Announcements
Students from Pine Ridge Education Center toured the Broward County Courthouse on April 16th, visiting the courtrooms of Circuit Court Judge Elijah H. Williams, a juvenile delinquency judge, and County Court Judge Jackie Powell, who handles civil matters. The students observed in-progress court proceedings and asked the judges questions about their jobs during Q&A sessions. Great way to learn about the justice system!
Employees Tiffany Jackson and Marie Alvarez-Ortiz Marie recently attended the Maternal & Child Health Conference – hosted by the Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County – at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Tiffany is the Early Childhood Court Coordinator for the 17th Judicial Circuit and Marie is the Circuit’s Juvenile Services Coordinator. “Healing legacies and shaping futures” was the focus of the April 10th conference. Thank you both for making such a difference in children’s lives!
All Broward Courts will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday. Court closures pertain to the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. All courts will re-open on Monday.
The NSU Law Hispanic Student Bar Association’s Judicial Luncheon marked its 25th year earlier this month but with a new host: Judge Jose Izquierdo took over the popular event, which had been hosted for 24 years by (now retired) Judge Robert F. Diaz. Judge Diaz stepped down from the bench in December 2024. The popular networking event for law students, attorneys, and judges was held on April 11, 2025 in Judge Izquierdo’s Courtroom. Judge Diaz returned for a surprise visit to make the transition complete!
Congratulations to Judge Jackie Powell whose hard work and leadership helped the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Courts achieve Platinum status for the first time in 33 years. Judge Powell is the organization’s president. In recognition of this amazing accomplishment, the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court has been invited to attend the Inn of Distinction gala in July at the United States Supreme Court. Judge Powell directed the community outreach for the Inn. Read our press release HERE.
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!
