The 17th Judicial Circuit was represented by the Early Childhood Courts (ECC) team at the National Safe Baby Court Team Conference on August 17, 2023. The Honorable Hope Tieman Bristol was joined by Program Coordinator for ECC & Dependency Drug Court, Trent Baker, Dependency-Early Childhood Court Coordinator, Tiffany Jackson and several team members were in attendance.

The conference is held annually for child welfare professionals, judges, court personnel, service providers, community coordinators, parent leaders and community partners who implement and are familiar with the Safe Babies approach.

The Honorable Jessica M. Marra was sworn in today, August 21, 2023, with Chief Judge Jack Tuter performing the honors.

Judge Marra has joined the family division and will be celebrated at her investiture some time in December.

The Honorable Elijah H. Williams invited a small group from the BSO Community Justice Program to come to visit his courtroom on August 10, 2023.

The Community Justice Program (CJP) is a voluntary program for juvenile offenders in Broward County that offers them Civil Citation and Diversion options. The program ranges from 45 to 90 days and connects youth from ages 7 through 17 with pre and post arrest services based on their needs.

The Honorable Marina Garcia-Wood was one of several honorees at the Cuban American Bar
Association’s Judicial Forum and Luncheon 2023. The event was held by CABA to distinguish
Hispanic women judges from Florida’s State and Federal courts for their outstanding service to
the judiciary and their commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession.

The Broward County Hispanic Bar Association honored the Honorable Florence Taylor Barner and the Honorable Jackie Powell at their event titled Minority Women Community Leaders Empowerment Celebration on August 10, 2023. The event was held via zoom and brought together women from legal and journalism professions who shared stories, ideas and sound advice from various experiences and perspectives.