by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Former Public Defender Lou Frost was named to receive the 2005 L. Clayton Nance Award last week in Key West at the Florida Public Defenders Association’s annual meeting. Frost joins former State Supreme Court Justice Ray Ehrlich as the only other local to win the award.
Frost, who retired Jan. 4, 2005 after contracting stomach cancer, was nominated by current Public Defender Bill White.
“It’s given some years to legislators and others outside of lawyers who have furthered the cause of the Public Defender’s Office,” said White, who took over the job the day after Frost retired. “The award is not for active Public Defenders.”
Other past winners include former State Supreme Court Justices B. K. Roberts and James Adkins as well as former Gov. Leroy Collins.
“Joe Negron, the chairman of the Criminal Justice Appropriations Commission, got it last year,” said White.”The award has to go to someone outside the Florida Public Defenders Association.”
White, who worked for Frost for 30 years, attended the meeting and accepted the award on Frost’s behalf.
“Lou was the first president of the Florida Public Defenders Association when it was incorporated in the early 1970s,” said White. “Two years ago he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He’s had his ups and downs, but he has beaten the cancer since.”
Frost could not be reached for comment.
White said Frost will be presented the award in person either at another FPDA meeting later this year or at next year’s annual FPDA meeting when it’s held at Sawgrass. White said he expects close to 300 will attend the meeting.
The FPDA is an organization that provides training, support and services to Public Defenders, Assistant Public Defenders and support staff to the State of Florida.