February 18, 2000

APPRECIATION PROGRAM FOR

LARRY D. HARDAWAY, ESQ.

Larry Hardaway receives a plaque for his service to the Polk County Voter's League.
Click Pictures for a larger view.

Larry Hardaway with his Plaque for Pro Bono Service.
Larry with plaque for his
Pro Bono Services.

     
     More than 80 people gathered in the Main Courtroom of the Polk County Courthouse to say goodbye to their friend, colleague, mentor and attorney. There aren't many people who could cause that many people to stay in the court house late Friday afternoon, but Larry is one.
    
     They all came to honor their friend who is relocating the focus of his activities to Orlando. The participants were all pleased to hear that Larry has agreed to keep at least a part-time office in Polk County to serve his many clients here and, hopefully, to accept some court appointments for indigent defendants and respondents in juvenile cases.

     Not only did many lawyers and lay people come to say goodbye to their friend, but County Commissioners Janet Shearer and Marlene Duffy Young were there, as well as the elected Public Defender, J. Marion Moorman. About ten Circuit and County judges were in attendance. Even Judge Charles A. Davis of the Second District Court of Appeal came. Who says judges are never in the courthouse late on Friday afternoons! Maybe it was the food.

     Presented by Larry's secretary Renae Braxton, and Heidi Shank, the program featured mounds of great food supplied by Terrie Lobb Catering. But in addition to the food, there were speeches honoring Larry, and saluting his countless hours of pro bono legal work and equal amounts of civic activities.

     John Kirkland, Barbara Davis, Judge J. Michael Hunter, and Lakeland City Commissioner Gow Fields all spoke of Larry's special character focusing on his work ethic and compassion. Later Charles Streeter, Karla Wright, Donzell Floyd, and Ken Glover all offered testimonials and anecdotes from Larry's life demonstrating his willingness to help others. Finally, it was Larry's turn.
    
     He offered insights into his decision to relocate and deeply felt feelings about his friendships in the community.

     He received plaques from the Polk County Voters' League and the Virgil Hawkins Bar Association, and the Florida Bar's prestigious President's Pro Bono Service Award for the Tenth Judicial Circuit.

                                  And then there was the food.

All of those who came proved the truth
of the song lyric that sometimes,

    "ya don't know whatcha got, 'till its gone."

Contributed by Judge Robert A. Young
(And then there was the food!)

Larry Hardaway and Judge Roberts.
Larry chats with Judge
Susan Roberts.

Larry Hardaway, Judge Curry and Judge Raiden "talk to each other"
Larry, Chief Judge Charles Curry
and Judge Michael Raiden
obviously have some secret
means of commuicating! :-)

Larry Hardaway and Cookie Rousos from the Guardian Ad Litem program.
Cookie Rousos gives Larry a hug of appreciation for all of his work with the Guardian Ad Litem program
Home   Back To News