Sidney M. Aronovitz

The Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse, in Key West, Florida. Sidney Myer Aronovitz (June 20, 1920 – January 8, 1997) was an American lawyer who served as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Education and career

Born on June 20, 1920, in Key West, Florida, Aronovitz was the son of a local textile merchant and a third-generation Key West native. He graduated from Key West High School in 1937, valedictorian and president of his class.

Federal judicial service

President Gerald Ford nominated Aronovitz to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on August 4, 1976, to the seat vacated by Judge William O. Mehrtens. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 17, 1976, he received his commission four days later. Aronovitz assumed senior status on October 31, 1988, and remained on the court until his death in Miami on January 8, 1997.

Notable case

Among the cases presided over by Aronovitz was the claim of treasure hunter Mel Fisher to the Spanish galleon, Atocha.

Honor

In October 2009, President Barack Obama signed into a law a bill introduced by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to rename the United States Post Office, Custom House, and Courthouse in Key West the Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse.