WEST PALM BEACH - The federal courthouse

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Mold From Hurricanes Shuts Down Courthouse

Published: Nov 21, 2004

http://news.tbo.com/news/MGB3OWDPS1E.html

WEST PALM BEACH - The federal courthouse in Palm Beach County has

been closed because of mold spawned by hurricanes Frances and

Jeanne.

Chief U.S. District Judge J. Zloch ordered the courthouse

closed Friday after receiving complaints that the mold was making

people sick.

There have been complaints about headaches, sinus problems and

watery eyes, but no one has been hospitalized, said Clarence Maddox,

court administrator for U.S. District Court, Southern District of

Florida.

The mold has sprouted around the bottom of windows, mostly on the

building's west side in areas that received the most water damage.

No court records appear to have been damaged by the mold, Maddox

said.

Maddox said that he didn't know how long the courthouse would be

closed, but that all business has been relocated to the U.S.

courthouse in Fort Lauderdale while a Washington- based contractor

conducts tests.

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