The Honorable Betsy Benson was featured in the local publication New Pelican for her outstanding assistance with temporarily taking the bench at the Pompano Beach Community Court. New Pelican highlighted Judge Benson’s statement “Sometimes no matter how much we try, the participant has to want something better for themselves.” Judge Benson was referring to a hearing that ended with a participant refusing assistance.

Community Court Pompano Beach continues to be held twice a month on Thursdays at the Annie L. weaver Health Center. The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner continues to preside over this location. For the full article from New Pelican, click on the link below:

https://bit.ly/commcourtpomp

Judges Barner and Miranda were recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. Judge Barner was elected to serve as the 4th District Vice President, while Judge Miranda was re-elected to serve as the 17th Circuit Representative. Both judges will be serving alongside Judge Gottlieb who is serving his second year as president.

On behalf of the 17th Circuit, thank you all for your dedication and commitment to serving the public and the Conference of County Judges of Florida. Congratulations on this honor!

The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office in recognizing Housing and Social Services Manager Cassandra Rhett for all of her hard work and commitment coordinating a recent food drive.

Rhett has been an integral part of the planning and coordinating of the Pompano Beach Community Court. Congratulations Cassandra, and thank you for everything you do!

The 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida celebrated the Drug Court Team on May 11, 2023, in honor of Drug Court Month. The Honorable Hope Tieman Bristol, Honorable Susan L. Alspector, Honorable Kenneth A. Gottlieb and General Magistrate Rudy Morel were presented proclamations from the Broward County Commission with Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards and Early Childhood and Dependency Drug Court Coordinator Trent Baker.

The State of Florida initiated the Drug Court movement in 1989 and created the first Drug Court of the United States in Miami Dade County. Since its creation, Drug Court has continued to reduce crime and provide better treatment outcomes for its participants.

The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner gave a presentation on Community Court Fort Lauderdale as part of the United Way Coalition’s Annual Conference on Problem Solving Courts.

Community Court Fort Lauderdale is reported to be the first successful Community Court in the state of Florida and continues to connect defendants with rehabilitative services.

The Honorable Susan L. Alspector was installed as President of the Justice Unit Voluntary Bar Association on April 23, 2023.

Several 17th Circuit judges were in attendance such as the Honorable Natasha Deprimo, the Honorable Ari Abraham Porth, the Honorable Kenneth A. Gottlieb and the Honorable Michael I. Rothschild.

Retired Chief Judge Peter Weinstein delivered the oaths of office for the board members at the installation, which was the first one that took place in-person post pandemic.