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Jurist Judged Distinguished

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 7, 2008

CLEARWATER - A Pinellas County circuit judge is receiving a prestigious state award for his work trying to dissuade at-risk youth from a life of crime.

Circuit Judge Michael Andrews is to receive the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice's Distinguished Judicial Service Award on Jan. 31.

Each year, a judge, a lawyer, a law firm and a bar association are recognized by the Florida Bar for the work they have done for a particular cause without any compensation. This year the judge is Andrews.

Andrews is being recognized for creating the Judicial Forum, an annual program designed to acquaint at-risk youth with the judicial system while providing encouragement, inspiration and motivation.

At the forums, black judges from across the state discuss their personal histories and struggles and what they did to overcome obstacles. The idea is that the judges will be a positive influence and serve as role models for at-risk youth.

Andrews has contributed more than 1,000 hours to the effort. Among the topics that have been under discussion are peer pressure, what it takes to be a good citizen and "staying out of the courthouse."

Judge Andrews' father emigrated from the Bahamas. He was a custodian, and Andrews' mother was a maid.

When he was appointed in 1997, he was the youngest judge in Florida. He has been a circuit judge since 2003 and sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit's Family Law Division in Clearwater.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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