Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Federal Judiciary Blogs -> Southern District of Florida

OR PHONE (866) 635-1838 for Bankruptcy Help, (866) 635-6190 for Divorce,
(866) 635-2689 for Personal Injury or (866) 635-9402 for Criminal Defense

Find a Local Lawyer

Bankruptcy (866) 635-1838
Divorce (866) 635-6190
Personal Injury (866) 635-2689
Criminal Defense (866) 635-9402

Federal Judiciary

: Southern District of Florida

The mold problem couldn't be any worse, right?

By David Oscar Markus

ADVERTISEMENTS

Wrong.

There is mold throughout the James Lawrence King building. From John Pacenti's DBR article:

Another federal courthouse is riddled with mold, according to a private study last fall commissioned by the U.S attorney?s office. The study found mold spores in the air throughout the James Lawrence King building in downtown Miami. U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta said Monday he asked for the study after mold problems at the Dyer Courthouse across the street became public last year following the unusual death in 2006 of a federal judge from a mysterious pulmonary illness. Acosta said the study?s report found ?areas of concern? spread throughout the building. He said it was not unusual for one floor to be affected on one side more than the other. He also confirmed a small number of employees have complained about respiratory illness. Sources say some workers have chronic bronchitis.

For our out of town readers, don't be surprised by this -- we have mold in just about every building in Miami. So, what should be done?

Acosta said the study ? which he did not release ? recommended an upgrade of the building?s air conditioning and humidity control system followed by the cleaning of the air handling units and replacing insulation in air ducts. ?I became concerned with the air quality in this building and thought it appropriate and necessary to protect our employees with our own assessment,? Acosta said. ?This is a quality of life issue and it needs to get done.? Acosta said air purifiers ? purchased out of the U.S. attorney?s office budget ? have been located in the most problematic areas. Acosta referred questions about cost of the project to the General Services Administration, which acts the government?s landlord by renting out space in federal buildings.

The bright spot to all of this -- the new building is supposed to open soon:

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Federico Moreno said a certificate of occupancy has been issued and technical services should move into the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. courthouse this month.

Full post as published by Southern District of Florida on March 11, 2008 (boomark / email).