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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2024
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Leon County, Second Judicial Circuit to Dedicate Courthouse in Honor of Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr.
| WHO: |
Leon County Government |
| WHAT: |
Dedication of the Leon County Courthouse |
| WHEN: |
Friday, November 22, at 1:30 p.m. |
| WHERE: |
Leon County Courthouse, Courtroom 2E, 301 S. Monroe Street |
Leon County Government and the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida invite the community to the retirement celebration and dedication of the Leon County Courthouse in honor of Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. The ceremony will occur on Friday, November 22, at 1:30 p.m. at the Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe Street.
During the dedication ceremony, the Leon County Courthouse will be renamed the Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse.
Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. has been a pillar of the Leon County judicial system, exemplifying dedication and service throughout his extensive career. A native of Madison County, Florida, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration and his law degree from Florida State University. Appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to the Leon County Bench in November 1997, Judge Aikens was re-elected in 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018, making him the longest-serving Leon County Judge.
In his legal career, Judge Aikens has served 20 years as an attorney for the State of Florida, holding positions such as General Counsel of the Department of Administration, legal advisor to the Florida Career Service Commission, and Chief Legal Counsel for the State of Florida’s Retirement System. He also maintained a private law practice in Leon County.
In addition to his distinguished judicial career, Judge Aikens served honorably in the military. His service, spanning three decades, includes roles as Staff Judge Advocate, military judge, military police officer, and field artillery officer. He retired as a full Colonel in June 2003 and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during Operation Desert Storm. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit Medal “for exceptionally meritorious service throughout a long and distinguished career.”
Furthermore, Judge Aikens’ judicial leadership includes the establishment of the Leon County Veterans’ Treatment Court in 2015. This court provides treatment and diversion for veterans and service members with service-related mental health or substance abuse issues, leveraging his 30 years of military service to bring credibility and perspective to his role. Judge Aikens has been a member of The Florida Bar for 49 years. He also has been a member of the Florida Conference of County Judges and held significant roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
On March 5, 2024, Judge Aikens received a proclamation from the Supreme Court of Florida, which stated in part, “The Supreme Court of Florida hereby expresses heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Augustus D. Aikens, Jr., for his dedicated service and innumerable contributions to the State of Florida and the nation.” In 2022, Judge Aikens was named the “County Judge Who Made a Difference” by the Conference of County Judges of Florida. His other accolades include the Richard W. Ervin Equal Justice Award from the Capital City Bar President’s Council and the Harvey Ford Award, the highest recognition a Florida County Judge can be awarded, from the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida for professionalism, ethics, and service. Additionally, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tallahassee Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation.
Judge Aikens is married to La Grande Jones and has five children and 17 grandchildren. Judge Aikens’ final term will conclude on Monday, November 18, 2024. His remarkable career and unwavering service have left an indelible mark on Leon County.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided following the dedication ceremony.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Garber, Trial Court Administrator, Second Judicial Circuit, at 850-606-4427 / GarberE@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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