Duval County Judge Mose Floyd made history Thursday when his investiture marked the last such event at the current Duval County Courthouse, which is scheduled to close May 18 before functions move to the new Unified Duval County Courthouse,
“I remember when Mose came into my office,” said former Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Harry Shorstein.
“As sharp as can be, and he sat down and started talking and explained to me that he had come from Pensacola and was accepted to the United States Naval Academy. He was then chosen from the academy to serve a career in the Marine Corps,” said Shorstein, a fellow former Marine.
“I don’t think it was 15 seconds into that interview that he had a job and there was never any doubt. He has always made me very, very proud,” he said.
Floyd was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to fill the unexpired term of former Duval County Court Judge Kevin Blazs, who Scott appointed to the Circuit Court bench.
Floyd served as an assistant state attorney for the Fourth Circuit since 2010 and from 1999-2008. In 2009 he served as the managing attorney for the State Attorney’s Office for the Seventh Circuit.
Floyd also served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1977-99. He graduated from the Naval Academy and received master’s degrees from the University of Southern California and the Marine Corps University. He holds a law degree from Georgetown Law.
Floyd said he was thankful for the opportunity to join the bench and also for the education and training he received through the Marines that helped prepare him to take advantage of the opportunity. He credited his parents for helping him to face the challenges of life.
“Neither mom nor dad had much formal education, but they worked hard and were able to keep a family of 12 together, of which I was the 10th child,” said Floyd.
He explained how his father was driven to provide for his family.
When the barber died, his father bought his tools and became the town barber. He then built a store and stocked it with “fast-moving items,” fresh fruits, vegetables and breads, to support his family.
Floyd’s father also taught himself how to repair radios, clocks, watches, guns and televisions.
“I often wondered what dad might have done if he had a formal education, and maybe I am a reflection of that today, but he instilled in me that work ethic,” said Floyd.
He said he learned about love and respect from his mother.
“Mom would never treat any of her kids any different, regardless of how successful they were or how many mistakes they had made. She would treat us all the same,” said Floyd. “That was a great example for me about God’s love shown through her.”
The ceremony was filmed and a copy of the ceremony will be placed in a time capsule that will be sealed inside the new Unified Duval County Courthouse.
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