F R O M T H E T H I R T E E N T H J U D I C I A L C I R C U I T C H I E F J U D G E C h i e f J u d g e C h r i s t o p h e r S a b e l l a , T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t C o u r t
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Zoom , enabling staff to work in a safe , hybrid manner , and returning to jury trials while adhering to social distancing . He worked with our Hillsborough County Administration partners to establish sanitation protocols for all court facilities , our justice partners to collaborate on processes and procedures that met the needs of all stakeholders , and always emphasized that the health and wellness of our court family and citizens of our community was most paramount .
Our sincere appreciation for his service was conveyed in a very meaningful way . On June 28 , 2023 , we unveiled the Ronald N . Ficarrotta Courtroom . His brothers and sisters on the bench , members of the Administrative Office of the Courts , and his beloved family shared in the celebration . Ron was overwhelmed with emotion and appreciation as he stood outside Courtroom 505 , on the fifth floor of the Edgecomb Courthouse , to witness the surprise unveiling .
Then on September 29 , 2023 , County Commissioner Harry Cohen presented Chief Judge Ficarrotta with a commemorative plaque from the Board of County Commissioners , recognizing his service as Chief Judge ( shown on previous page ). The plaque now hangs below the Ronald N . Ficarrotta Courtroom signage . All who pass the plaque will forever be reminded of the service , dedication , and vision of our beloved Chief Judge Ficarrotta .
It occurs to me now ( and did then ) that I have some very big shoes to fill as the Circuit ’ s new Chief Judge . While I am humbled and thankful for the faith that my fellow judges placed upon me in the spring of 2023 , I know there is much work to be done . The assignments before me are plentiful , with many projects on the horizon , including the construction of two new county
courtrooms on the fourth floor of the Edgecomb Courthouse , and two in the Pat Frank Court Building . And of course , I will endeavor to keep Ron ’ s hope and vision alive — that we will in the next several years design and build a new criminal courthouse in downtown Tampa .
I will do my best to make the members of the Hillsborough County Bar Association proud to work in the best Circuit in the State of Florida . I am so thankful for your support , and I look forward to working with each and every one of you . n
J a n - F e b 2 0 2 4 | H C b a L a W Y e R
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