All Broward courts will be closed on December 25 and 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday. During this time, court services and operations will be unavailable.
All courts will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, and regular business hours will resume.
The 17th Judicial Circuit extends its warmest wishes to our judges, staff, justice partners, and the public for a joyous, peaceful, and safe holiday season.
Elementary school students from Gateway Christian Academy got a hands-on lesson in the law this week during an engaging courthouse tour where they explored Judge Jackie Powell’s courtroom, peppered Judge John D. Fry with questions, met Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, and heard presentations from John James and Janelle Floyd of the Broward Public Defender’s Office.
They also got “inked up” while making thumbprints with an analyst from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, who demonstrated what it takes to capture a quality fingerprint.
Many thanks to the dedicated professionals whose time, patience and creativity make these courthouse tours informative, fun and interactive for our students.
Court Administration honored employees today for their incredible dedication to the 17th Judicial Circuit with a special milestone ceremony. Thirty staff with a range of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30+ years of service were recognized, representing more than 375 years of collective experience!
Congratulations and thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and service to our community. We couldn’t do this without you! #teamwork
Court Administration employees enjoyed a festive holiday luncheon on Thursday, complete with classic tunes from our talented employee carolers. Thanks to Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico and Chief Deputy Court Administrator Diana Sobel, the 20th-floor hallway was transformed into a red-and-white wonderland, filled with elaborate balloon displays and coordinated décor. The food was delicious and the desserts, decadent. Approximately 140 court administration employees attended.
The beautiful luncheon was a heartfelt “thank you” from Joe and Diana to the dedicated employees whose hard work keeps the courts running smoothly throughout the year. Happy holidays!
It’s that wonderful time of year again when judges and members of the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) ring in the holidays with their traditional ugly-sweater photo! As always, the mix of clashing colors, bold patterns, and over-the-top festive flair made for a delightfully eye-popping sight. Happy holidays from the 17th Judicial Circuit! (Many thanks to BCBA Executive Director Braulio Rosa for arranging this memorable event)
We have a new judge! The 17th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to fill the vacancy created by the August 15th resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.
Judge Achille has worked as an assistant state attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office for 12 years where she has been a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the sexual battery and career criminal units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Welcome aboard! We are so happy you are on our team! Read our press release HERE.
