On Friday, September 10, 2021, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Stephen H. Grimes passed away. Justice Grimes was appointed to the state’s highest court by former Governor Bob Martinez in 1987 and served until 1997, serving as Chief Justice from 1994 until 1996. During his time as Chief Justice, Justice Grimes authorized establishment of a website for the court. Prior to his service on the Florida Supreme Court, Justice Grimes served as a judge on the Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland starting in 1973, serving as chief judge from 1978-1980. Before his tenure in the judiciary, Justice Grimes worked as an attorney with the Holland & Knight firm in Bartow. Justice Grimes received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida. During his time in law school, he received orders from the U.S. Navy to serve in the Korean War. Justice Grimes will be remembered for a life dedicated to service, civic engagement, faith, and family.

It is abundantly clear given the praise and admiration from those who knew him and worked with him that Justice Grimes was an extraordinary man. He served the Florida Supreme Court and the people of Florida with exceptional knowledge and humility, and his legacy serves as an example of what it means to be a great Floridian.

To honor the memory of former Florida Supreme Court Justice Stephen H. Grimes and his service to our state, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the Leon County Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, the City Hall of Tallahassee, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.