Florida's Supreme Court: a year of change and confidence in its future.

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Date: 01 July 2008
• Author: White, III, John G.
• Published date: 01 July 2008
• Author: White, III, John G.

During my year as Florida Bar president, there will be unparalleled change at the Florida Supreme Court, where four justices will be leaving the bench.

The Florida Constitution dictates that both Harry Lee Anstead and Charles Wells retire as justices at age 70.

For Anstead, who turned 70 in December 2007, his last official day will be January 5, 2009. For Wells, mandatory retirement will arrive in March 2009, when he turns 70.

Strong family ties commanded Raoul Cantero, 47, to admirably put his family's needs first and return home to Miami. His resignation is effective September 6. Similarly, the court's newest member, Kenneth Bell, 52, cited challenges in balancing work and family when resigning effective October 1. A seventh-generation Pensacolian, Bell commuted to Tallahassee after his family moved back to Pensacola four years ago.

This quality quartet will leave a lasting mark on the state's highest court.

Wells, who took office in 1994, will be remembered as the chief justice with a calm, steady hand at the...