JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Crews are putting on the finishing touches at the new Duval County Courthouse. After increasing costs and numerous delays, the doors to Duval's newest landmark will finally open Monday.
"It will be trying, I'm not going to lie to you,” said Greg Solomon.
From copier machines to computers, Greg Solomon is in charge of keeping the court's clerks stocked up on supplies. He is head of purchasing for the court’s clerks and admits the new courthouse has seen its fair share of controversy. But come Monday, the confusion will set in.
"I've been here several times trying to find my way around and I can only imagine someone coming here for the first time trying to do the same,” said Solomon.
"It's absolutely going to be confusing for them because it's confusing for the lawyers and judges right now,” said local defense attorney, Richard Kuritz. Kuritz is defending Andrew King in what will be the new courthouses first murder trial. “Just going through the process of where you've got to go and how to get there."
At nearly 800,000-square-feet, the new courthouse is twice as big as the old one back on Bay Street. The first floor is where you'll find official record keeping, county and circuit civil cases and misdemeanors. Jury assembly is on the second floor. Floors three through six are courtrooms and hearing rooms are on the seventh floor. Clerk of Courts Jim Fuller says extra staff will be on hand to help people find their destination. You'll also find information kiosks inside to help guide you.
