POSTED: 4:52 pm EST February 26, 2008
 
MIAMI -- Portions of Miami's historic downtown courthouse are off limits due to a mold infestation.
 
U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno -- the chief judge in Florida's Southern District -- closed parts of the courthouse. He says in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that parts of the basement that house court records and a stairwell used by judges were being closed until further notice.
 
Moreno had received a new U.S. Public Health Service report that identifies widespread mold infestation and ongoing water leaks, with one part of the basement termed "disgusting" by inspectors.
 
Known officially as the David W. Dyer building, the courthouse is one of several in Miami's downtown federal judicial complex.
Across the street, a new 14-story courthouse sits unused, more than 60 million dollars over budget and three years behind schedule. Electrical problems, hurricane damage and contractor disputes are blamed for the delay -- which shows no sign of ending.
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