A group of students from Franklin Academy visited the courtrooms of Judges Jackie Powell, Catalina Avalos and Carlos S. Rebollo during a recent courthouse tour where they observed in-progress court proceedings. All three judges took time to explain what they do so the students had a better understanding of what actually happens in court. Thank you judges for taking time to educate! @franklincharter #17thjudicialcircuit #LawAndOrder
Students from Pine Ridge Alternative Center got to see the law in action during a visit to the Courthouse where they met with Judge Michael J. Orlando and Judge Robert F. Diaz, who both took time to field questions and explain how the judicial system works.
Homelessness is a hot button topic that Judge Florence Taylor Barner encounters every week in Community Court. So it’s no surprise that she recently attended the 8th Annual Homeless Community Symposium at Hope South Florida to learn more about how homeless services are addressing the needs of those on the street. Judge Barner also separately accepted a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale declaring November National Homelessness Awareness Month. Being aware can make a difference. In Community Court, Judge Barner addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations with innovative solutions that include community service hours, mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. Thank you for all you do!
About 60 Court Administration employees have participated in a crash course to save lives, courtesy of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. The one-hour class offered instruction in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AEDs, or automated external defibrillators — portable, easy-to-use devices that analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to help restore a normal rhythm. Knowing how to help someone during a medical emergency is invaluable. Many thanks to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department for proactively helping to save lives.
In observance of Veterans Day, the 17th Judicial Circuit would like to thank our veterans for their service, sacrifices, and valor. Pictured here are some of our employees and their loved ones who have served – or continue to serve — in our armed forces. Among those pictured: Judge Michael A. Usan, USAF; retired Chief Judge Peter Weinstein, US Army; Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Major General, US Army; Digital Court Reporter Donald Brown, US Army; Kenneth Logan Sr., USMC, father of Judge Stefanie C. Moon; Frank J. Lazorishak, USAF, father-in-law of Judge Florence Taylor Barner; Mel Schiff, US Coast Guard, father of Judge Louis H. Schiff; David Feldman, US Army, father of Digital Court Reporter Eric S. Feldman; Carlo Galluccio, USAF and Christopher Notarnicola, USMC, husband and son of Judge Ellen Feld’s Judicial Assistant Paula Galluccio; Lakesha Barnes Cole, USAF, sister of Court Program Specialist III Lakita O’Donnell; Steven D. Unik, USMC, court bailiff for Judge Jessica M. Marra; Evan Sheehan, US Navy, son of Judge Kal Evans’ Judicial Assistant Jen Castaneda-Sheehan. THANK YOU for everything you do for our country and our freedom.
Breaking news! Woody Clermont has been elected to be our newest County Court judge, and Circuit Court Judge Jessica M. Marra was re-elected to serve another six-year term. Woody Clermont will replace longtime Judge Robert F. Diaz, who is retiring in December. Congratulations! The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you both!
