all who knew him and practiced law with him." Dye continued by saying that Mr. Robinson was a fine lawyer and a good citizen. He exemplified the virtues that Bar members strive for.

About Layon F. Robinson, II

In 1973, Mr. Robinson passed the Florida Bar Examination, thus becoming the first African American member of the Manatee County Bar Association. He is known as being a generous and devoted public servant all his life. Notable contributions from Mr. Robinson include:

• Representing various Manatee County citizen groups.
• Serving on the Manatee County Economic Development Council.
• Developing the first grant for the Manatee County Rural Health Services.
• Serving as President of Manatee County Children's Services.
• Forming the local chapter of the Police Academy League (PAL). 

About the Layon F. Robinson, II Law Library

The law library specializes in books and resources focused on Florida and federal laws. The law library is located on the first floor of the Manatee County Judicial Center at 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.