FEDERAL COURTHOUSE
12
LEGAL COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT
ON TIME, BUDGET
U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham, the court’s liaison
during the process, says he is pleased that the construction
was completed on time and within budget.
He noted that the Southern District of Florida is one of the
largest and busiest federal courts in the country.
“The explosive growth of surrounding communities makes
this new courthouse well deserved, and certainly was a factor
in our court’s overwhelming decision to place a permanent
district judgeship in Fort Pierce as soon as practical after the
courthouse opens,” Graham says.
Court Administrator Larimore says that Frank J. Lynch, a
U.S. Magistrate Judge, is assigned to the courthouse.
“In addition, three district judges from Miami rotate
through Fort Pierce periodically,” he says. “We do anticipate
that a permanent district judge assignment will be made in
the future.”
THE BENEFITS
Doris Tillman, manager of Main Street Fort Pierce, sees the
courthouse as a plus for Fort Pierce. “It will bring in jurors
and out-of-town lawyers, bring new businesses to that area,
and I think we will see positive changes that relate to the
federal courthouse.”
Lisa Spagnuolo, owner of the popular Pot Belli Deli in the
Arcade building across the street from the courthouse, says
she’s already seeing a slight bump in business even though
the courthouse probably isn’t fully staffed yet.
“We have seating for 50 or 60 people inside and 16 outside
and we deliver as well,” she says. “Some of the regulars say
they’re worried we’ll get too busy.”
ED DRONDOSKI
The federal courthouse construction started in 2009 and continued through
most of 2011.
Most visitors will be looking for public parking, and the
city’s garage is right across U.S. 1, where it is convenient to
visit restaurants and shops. Courthouse parking for employees
will be under the courthouse building, whose lobby floor
is at second-story height.
Yiannis Fassilis, owner of Yiannis Greek Cafe on Orange
Avenue at Depot Drive, says he has yet to see much of an
increase in business.
“Most of us down here are expecting lawyers to come
for lunches,” he says. “As time goes on I think we’ll see
more business.”
Colin Lloyd, owner of the Tiki Bar and Restaurant on the
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