by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
With judges from the Fourth Judicial Circuit and County Court, several members of the Duval County Legislative Delegation, and hundreds of long-time friends and family members as witnesses, Mark Mahon was officially sworn in as the newest Circuit Court judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
The investiture — held at the Times-Union Center — combined a solemn ceremony, a testimonial tribute and a celebrity roast. Chief Judge Donald Moran described it as Mahon’s “Day in the Sun.”
“It’s a bit of an unusual forum for us to convene in a ceremonial session, so please relax and enjoy yourselves,” said Moran when he opened the proceedings.
Duval County Tax Collector Mike Hogan was called to the podium and remarked on the change of venue from the traditional setting of the County Courthouse to the stage at the T-U Center for his long-time friend and colleague’s investiture.
“Mark has many friends and most are uncomfortable in a courtroom,” said Hogan, who added on a more serious note, “He is the consummate foxhole buddy.”
University of North Florida President and former Mayor John Delaney took the opportunity to comment to Moran, “I see you have finally obtained adequate courtroom space.”
Delaney also recalled that when he was mayor, Mahon and his wife, Mary, were married in Delaney’s office on the 14th floor of what is now the City Hall Annex on Bay Street.
After he was enrobed and sworn in, Mahon went to the podium and explained why the ceremony was held at the T-U Center.
”I’ve attended a lot of investitures and there’s always a satellite room set up where people (who couldn’t be seated in Courtroom No. 4) could watch it on TV. I was adamant that I wanted everyone who would take their time to be here today to be in the room,” he said.