Members of the Florida Association of Problem-Solving Courts (FAPSC) recently attended the All Rise RISE26 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, representing Problem-Solving Courts from Judicial Circuits throughout the State of Florida.

This group brought together judges, court administrators, program managers, coordinators, and other Problem-Solving Court professionals from across Florida to share knowledge, exchange innovative ideas, and learn the latest evidence-based practices in treatment courts and justice innovation.

Their participation reflects Florida’s strong statewide commitment to the continued development, advancement, and success of Problem-Solving Courts, while providing an opportunity to collaborate with treatment-court professionals from across the nation.

The FAPSC members attending RISE26 proudly represented the many Judicial Circuits and Problem-Solving Court programs that serve Florida communities every day.

A homeschool group from Palm Beach County spent the day exploring the 17th Judicial Circuit and learning how the courts operate.

The students met with Judge Kenneth L. Gillespie, observed live court proceedings in the courtroom of Judge Elijah H. Williams, learned about the role of the Public Defender’s Office from Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez, and explored the science of ballistics with Broward Sheriff’s Office forensic scientist Hery Figueroa.

From the courtroom to the crime lab, there’s no better way to learn about the law than by experiencing it firsthand!

Attention! An ongoing jury duty scam has once again been reported in South Florida. The scam involves attempts to obtain money, threats of fines and even jail time.

Don’t fall for it!

Callers claiming to be law enforcement or Circuit Court judges are threatening victims that have missed jury service, claiming if they do not comply with the caller’s requests, they could be fined or face jail time.

Anyone contacting you to demand a fine or threaten jail time is not connected to the Federal or State Court System nor a member of a law enforcement agency.

Contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-831-8901 or the U.S. Marshal’s Office at 954-356-7256 if you are contacted.

Read the press release HERE.

Players from the Cobras Travel Soccer Team visited Dependency Court for a firsthand look at the justice system. During their visit, they observed court proceedings, asked thoughtful questions, and met with Judge Jose Izquierdo, who shared insights into the role of the court and the work of a judge.

Afterward, the group gathered over pizza to review the judge’s docket, discuss the cases they had observed, and reflect on what they learned during their day at the courthouse. Experiences like these help bring the justice system to life and show that there’s no substitute for hands-on learning!

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Drug Court team traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend All Rise 2026, the nation’s premier training conference on addiction, mental health, and justice innovation.

The conference brought together judges, court professionals, treatment providers, and justice system partners from across the country to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn about the latest evidence-based approaches to treatment courts. Attendees participated in educational sessions focused on emerging research, innovative strategies, and effective practices that help improve outcomes for participants while strengthening problem-solving courts nationwide.

Pictured from left to right are front row: Angela Lewis, Laura Alvarez, and Tabitha Black; back row: Margarita Joseph, Ben Francois, Judge Michael Davis, who presides over the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Adult Drug Court, and Russell Edwards, Drug Court Manager.