Broward courthouse home to mold

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Posted on Wed, Nov. 02, 2005

FORT LAUDERDALE

Fl.

Broward courthouse home to mold

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/13056691.htm

Clean-up workers Tuesday found mold in the county courthouse. For

now, regular operations are expected to resume Nov. 7.

BY SARA OLKON

solkon@...

Mold was discovered by clean-up workers inside the Broward County

courthouse Tuesday, eight days after Hurricane Wilma pummeled the

building, causing at least $4 million in damage, officials said

Tuesday.

The mold, uncovered by an environmental cleanup company, appears to

be confined to the administrative offices on the eighth floor, said

Chief Judge Dale Ross. But further tests are pending.

Despite the discovery, county officials said the courthouse will

reopen Monday.

''If it's widespread, that's a horse of a different color,'' Ross

said.

About 175 windows blew out of the Southeast Sixth Street building

during the storm, leaving a twisted, rain-soaked mess that shuttered

the facility to the public, halting all but the most urgent judicial

hearings.

In total, emergency and long-term courthouse repairs due to the

storm damage is expected to run $4 million, said Pete Corwin, an

assistant to the Broward County administrator.

On Tuesday, LVI, an environmental clean-up company,

conducted ''moisture-mapping'' tests to determine how much moisture

has infiltrated the courthouse walls, said Al Draper, a company

spokesman.

''We are exercising caution,'' said Carol Coburn, facilities manager

for Broward County.

Last year, Chief U.S. District Judge J. Zloch closed the

federal courthouse in West Palm Beach after mold sprouted around the

bottom of windows as a result of water damage from Hurricanes

Frances and Jeanne.

The federal courthouse is slated to re-open in December.

Back in Fort Lauderdale, judges continue to hold first appearance

and emergency bond hearings. Likewise, those who seek domestic

violence and restraining orders should go to the front door of the

main courthouse, at 201 SE Sixth St. Baker Act and mental health

proceedings are being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Most courthouse employees are expected back at work Monday. Those

who need more information were urged to call 954-831-7777; Clerk of

Courts' employees were asked to call 954-831-5797.

Jurors with start dates Oct. 31 through Nov. 4 have been excused

from service.

Holding a notice and still not sure what to do? Call the juror

hotline 954-831-6089 for further updates.