The Plantation Key Courthouse had a ribbon cutting this morning and is a step in the right direction for the future of Monroe County.
Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to give an update on the courthouse.
Ward said, “This is a big event for Monroe County, especially up here in the upper Keys.”
For years the old court house only had one courtroom and another was added, which was a double-wide trailer.
It was not an ideal situation to conduct trials and legal business. Indeed, even when it rained sometimes proceedings had to be suspended because no one could hear the goings on.
Ward said, “This is a great accomplishment for Monroe County and kudos to the county commission that put this together. Kudos to the staff, the builders. It’s a beautiful building. It’s gorgeous.”
The courtrooms are now upstairs in the new building.
“What an upgrade from what we had,” Ward said. “And what a very valid use of taxpayer dollars.”
There are still some staffing concerns within the courthouse, though. Caseloads have been difficult, but the county has gotten some help from the state.
Yes, cases need to be moved through the courts, but without prosecutors, nothing can move.
It’s affecting everyone – the state attorney in Miami lost 90 felony prosecutors in the last few months.
For more information on the Office of the State Attorney and possible job opportunities, click here: https://www.keyssao.org/Directory.aspx?DID=6