Staff Writer
A group of about 30 Jacksonville Bar Association past presidents received updates on the future of The JBA and the new Duval County Courthouse Aug. 16.
The past presidents meet twice a year, in February and August, to discuss the state of The JBA and serve as a sounding board for development of programs and events for the association.
Current JBA President Courtney Grimm updated the past presidents on the fall schedule and past president Jim Rinaman spoke about recent developments involving the new Duval County Courthouse.
“We have a full slate of speakers for our lunches throughout the fall with a special program for October which coincides with Florida-Georgia weekend,” said Grimm.
At the first monthly meeting of the 2010-11 term Sept. 30, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady will be the keynote speaker. October will feature a twin bill of speakers, UF Law Dean Robert Jerry and past UGA Law Dean and current Professor David Shipley. The lunch will follow the Hulsey-Kimbrell Florida-Georgia Moot Court Competition Oct. 29. Florida Bar President Mayanne Downs will visit for the November meeting and the annual “Bench and Bar” party is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Past President Jim Rinaman (1972-1973), who is also chair of the Courthouse Architectural Review Committee, provided an update of the recent actions of the committee.
“We approved the pedestrian bridge between the new courthouse and the old federal courthouse at the last meeting,” said Rinaman. “The west facade of the old federal courthouse was a more contentious issue that we will take up at our next meeting.”
Rinaman explained that State Attorney Angela Corey, whose office will be moved into the old federal courthouse, would like to see the west side of the building remain a loading dock and secured parking area for the safety of her staff. The parking area could accommodate about 30 vehicles. Chief Judge Donald Moran was interested in seeing that area turned into a public entrance. The committee instructed courthouse Project Manager Dave Schneider to investigate what changes the State Historic Preservation Officer would allow to the building.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. in the mayor’s conference room at City Hall.
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