Several departments were represented from the 17th Circuit at this year’s Florida Court Personnel Institute in Kissimmee. Court staff were able to learn and take away valuable knowledge pertaining to their roles in and outside of their departments.

Photographed here from left to right are Judge Keathan B. Frink, Staff Attorney Alexander Villoria, Finance Manager Gigi Garcia, Staff Attorneys MaRhea Lascano, Shwetha Srinivasan, Tina Talarchyk, Digital Court Reporter Paulette Melendez-Reyes, Domestic Violence Case Manger Tyanah Cunningham, Human Resources Specialist II Ariel Garcia, Human Resources Manager Fred Cariano, Judicial Assistants Carol Hermiston, Eva-Tanja Cuthbert, Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock, and Communication Specialist Josh Rodriguez

Students from thirteen local schools participated in a mock trial competition beginning on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the 17th Circuit courthouse. American Heritage and Fort Lauderdale High exceled as the two remaining schools who competed in finals.

The finals resulted in American Heritage as the winning team who will be moving on to the state level of the competition later this year. The 17th Circuit extends our appreciation to St. Thomas Benjamin L. Crump College of Law for having 40 of its law student’s volunteer as jurors for the mock trial.

The 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida celebrated its Black judges and magistrates on Friday, February 16, 2024.

A beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was led by Mr. Kenneth Howard, and followed with several video interviews highlighting Retired Judges Mary Rudd Robinson, Zebedee Wright and Carole Y. Taylor.

17th Circuit judges and magistrates were then recognized for their dedication and great efforts for their service to the people of Broward County.

Judge Florence Taylor Barner united with the Community Court Pompano Beach to recognize Major Wayne Adkins who was retiring after 47 years of service with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Major Adkins was on the steering committee for the Community Court Pompano Beach and will be forever esteemed for playing an instrumental role in the establishment of this location.

Judge Betsy Benson was honored by Mayor Rex Hardin of Pompano Beach and the coordinators of Community Court Pompano Beach with the key to the city on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Judge Benson received the honor for her commitment to serving the Broward County community and helping those in need.

Students from the BSO Explorer program of Pompano Beach visited the 17th Circuit courthouse on Tuesday, February 19, 2024.

The explorers visited with Judges Elijah H. Williams, Michael J. Orlando and Jackie Powell who spoke to them about the judicial system and what it could be like for them to pursue a career in the legal field.