The 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to announce The Honorable Elijah H. Williams as a recipient of the Stephen R. Booher Award, presented in recognition of humanity, integrity, and unwavering service to the Bench, Bar, and community.

This distinguished honor will be presented at the Broward County Bar Association’s 2026 Annual Installation Dinner & Gala.

You are truly a standout. Congratulations, Judge Williams, on this well-deserved recognition.

Please join us in celebrating Judge Jackie Powell, recipient of the 2026 Broward County Bar Association President’s Award!

This distinguished honor recognizes her unwavering commitment to the judiciary, her dedication to mentoring others, and her many years of service to our community. Judge Powell’s leadership, professionalism, and positive influence continue to leave a lasting impact on those around her. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and achievement! The award will be presented at the 2026 Broward County Bar Association Annual Installation Dinner & Gala.

Approximately 35 Court Administration employees participated in a wellness walk along the New River last week, recognizing the importance of health and well-being. The group activity was part of a series of events held on May 29 to mark the conclusion of Problem-Solving Court Month. Wonderful time!

Did you know beginning in June 2026 that anyone who is summoned for jury duty and does not show up can face a fine of up to $100 and possibly be held in contempt of court, which translates into potential jail time? Probably not because the law has seldom been enforced in Broward County. But that is changing. The 17th Judicial Circuit will begin issuing Orders to Show Cause for anyone who fails to report.

The Order will include a new date on which the individual must appear before a judge to show cause as to why they should not be held in contempt of court and why they should not be fined. The Order will also allow for the individual to reschedule their jury duty services within a 60-day window. If the person does neither, they could be fined, held in contempt of court and jailed, or both.

Op Ed (authored by our own judiciary) was published in the Sun Sentinel on May 25, 2026.

Students from Attucks Middle School in Hollywood visited Drug Court this week, where they learned about this problem-solving court and its mission to help participants address substance abuse issues and become productive, successful members of society.

Drug Court staff spoke with the students about the dangers of drug use, how the risks are amplified by the widespread presence of fentanyl, and the steps they can take to avoid addiction and make healthy choices. Students also learned about Narcan and how it can save a life during a drug-induced emergency.

Our Drug Court is one of only 10 nationally recognized mentor courts, a distinction that reflects the exceptional work accomplished by Judge Michael Davis and the Drug Court team.

The students’ visit was especially timely, as May is recognized as Problem-Solving Courts Month in Florida.