Students from North Broward Preparatory School got a chance to learn firsthand about what it is like to be a judge during a recent visit to the Broward County Courthouse. The students met Judges Stacey Schulman and Catalina Avalos, visited their respective courtrooms and peppered both with questions about their experiences on the bench. A great time was had by all!
There were hugs, handshakes, speeches and a lot of cake and posing for pictures today as the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit bid farewell to outgoing Chief Judge Jack Tuter, who is retiring after 20 years on the bench. In his parting words, Judge Tuter said he will most look forward to not answering the phone at all hours of the day and night, but will sincerely miss the friends and personal and professional relationships he made during his tenure as a judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Tuter served as Chief Judge for eight years. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will assume the role of Chief Judge moving forward. Judge Tuter, you will be greatly missed. Your next chapter awaits!
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and his command staff recently honored retiring Chief Judge Jack Tuter for his two decades of service at the 17th Judicial Circuit. BSO leadership lauded Judge Tuter’s lengthy tenure as a judge and presented him with a framed American flag. Judge Tuter was appointed to the bench in 2005 by (then) Governor Jeb Bush and began his service as a judge in January 2006. He has served as Chief Judge for the past eight years. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will follow Judge Tuter as Chief Judge. Thank you, Judge Tuter, for your years of dedicated service! You will be greatly missed. Enjoy your retirement. (photo courtesy of BSO)
How do you photograph 90 judges in two separate group photos in about an hour? The answer? With lots of impressive lighting equipment, some aluminum risers and a bit of controlled mayhem. Amazing to watch the photographers from Munoz Photography make these huge group portraits with speed and efficiency, directing the judges to seats on benches, arranging them by height (and sometimes shoe style), making sure feet were straight, hands were folded and eyes were on them. Quite an operation. Can’t wait to see the final result!
Shout out to Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Jackie Powell for their community outreach! Judge Barner served as a panelist at Gateway Church’s inaugural community forum on housing on April 5th to help educate residents about important housing issues that could impact their lives. The event was hosted in part by Judge Jackie Powell – who attends the church – to better educate the community on all aforementioned matters. Judge Barner discussed our Community Court and explained the eviction process and how to address small claims to a group of 100 seniors and Fort Lauderdale residents. Thank you for all you do!
The Supreme Court of Florida has issued an Administrative Order that addresses emergency procedures and extends time periods under all Florida Rules of Procedure for Broward County in the wake of a water leak that unexpectedly forced the closure of our South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood on March 31, 2025. Read the Administrative Order HERE.
