Broward County Government history

The backlog of goods at Jacksonville so critical that, on October 29, 1925, the FEC had to embargo everything except food or items for which special permits had been obtained.

Early in 1926 Hollywood absorbed both Dania and the unincorporated Hallandale community.

In 1927 Dania and Hallandale regained their independence, the latter to be its own city for the first time.

Courthouse addition to the 1928 Courthouse Criminal Court of Record and County Solicitor office established.

In 1934, Anderson’s efficiency in office returns in excess of $ 400.00 to Broward County after paying expenses from fees collected.

The closest the area came to combat was in the week beginning May 4, 1942, when German submarines off southeast Florida torpedoed seven ships, one of which limped into Port Everglades.

First four floors of new west-wing Courthouse named Tedder wing in 1955.

Mildred S. Akerman elected first female jurist, one of three Small Claims Court Judges, assumed office on January 1, 1959.

Broward County is probably best known for the sun-kissed Fort Lauderdale beaches immortalized in the 1960 spring break movie Where the Boys Are, even though Fort Lauderdale is now a relatively staid family destination where the boys haven’t been in decades.

Judge Dorr S. Davis was first Juvenile Court Judge, who served until his death in 1964.

Boyd H. Anderson, Sr., succeeds Fred Shippey as Broward’s third County Judge, remaining in office until 1968.

Later, Cabot became Broward County’s first resident U. S. District Court Judge in 1969.

In 1971, Legislature establishes nonpartisan election of judges.

Yet, when growth finally paused in 1974 it was not as a result of municipal actions.

By 1976 the building industry began to revive.

September, Miette K. Burnstein, a Hungarian immigrant and Hollywood attorney, elected first woman circuit judge in Broward County, assuming office in January 1977.

Alcee L. Hastings appointed Circuit Court Judge, serving until 1979.

Elected first Broward County black to serve in Congress, from 1993 to present.

William P. Dimitrouleas appointed Circuit Judge, serving until 1998.

James I. Cohn appointed Circuit Judge, serving until 2003.

Broward’s public health system has been particularly problematic. Its CEO committed suicide in 2016 amid a federal investigation into shady contracts, and his successor, who got the job despite having a degree from a defunct diploma mill and despite being under indictment, recently resigned after less than a year in office.

The newest courthouse tower, the Broward County Judicial Complex West Building, officially opened May 11, 2017.