Local voluntary bars across the state joined in to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, which ran from September 15 to October 15.

While this year’s celebrations may have looked somewhat different due to COVID-19, they were no less festive or significant. Several local bar events were held virtually, while others took a more hybrid approach to the get-togethers.

To kick off the month, the Broward County Bar Association and the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association joined with 10 other organizations to host an event titled, “The Florida Jurist: Recognizing Hispanic Excellence.” The Zoom gathering honored five Hispanic judges from across the state, including Fourth Circuit Court Judge Tatiana Salvador, Sixth Circuit Judge Myriam Irizarry, 11th Circuit Chief Judge Bertila Soto, 15th Circuit Judge Luis Delgado, and 17th Circuit Judge Robert F. Diaz. Also participating in the festivities were the Hispanic National Bar Association, Escambia Santa-Rosa Bar Association, Jacksonville Bar Association, Cuban American Bar Association, North Dade Bar Association, Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, St. Petersburg Bar Association, South Palm Beach County Bar Association, and Palm Beach County Bar Association. Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel appeared as a guest speaker.