Hollywood Community Court: Helping the Unhoused

It took nearly a year but her success story was heart-stopping. Unhoused for nearly a dozen years, the Community Court participant now has her own place and her own keys. A new beginning, thanks to Hollywood Community Court. Here’s how it played out: the woman was referred to Community Court after receiving multiple charges for lodging/sleeping in public. During a 10-month period, she completed community service hours, completed all program requirements and followed up with service provider referrals and appointments. Meanwhile, Community Court worked with Broward Outreach Center, which secured her a slot in their residential program. Ultimately, they obtained housing with assistance from Broward County’s HOSS-D team and their permanent supportive housing program. Thank you Judge Corey Cawthon and your amazing support team for changing lives for the better.

Judges & Magistrates Speak at Day-Long Family Law Conference

The BCBA’s Family Law section sponsored “Raising the Bar Family Law Conference” at Fort Lauderdale’s Tower Club last week and the 17th Judicial Circuit was well-represented. Both our judges and magistrates presented during the day long seminar.

Pictured left to right are Judges Christopher Wigand, Johnathan D. Lott, Jessica M. Marra, Lauren M. Alperstein, Catalina Avalos and Magistrate Hilary Creary. Also in attendance were Judges Kristin R. Kanner, Carlos Rodriguez and Magistrate Lucy Ramos Miller.

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Fred!

It was a grand sendoff with two gorgeous cakes, a lot of hugs and a bounty of well wishes for Court Administration employee Fred Cariano, who retired on Friday. A state employee for nearly 23 years, Fred worked in Human Resources for 13 years. His smile, his easy-going nature and his collection of ceramic cardinals were his signature, so it was no surprise that he boxed up the cardinals and urged his colleagues to take one as a remembrance. A cardinal is sometimes viewed as a spiritual messenger from a loved one. Best of luck Fred in your next chapter. We will miss you!

Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., Retires from Military as Major General after 31 years

Circuit Court Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., a two-star general in the U.S. Army, retired from the military this month after 31 years of service. Judge Merrigan oversees a criminal felony division and presides in Veterans Court, which he founded in 2012. He most recently served as commander of the 84th Training Command in Fort Knox, KY, sometimes traveling around the country as many as three weekends a month. We are proud to have you on our team. Thank you for your service. Read our press release HERE.

Judge Coleman Swears in a New Florida Attorney

Congratulations Catherine DeVilliers, Esq., who was sworn in by Circuit Judge Thomas J. Coleman during a Tuesday induction ceremony after passing the Florida Bar. The daughter of staff attorney Dharma Sierra graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2019, and has been barred in Pennsylvania since 2019. She took the February 2025 Bar exam and passed! Congratulations Catherine!

NBC Interviews Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips

Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips discussed her new role as the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Chief Judge in a recent interview with NBC reporter Amanda Plasencia. Judge Phillips was unanimously elected Chief Judge by her fellow judges in February and officially assumed the role on May 1, 2025. Judge Phillips follows Chief Judge Jack Tuter, who retired on May 1st after 20 years on the bench. Judge Phillips is the Circuit’s first female Chief Judge in 34 years. Judge Phillips has served the 17th Judicial Circuit since 2003, when she was appointed by (then) Gov. Jeb Bush to complete the term of Judge James Cohn, who was elevated to the federal bench. Judge Phillips was elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2012, 2018 and 2024. View the NBC piece here: https://www.nbcmiami.com/on-air/as-seen-on/meet-carol-lisa-phillips-broward-countys-first-woman-chief-judge-in-34-years/3605977/

Facebook
YouTube