All Posts in "Uncategorized"

Judge Jackie Powell Shares Insights with FIU Law Students

Judge Jackie Powell spoke last week at the FIU College of Law’s Professionalism Lunch and Learn, hosted by the Black Law Students Association.

The event gave law students an opportunity to meet with a judge, ask questions, gain insights into the legal profession and network with fellow students and a legal professional.

Thank you to the Black Law Students Association for hosting this valuable opportunity to connect with the next generation of legal professionals!

by — November 9, 2026 in Announcements
Workplace Wellness Makes a Difference

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Health & Wellness Committee organized a mental health break this week for Court Administration employees with a coffee and cake social that yielded the desired results: lots of smiles.

The event was packed with employees enjoying an impressive assortment of cakes, cookies, muffins, macarons, and, of course, plenty of coffee. More than just a chance to satisfy a sweet tooth, the gathering provided an opportunity to step away from busy schedules, connect with coworkers, and recharge during the workday.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by and helped make the afternoon such a success. Until next time! Great job, everyone!

#17thjudteam

by — July 31, 2026 in Announcements
Governor Appoints Pascale Achille to Circuit Court Bench

We have a new judge! The 17th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to fill the vacancy created by the August 15th resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

Judge Achille has worked as an assistant state attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office for 12 years where she has been a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the sexual battery and career criminal units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Court of Appeal.

Welcome aboard! We are so happy you are on our team! Read our press release HERE.

by — December 10, 2025 in Announcements
Honoring Families on National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day is just around the corner and preparations are underway for a day of festivities! Seventeen children ranging in age from toddlers to teens will be formally adopted this Saturday
during a fun-filled celebration at the Broward County Courthouse. The event will feature games, gifts and lots of joy. According to Judge John B. Bowman, “This is probably the most important day of their life.” The aim of National Adoption Day is to shine a light on this issue and stir interest in the children who are waiting to be placed in forever homes, while also celebrating those that have been adopted. Read our press release HERE.

by — November 19, 2025 in Court Updates
17th Circuit Leaders Participate in Early Childhood Court Conference

From August 5–7, Court staff attended the national Early Childhood Court/Safe Babies Teams conference in Portland, Oregon. Attendees from the 17th Judicial Circuit included Judge Hope Bristol, Judge Jose Izquierdo, and Trent Baker. Judge Izquierdo presented on “Indian Child Welfare Court: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Enhancing Trust and Collaboration.”

📸 Photos:

  • ChildNet Team (left): Part of our core in-court ECC team—Jamica Smith, Sherrelle Young, Terra Singletary, and Trent Baker.
  • 10 Years of ECC in Florida (right): Group photo celebrating a decade of Early Childhood Courts in Florida, featuring Florida judges, child welfare staff, and partners, including Judge Izquierdo, Judge Bristol, and Trent Baker.

The conference, hosted by Safe Babies/Zero to Three™, focused on team-based approaches to supporting infants, toddlers, and families in the child welfare system. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Roots, Growing Our Branches,” honored our strong foundation in early childhood health, mental wellness, and parent voice—while fostering innovation and collaboration nationwide.

by — September 1, 2025 in Announcements
Celebrating Two Judicial Robings!

Congratulations Judges Johnathan D. Lott and Lauren N. Peffer on your Investitures today! Judge Lott presides in Family Court in Fort Lauderdale and Judge Peffer presides in County Court at the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. In attendance today was County Mayor Mark D. Bogen, Chief Judge Jack Tuter, a host of judges and lots of family and friends. Many thanks to the Broward County Bar Association for organizing this event. Welcome to the 17th Judicial Circuit Judges Lott and Peffer! We are delighted to have you on the team!

by — February 21, 2025 in Announcements
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