Students from Pine Ridge Education Center came to visit the 17th Circuit courthouse for a tour on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

On their tour, they spoke with Public Defender Gordon Weekes, Judges Michael J. Orlando and Ari Abraham Porth, who answered questions about the American Judicial System and how a trial progresses.

Students from several middle schools across Broward County competed in a mock trial at the 17th Circuit Courthouse on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Judges Natasha DePrimo, Carol-Lisa Phillips, Ari Abraham Porth, Frank Ledee, Michael Davis, Phobee Francois and Elaine A. Carbuccia participated as judges for the mock trials and guided students through the trial process.

Judge Florence Taylor Barner shared in the excitement with several graduates of the Community Court for the City of Fort Lauderdale program on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

As the participants were congratulated for their dedication to completing the program, they were given certificates, confirming that they had followed through with the Community Court’s orders and were now ready to continue on their journey to a better life.

Students from Pompano Beach Middle School came to visit the 17th Circuit courthouse for a guided tour on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Students spoke with Judges Betsy Benson, Florence Taylor Barner, Yael Gaam and Lorena V. Mastrarrigo who all expressed the importance of furthering ones education, and working hard to reach your goals in life.

The 17th Circuit held the Investitures of Judges Catalina Avalos and Kevin P. Tynan on Friday, April 5, 2024. Attendees included people from the Broward County community, their friends and family, and colleagues.

Both judges shared stories about their journeys to the bench and thanked their loved ones for all their support and encouragement.