Broward Circuit Judge Dale Ross, who served as chief judge from 1991 to 2008, said last week that he is retiring, but insisted it was not for health reasons and not under any outside pressure.
“I’m like the old baseball pitcher who knows it’s time to leave the game,” said Ross, 69, who was first appointed to the bench in 1981 and re-elected without opposition all but once, when he faced an opponent in 2012. “There’s no other reason than the fact that it’s just time,” he said.
Ross had a 16-year tenure as chief judge, which enabled him to assign judges to criminal and civil divisions and was the longest in Broward courthouse history. He said he had no regrets about his service.
Two sitting judges have familial ties to Ross. His daughter, Stacy Ross, was appointed to the circuit court bench in 2013; her husband, veteran prosecutor Alberto Ribas Jr., was appointed to the circuit court in February.
Ross called his decision to resign “just another day” and the closing of another chapter in his life. But asked what the next chapter will entail, he had no real answer.
“I just don’t know,” he said.
Ross had more than two years left in his term. A replacement will be appointed by Gov. Rick Scott.
, 954-356-4457, Twitter @SSCourts and @rolmeda
, 954-356-4457, Twitter @SSCourts and @rolmeda
