Judge Belvin Perry honored at retirement party

Perry retiring after 37 years, will have building named after him

ORLANDO, Fla. – Friends, family and colleagues joined on Friday night to honor Judge Belvin Perry's retirement.

The party was held at Jones High School Friday afternoon, as fellow judges, attorneys, family members and elected leaders gathered, along with Perry's former Jones High School classmates.

Incoming Chief Judge Frederick Lauten emceed the retirement celebration, joined on stage with many Orange and Osceola county judges.

During the ceremony, which featured a video detailing Perry's life, Perry discussed his mother and father, who was one of Orlando's first black police officer, and how they helped shape his career.

Perry's colleagues gave him several gifts, including a golf bag with his name on it. Perry said he looks forward to going golfing, but many speculate he won't sit still for long, possibly going into private practice as an attorney or doing community work.

The Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court described Perry as "the epitome of a wise, fair and impartial jurist."

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs also announced on Friday that the mental health and substance abuse facility that Perry helped create will now re-named the Belvin Perry Central Receiving Center.

Perry still has one more week on the job, including presiding over two bench trials.


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