Approximately 25 students from Phyl’s Academy Preparatory School in Margate witnessed a range of trials and hearings during a courthouse tour that took them from the West to North and then down to Interpreting. Students visited the courtrooms of Judges Jeffrey R. Levenson, Michael J. Orlando and George Odom Jr. where they peppered the judges with questions, posed for photos and checked out the bench. The students also visited Court Interpreting, where our interpreting staff explained what it means to be an interpreter and demonstrated the three different kinds of interpreting. Thanks to all who made this tour so wonderful! #17thJudTeam

Chief Judge Jack Tuter heaped praise on the judges and employees of the 17th Judicial Circuit on Friday during a State of the Circuit speech that was filled with admiration, humor and heartfelt sincerity. Judge Tuter, who is stepping down in July after serving eight years as chief judge, received a standing ovation during the event. In attendance were nearly 40 judges, along with numerous court administration employees, county officials and members of the Broward County Bar Association. Broward County Vice Mayor Mark Bogen presented Judge Tuter with a proclamation declaring Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 as “17th Circuit Court Appreciation Day.” Judge Tuter also presented “Friends of the Court” awards to Vice Mayor Bogen, Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, and attorney Eugene Pettis, co-founder of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm. Chief Technology Officer Sunil “Sunny” Nemade received the  Chief Judge Award for Excellence for his decades of dedicated and innovative service to the 17th Judicial Circuit. Congratulations to all and thank you Judge Tuter for your service.

Learning how to be a judge is what Florida Judicial College is all about. A large contingent from the 17th Judicial Circuit is in Orlando participating in FJC in Orlando in preparation for taking the bench. Included are Circuit Judge Johnathan D. Lott; and County Court Judges Lauren N. Peffer, Woody R. Clermont, Corey B. Friedman and Kathleen E. Angione. Judge Lott will preside in Family Court in Fort Lauderdale; Judge Clermont is assigned to the South Regional Courthouse; Judge Peffer, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation; Judge Angione, the North Regional Courthouse and Judge Friedman, the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale where he will preside over first appearances. The faculty includes Judges Natasha Deprimo, Keathan Frink, Jeffrey Levenson, Giuseppina Miranda and Magistrate Yves Laventure.