Our Circuit has held many Suspended Driver License Clinics over the years but this week’s was the first two-day, back-to-back event that saw a lot of foot traffic, and ended with many people getting their licenses reinstated. In all, nearly 300 Broward County residents found some type of resolution to their driving privileges or traffic cases. Judge Robert Diaz was on hand to settle court matters and review/adjust fines as necessary. The continued success of the clinics and the service they provide to the community ensures this coordinated multi-agency effort will continue for years to come.

Special thanks to all the participating agencies including, the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit’s  Judiciary, The Clerk of Courts, the State Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Revenue, and the Sheriff’s Office.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Honorable John T. Luzzo. He served the Seventeenth Circuit bench for more than 30 years and retired from the bench in 2017.

The family will host a joint Memorial service for Jack & Barbara Luzzo Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at St. Pius Catholic Church, 2500 NE 33rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 at 2 pm, with a reception to receive friends at the Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale 2231 North Ocean Blvd. FLL 33305 from 3-7 pm. The following day a ‘Celebration of Life’ lunch from 12-3pm will be hosted by her children and grandchildren. RSVPs are required for the lunch only, please contact the children.

On Friday, November 19, 2021, county officials, elected officers, and many others gathered (both in-person and via YouTube) for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Jack B. Tuter, Jr. Complex Trial Courtroom. Built on the 17th floor in what was formerly shell space, the new courtroom can seat well over 200 people, and will be used for complex civil trials and special court events and ceremonies.

Commissioner Mark Bogen was the emcee for the event, and Commissioner Tim Ryan, Judge Dorian K. Damoorgian, and Mayor Steve Geller all gave remarks before formally introducing the honoree and the cutting of the ribbon.

The entire video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/YuDxepuM7L4

On November 8, 2021, the Broward County Bar Association, along with 9 Bar Associations in Florida, hosted “The Florida Patriot: Honoring Legal Leader Veterans’ Service To Country & Community” Zoom event. Legal leaders from nine circuits across the state were recognized for their service to our country and to their community. Judge Edward H. Merrigan, who created our Veterans Court and is a Brigadier General in the Army Reserves, received the award for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

To Judge Merrigan, and all our Veterans, thank you for your service!