Announcements
More than 80 court public information officers from across the country gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this week to exchange ideas on court communications, judicial security, and using social media to share the stories of the courts. Representing the 17th Judicial Circuit was our own Court PIO, Sallie James.
The conference featured innovative discussions, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s groundbreaking use of avatars to explain court decisions and a thought-provoking conversation about the pros and cons of livestreaming trials. Attendees also explored strategies for handling high-profile cases, highlighted by firsthand insights from the PIO who managed the intense national and international media attention surrounding actor Alec Baldwin’s Rust trial.
Participants toured the New Mexico State Capitol and Supreme Court, building connections and sharing expertise that will strengthen court communication efforts across the country. This conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with experienced court communications professionals, share best practices, and build relationships that will serve the courts for years to come.
The 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida wrapped up this week in Bonita Springs after several days of continuing education, networking, and well-deserved recognitions.
Congratulations to Judge Jackie Powell, elected Vice President of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, and Judge Tabitha B. Eves, named President-Elect of the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court! Read our press release HERE.
Special thanks to Judge Kenneth A. Gottlieb, whose photography talents helped capture so many memorable moments throughout the week. #17thjudteam
The 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida is underway, and our County Court judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit are fully engaged!
With insightful sessions led by Florida Supreme Court Justices Jamie R. Grosshans and John D. Couriel, as well as contributions from respected judges across the state, this week is proving to be an invaluable opportunity to grow, connect, and sharpen skills.
From reviewing the latest legislative updates to exploring best practices in courtroom management, our judges are committed to staying informed and upholding the highest standards of justice. The conference in Bonita Springs, FL runs July 8-10th.
Students from J.P. Taravella High School recently got an inside look at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab during a courthouse visit that concluded with a meet-and-greet with Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez.
Inside the lab, they explored how DNA helps identify suspects, got a firsthand look at the ballistics lab, learned about latent fingerprint identification, and stepped into the chemistry room where drug compositions are analyzed.
It was like stepping into a real-life episode of Forensic Files! They also learned what a public defender does and what it means to work as one.
Thank you to the dedicated Crime Lab and Public Defender staff for giving these students an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience.
Learning is a constant in the judicial profession, and this week, County Court Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit are attending the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida in Bonita Springs. The conference provides continuing judicial education, fosters collaboration, and supports efforts to improve the administration of justice across the state.
Ongoing training helps judges stay current with judicial canons and ethical standards, reinforcing public trust in the courts and upholding the integrity of the judiciary. Kudos to our judges for their commitment to professional excellence and ethical leadership.
County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner and the dedicated team from Pompano Beach Community Court traveled to Washington, D.C., to join leaders from across the nation at the 2025 National Conference on Ending Homelessness, held June 30–July 2.
They return with new tools, strategies, and resources to enhance local efforts and better serve those experiencing homelessness in our community. The 17th Judicial Circuit is proud of their continued commitment to compassion, innovation, and public service. #17thjudteam
Judge Kal Evans proudly attended the June 27th Commencement Ceremony at PACE Center for Girls, where he serves on the Board of Directors.
PACE empowers girls and young women to build brighter futures through education, counseling, training, and advocacy. Congratulations to the graduates! 🎓💫
Dependency Judge Stacey Schulman recently had the honor of congratulating graduates on stage at the 21st Annual Broward County Transitional Independent Living Graduation Celebration, held at Broward College. The event was put on by ChildNet and other associated agencies.
This June 26th event recognized youth in foster care graduating from middle school, high school, college, trade school, or earning their GED or associate degree. Judge Schulman, along with employees Ta’Ami Bajamour, Jessica Byczek, and Heather Abel from the 17th Judicial Circuit joined in celebrating their incredible achievements.
Congratulations to all the graduates! #17thjudteam
✨ For the second time this year, Court Administration celebrated employees reaching milestone anniversaries of five years or more with special recognition awards.
Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico honored 22 dedicated team members for their exemplary service to the 17th Judicial Circuit. Sixteen honorees were present for the ceremony, while six were recognized in absentia.
A special congratulations to Beth Ranalli, who received the “Shining Star” Award for exceptional service! 🌟
Joe plans to make this celebration a regular tradition to remind employees just how valued they are.
👏 Thank you for your years of hard work and commitment—you are the heart of our Circuit’s success!
Pictured left to right last row: Diana Sobel, Maureen Hoefner, Jaki Mullings, Matt Dreis, Marta Prieto, Sharon Alleyne, Robert Grieper, Beth Plotkin and Joe D’Amico.
Second row, left to right: Diane St. Amand Scott, Omar MacAnuff, Taiwo Akinkunmi, Paloma Sanchez, Samantha Scott, Rafael Ferrans and Jenelle Denson.
First row: Russell Edwards and Fausto Alvarez Ravelo. Not pictured: Sunil Nemade, Andre Simmons, Patricia Cantrell, Lucy Catena and Satmatee Misram. Beth Ranalli, winner of the Shining Star award, was also absent.
Congratulations to Brittany Simpson Joseph for your appointment to the state Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy. Brittany is the Director of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Court Mediation and Arbitration Program. Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appointed Brittany to this prestigious committee, which reviews all the governing rules of the court-appointed mediators. As a committee member, Brittany will contribute her thoughts to any pending cases or needed updates. The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you on our team, Brittany!
