Community Court Fosters Goodwill and Compassion for City’s Homeless

Scores of homeless people pack Fort Lauderdale’s Community Court  every Wednesday to access services, grab a meal and sometimes even take a shower. Amid the chaos, Judge Florence Taylor Barner hears cases, addressing low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations from her seat behind a folding table turned bench. Her solutions are innovative – community service hours, mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. However, criminal charges aren’t necessary to access the social services on hand. Helping to identify the root causes of homelessness to facilitate better outcomes is what the initiative is all about. Community Courts also operate in Hollywood and Pompano Beach.

Two from the 17th Circuit to serve on the Florida Courts Technology Commission

We are delighted to announce that the Supreme Court of Florida has appointed two of our own to the Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC): Circuit Judge Martin Bidwill and Court Technology Officer Sunil Nemade will both serve on the FCTC through June 30, 2027. Judge Bidwill has been designated as Chair of the Commission, which oversees, manages and directs the development and use of technology within the judicial branch. Congratulations to you both!

Scenes from the 17th Judicial Circuit Court

Say “hello!” to Chief Judge Jack Tuter, the administrative officer of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. The judge acts as a liaison between the Circuit and the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Judge Tuter is a problem solver whose daily duties include identifying policies and procedures that ensure the efficiency of the court system for everyone. Interesting facts: Judge Tuter is a devoted Oklahoma Sooners fan, as evidenced by the proud display of sports memorabilia in his office. He also served two years as the Director of Florida’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms before his appointment to the bench in Dec. 2005 by Gov. Jeb Bush. And when he’s working, rest assured, his bailiff Rod Ridgewell is never far away. 

Case Manager’s Dedication Yields a Big Win

We’ve got a rockstar on staff! Court Administration employee Rafael Ferrans is the “winningest” case closer in the Domestic Relations Case Management Department with six coveted plastic gold trophies on his desk to prove it. His nickname among his peers? The “Tom Brady of case management” because his dedication has made him a standout. Kudos to Supervisor Tania Hanson, who brainstormed the idea for a friendly monthly competition to boost internal morale.  A big score for all.

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