Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Chief Judge David Fina has made a career in the judicial system for over 40 years in Suwannee County. On Friday, Jan. 31, his career came to an end with his retirement and a flurry of well wishes from his colleagues on and off the bench.
The retirement celebration for Judge Fina was held at the Suwannee County Courthouse, and his family, friends and colleagues, some wearing Atlanta Braves jerseys and shirts in his honor, were in attendance. He was also joined by his fellow judges, including retired Suwannee County Senior Judge Bill Slaughter and retired Circuit Court Judge Paul Bryan.
The ceremony opened with Chief Judge Melissa Olin of the Third Judicial Circuit offering her praise of Judge Fina. “I keep trying to convince myself that I am elated for you and Michelle for this next chapter in your life,” Olin said. “But I am struggling because I’m gonna miss you.”
Following Judge Olin’s remarks, friends and family came up to speak about the retired judge. Natalie Fina Wheeler, Judge Fina’s daughter, came up to share stories of her father and how he inspired her to go into practice herself. She shared how, when she was a kid, her father would respond to late-night calls about accidents and incidents, and she was able to participate in parades and public events with him.
“Having a judge as a dad definitely had its benefits,” Wheeler said. “I got free legal advice all my life, which included applying for law school, studying properly, taking tests properly, and taking the bar exam. I had the best source there could be to help take the hardest test possible.”
“I want to tell you that I appreciate your years of dedicated public service, and I congratulate you on your retirement,” Former State Attorney Jerry Blair said after recalling Judge Fina’s time as an Assistant State Attorney for the judicial circuit.
Judge Slaughter provided a humorous recollection of working with Judge Fina, calling him one of his “good friends.”
“Win or lose, I still have the greatest respect for him as a trial lawyer, both professionally and personally,” Slaughter said. “The thing was that his word was his bond. If he told you something, you could take it to the bank!”
The accolades continued until the end when Judge Fina spoke, thanking everyone in attendance and those in the Third Judicial Circuit for allowing him to serve.
Judge Fina was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1984 after graduating from the Cumberland School of Law. For 20 years, he served as an Assistant State Attorney under Blair until 2005, when Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to serve as circuit judge after Judge Thomas J. Kennon, Jr., retired.
He ran for circuit judge in his own right and won, being sworn in January of 2007 and was appointed Chief Judge in 2009, where he served in this capacity until his retirement.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in Judge Fina’s honor at Covenant First Presbyterian Church in Live Oak.