Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution Naming County-Owned Property, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, NAMING COURTROOM 14150, LOCATED AT THE BROWARD COUNTY JUDICIAL COMPLEX, AS THE “CHIEF JUDGE PETER M. WEINSTEIN COURTROOM” IN HONOR OF RETIRED CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE PETER M. WEINSTEIN; DIRECTING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE NAMING OF THE COURTROOM; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Senator Steve Geller)
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider adoption of the Resolution Naming County-Owned Property was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting on August 22, 2024.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows for the Board’s consideration of the Resolution Naming County-Owned Property.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
This item proposes that the Board name Courtroom 14150 at the Main Courthouse, located at 201 S.E. Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 (“Courtroom”), in honor of retired Circuit Court Judge Peter M. Weinstein (“Judge Weinstein”).
Judge Weinstein has made numerous significant contributions to Broward County and the State of Florida over the course of a career in public service that spans six decades, distinguishing himself through service in the United States Army, and as a formidable attorney, savvy legislator, respected judge, and dedicated community leader. He served as a Circuit Court Judge for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit for Broward County for 21 years, including six years as Chief Judge, during which time he was instrumental in the construction of the Main Courthouse, while also creating the Broward Veterans Court, to ensure veterans charged with criminal offenses have access to much-needed therapeutic treatment, and leading or serving on numerous judicial and legal committees.
Before beginning his judicial service, Judge Weinstein served for 14 years in the Florida Senate, rising to numerous leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the Judiciary Committee. He championed significant legislation to build the Sawgrass Expressway, establish qualifications for County Court Judges, protect victims of and witnesses to crime, preserve law enforcement and military benefits, and protect consumers, among other policy initiatives.
Originally from New York City, Judge Weinstein earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a law degree from Brooklyn Law School. He served as an assistant district attorney with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office in New York where he rose to the rank of bureau chief of the Supreme Court Trial Bureau in Queens. Judge Weinstein also served as an assistant state attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. During his tenure in the private sector, Judge Weinstein practiced civil and criminal litigation with an emphasis on commercial litigation and personal injury. He served in the United States Army for two years on active duty in the dual roles as a staff officer in the Southeast Signal Brigade and legal officer where he tried almost 200 special court-martial cases and handled numerous legal issues for the Brigade Commander. Judge Weinstein received the Army Commendation Medal awarded by the Secretary of the Army and was honorably discharged as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve after eight years.
In addition to his military, legislative, and judicial service, Judge Weinstein has also shown his commitment to public service through his leadership of, or participation in, a wide variety of civic, charitable, and governmental organizations, including the Broward Chapter of the American Inns of Court, the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center for Women, the Jewish Federation, and the Broward Community Blood Center. He has also served as a member of the Florida Railroad Safety Commission, Broward County Charter Review Commission, and Florida Judicial Council.
Judge Weinstein’s spirit of service is also shared by those closest to him. Notably, Dr. Barbara Weinstein served as the Chief Executive Officer of Family Central, Inc., for 36 years, improving the lives of many Broward County children. Judge Weinstein and Dr. Weinstein have made their home in Coral Springs for the last 47 years.
Section 18.43 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”) establishes the Board’s policy for naming property, buildings, structures, or facilities. Pursuant to Section 18.43(e) of the Administrative Code, the County Administrator solicited community input for the proposed naming of the Courtroom from seven entities, including local municipalities and community groups. Attached as Exhibit 2 is a July 11, 2024, memorandum to the Board summarizing the input solicited and received and analyzing whether the proposed naming of the Courtroom aligns with County policy (the analysis focuses upon local contributions, which is the primary factor under Section 18.43(b)(4) of the Administrative Code but as stated herein and in the accompanying Resolution, Judge Weinstein also contributed significantly at the state level, which is the secondary factor under Section 18.43(b)(4) of the Administrative Code).
Source of Additional Information
Jacqueline Garcia Arteaga, Chief of Staff, District 5, 954-357-7005
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The fiscal impact is expected to be less than $10,000.