{"id":436829,"date":"2026-10-24T14:14:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T14:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/436829\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T14:14:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T14:14:11","slug":"jacksonville-mourns-longtime-state-attorney-harry-shorstein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/436829\/","title":{"rendered":"Jacksonville mourns longtime State Attorney Harry Shorstein"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most respected figures in Jacksonville\u2019s legal history has passed away at the age of 86, and city leaders are paying their respects.<\/p>\n

Former State Attorney\u00a0Harry Shorstein<\/a>, who was the State Attorney in the 4th Judicial Circuit from 1991 to 2008, was first appointed by Gov.\u00a0Lawton Chiles, then ran for four terms of his own.<\/p>\n

He also served for three years as Jacksonville\u2019s General Counsel. And he had been considered as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, though political pressure from his successor may have played a role in blocking his appointment to that role.<\/p>\n

\u201cShorstein was a true public servant \u2014 he was a combat-decorated U.S. Marine in Vietnam before he returned home to serve his community. We send our condolences to his family and friends,\u201d the current State Attorney\u2019s Office announced Friday.<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan<\/a> called Shorstein \u201can example to all of us through his many decades of public service as State Attorney, General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville, and many more achievements.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe spoke of making sure Jacksonville isn\u2019t a tale of two cities \u2013 a challenge that my administration works every day to change. He believed deeply in delivering justice but also in second chances, a mission that is emblematic of his focus on working with at-risk youth. His wisdom and heart will be missed, but it is carried on through the many people he mentored who are now leading our city today. My heart and prayers are with his family and every life he touched,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Current State Attorney\u00a0Melissa Nelson<\/a>, one of a generation of lawyers shaped by Shorstein\u2019s example, said \u201cHarry\u2019s life was marked by extraordinary service to his country and our city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was an excellent State Attorney who demonstrated integrity and professionalism and he was an exceptional trial lawyer. His legacy of \u2018do the right thing\u2019 will endure at the State Attorney\u2019s office. We have lost a distinguished public servant and I \u2014 and so many others \u2014 have lost a valued friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

U.S. Rep.\u00a0John Rutherford<\/a>, who was Jacksonville Sheriff from 2003 to 2015, said he is \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by Shorstein\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe criminal justice system and citizens of Clay, Duval and Nassau counties will forever owe him a deep amount of gratitude for his service to our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

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