GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County officially welcomed Judge Raymond Forbess Jr. to the bench.

“Every day, I’m excited to come to work. I’m excited to do the work. It’s just been better than I had even thought it could be,” Forbess said.

The judge was officially appointed to the Fourth Judicial Circuit last Thursday at his formal investiture. The courtroom was filled with honorary guests, family and friends to commemorate the special occasion.

An investiture is a ceremony meant to officially “clothe” officials in the robes of office. Judge Forbess was elected into the office back in January, however, he said that due to systematic circumstances, the ceremony had to be put on hold.

“Mine, of course, is over six months down the road. Some judges had to wait more than two years because a lot of the investitures got shut down during COVID. And we just haven’t got caught up,” Judge Forbess said.

Chief Judge Mark H. Mahon resided at the ceremony. The occasion was filled with laughter and tears as the newest judge was ushered into his position.

The ceremony featured presentations from various lawyer associations in the Florida area. The Jacksonville Justice Association, the Catholic Lawyers Guild and the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida were some of many present on the big day. Each association was given time to present the judge with a keepsake to embrace him with open arms.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Judge Forbess’ friends and colleagues who gave in depth accounts of their relationships with him.

Following remarks, Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Tara Green, read the official commission signed by Gov. Ron Desantis.

The previous judge gave Forbess his oath, The Honorable Tim Collins. With his left hand on the Bible and his right hand raised, Forbess was officially sworn in.

Judge Forbess’ election comes as a replacement for the former judge after his retirement last year.

Judge Forbess said that his relationship with Judge Collins was indeed a highlight of his experience and brought much inspiration. During his speech, Forbess said he hoped to continue down the path already before him.

“A lot of the work that he did and put into it, I continue. That’s easy to do, though, since he was also one of my biggest mentors,” Forbess said.

After the Oath of Office, Judge Forbess’ wife and son joined him at the front of the courtroom to participate in the ceremony’s final piece. Together they helped enrobe him as a symbolic action of rewarding for the hard work and sacrifice they all endured.

After a welcoming speech from Judge Steven B. Whittington, Judge Forbess joined the judges on the bench. All dressed in their official robes and honorary titles, they sat together. In a speech of his own, the judge gave tearful thank you’s as he recounted the ones who helped him run for office and got him to where he is today.

The newly elected judge said he hopes to continue to show the community who voted for him that he is keeping his promises and faithfully implementing the law for Clay County citizens.

“I would welcome any of them to come to court any time I’m in session and they can see that I’m upholding exactly what I told them that I would. I’m always on time; I’m always prepared. And I give everybody their say in court,” Forbess said.