All Posts in "Court Updates"

Hard Work and Resilience Inspire Us All!

Dependency Judge Stacey Schulman recently had the honor of congratulating graduates on stage at the 21st Annual Broward County Transitional Independent Living Graduation Celebration, held at Broward College. The event was put on by ChildNet and other associated agencies.

This June 26th event recognized youth in foster care graduating from middle school, high school, college, trade school, or earning their GED or associate degree. Judge Schulman, along with employees Ta’Ami Bajamour, Jessica Byczek, and Heather Abel from the 17th Judicial Circuit joined in celebrating their incredible achievements.

Congratulations to all the graduates! #17thjudteam

by — June 30, 2025 in Announcements
Honoring Our Outstanding Team Members

✨ For the second time this year, Court Administration celebrated employees reaching milestone anniversaries of five years or more with special recognition awards.

Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico honored 22 dedicated team members for their exemplary service to the 17th Judicial Circuit. Sixteen honorees were present for the ceremony, while six were recognized in absentia.

A special congratulations to Beth Ranalli, who received the “Shining Star” Award for exceptional service! 🌟

Joe plans to make this celebration a regular tradition to remind employees just how valued they are.

👏 Thank you for your years of hard work and commitment—you are the heart of our Circuit’s success!

Pictured left to right last row: Diana Sobel, Maureen Hoefner, Jaki Mullings, Matt Dreis, Marta Prieto, Sharon Alleyne, Robert Grieper, Beth Plotkin and Joe D’Amico.

Second row, left to right: Diane St. Amand Scott, Omar MacAnuff, Taiwo Akinkunmi, Paloma Sanchez, Samantha Scott, Rafael Ferrans and Jenelle Denson.

First row: Russell Edwards and Fausto Alvarez Ravelo. Not pictured: Sunil Nemade, Andre Simmons, Patricia Cantrell, Lucy Catena and Satmatee Misram. Beth Ranalli, winner of the Shining Star award, was also absent.

by — June 27, 2025 in Announcements
Congratulations on Your Appointment by Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz

Congratulations to Brittany Simpson Joseph for your appointment to the state Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy. Brittany is the Director of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Court Mediation and Arbitration Program. Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appointed Brittany to this prestigious committee, which reviews all the governing rules of the court-appointed mediators. As a committee member, Brittany will contribute her thoughts to any pending cases or needed updates. The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you on our team, Brittany!

by — June 26, 2025 in Admin Orders
Judges Levenson and Gillespie Recognized at BCBA Gala for their Dedicated Service

Congratulations to Judges Jeffrey R. Levenson and Kenneth L. Gillespie, who were honored on June 21st at the Broward County Bar Association’s 2025 Gala. Judge Levenson received the Stephen A. Booher Award in recognition of his humanity, integrity and dedication to the Bench, Bar and community. Judge Kenneth L. Gillespie received the Executive Director’s Award in acknowledgement of his outstanding commitment, loyalty and service to the Bar and legal community. The 17th Judicial Circuit is extremely proud! Read our press release HERE.

by — June 25, 2025 in Announcements
Congratulations to the Florida Panthers!

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the Florida Panthers second Stanley Cup win in a colorful show of support for this amazing team! Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico encouraged employees to celebrate the team’s huge victory by donning Panthers merch. And they did not disappoint! Among the fans? Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Nina W. DiPietro. Go Panthers!

by — June 20, 2025 in Announcements
Jury Duty. Your Right. Your Responsibility.

One of the most important Constitutional rights we have as Americans is the right to a trial by jury—but that right only exists if people like YOU step up and serve.

When you’re called for jury duty, you’re not just answering a summons—you’re answering a call to civic responsibility.

✅ Jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Driver Licenses Database.
✅ You must be 18+ and a resident of Broward County.
✅ You only serve once per calendar year.
✅ Selection happens through a fair process called voir dire.

⚖️ Your voice matters. Your service counts.
Ignoring your Jury Summons could result in a $100 fine or Contempt of Court—but more importantly, it means missing your chance to help justice be served.

by — June 18, 2025 in Announcements
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