Earlier this month, Circuit Judges from across the state met in Orlando for the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges. The conference provided continuing education, training, and support to help judges serve the public efficiently and effectively. A strong delegation from the 17th Judicial Circuit was proud to attend, sharpening their skills and sharing ideas to better serve our community.
The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Judge Florence Taylor Barner, who presides over Community Court, was on hand for the official launch of Rotary Connection on August 1. This first-of-its-kind free bus loop service helps individuals experiencing homelessness in Broward County access essential services and support.
The bus wrap was designed by 17-year-old Sam Danzig, a student at American Heritage High School and winner of the Rotary Bus Wrap Student Art Competition.
By removing transportation barriers, Rotary Connection helps people take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency—and hope. An amazing program that will help the county’s unhoused in an important way!
Behind every fair hearing is someone ensuring everyone is heard and understood. Our dedicated team of bilingual courthouse interpreters is always ready to step in when someone needs help understanding court proceedings.
Fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French, these professionals are essential in serving South Florida’s diverse population. For all other languages, the court relies on contracted interpreters to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.
Their work is vital to upholding justice and keeping courtrooms running smoothly.
Thank you to our interpreters for being the voice of clarity in the courtroom.
Students from the “New Diversion: An Alternative for Youth” program, led by Community Reconstruction Inc., got a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the justice system during a recent visit to the courthouse. They met Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, Judge Elijah H. Williams in Delinquency, and heard from Public Defender Tayron Lopez from the PD’s felony division.
The students witnessed the realities of juvenile detention, and heard powerful messages about making positive choices. A visit they won’t soon forget. 💬👣✨.
Judges Lauren M. Alperstein and Judge Christopher Wigand of the 17th Judicial Circuit shared their expertise at the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Trial Advocacy Workshop, held July 23–27 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.
Judge Alperstein served as a workshop leader, while Judge Wigand delivered a lecture on practical trial tips. The intensive program offered attendees the opportunity to sharpen their courtroom skills, work with expert witnesses, and receive one-on-one feedback as they prepared and presented a full family law case. Participants were paired with opposing counsel and mentored in small groups led by experienced judges, magistrates, and Board-Certified attorneys.
We’re proud to have judges who not only excel in the courtroom but are also deeply committed to advancing legal education and fostering excellence within the legal community.
A team of dedicated court employees from the 17th Judicial Circuit was in Omaha, NE, this week for the 2025 Annual Conference of the National Association for Court Management.
This year’s conference focused on strengthening public trust in the courts through strategies that enhance the court user experience and foster effective collaborations. Sessions exploredbest practices in public information sharing, cultural responsiveness, support for individuals with limited English proficiency, assistance for self-represented litigants, and initiatives that promote access and fairness for all.
We’re proud to have sent our team there, gaining valuable insights to bring back to our community.
Pictured left to right: Alex Villoria, Meisha Kellyman, Marhea Lascano, Sheree Edwards, Jeremiah Ortiz, Joe D’Amico, Lizete Guete Ibarra and Rafael Ferrans.
