Announcements
Judge Melinda Brown held her annual holiday party at the 17th Circuit courthouse on
December, 8, 2023.
Staff from various departments in the courthouse came to Judge Brown’s gathering and
enjoyed great food, great company, and were able to join in on a few holiday carols sung by
staff from the Court Reporting department.
Several judges and judicial staff from the fifth floor of the North Wing of the 17th Judicial
Courthouse gathered for a holiday potluck party on Wednesday, December 14, 2023.
The City of Fort Lauderdale has announced a new location for Community Court. Beginning
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, it will be held in its new location at 18 NW 1st Avenue Fort
Lauderdale, FL 33301 on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
For more details on Community Court and how it serves the community, click on the link below:
The Honorable Jessica M. Marra was celebrated at her investiture at the 17th Circuit courthouse on Friday, December 8, 2023. Chief Judge Jack Tuter welcomed and introduced distinguished guests. Several presentations for Judge Marra followed, including a proclamation from the Broward County Commission.
After being lauded by Aron J. Gibson, Treasurer of the Broward County Bar Association, Judge Marra shared messages of gratitude and appreciation for all of the love and support she has received and continues receiving as a member of the 17th Circuit Judiciary.
Judge Robert F. Diaz and Kenneth A. Gottlieb served the Broward County community at the annual Driver’s License Clinic at the 17th Circuit courthouse on December 6, 2023.
Judges Diaz and Gottlieb were able to assist many people resolve issues with their licenses, including suspensions being lifted and fines and court fees being waived. Both judges were able to assist approximately 350 people by the end of the clinic.
The 17th Judicial Circuit was featured in a video from Forever Families that highlights some special moments that took place on National Adoption Day at the 17th Circuit Courthouse.
Forever Families is a non-profit television program that supports children and teens in the foster care system. For a full view of the video, click on the link below:
The Judicial Assistants of the 17th Circuit gathered for a festive holiday photo with ugly sweaters and a smile.
The photo is usually taken annually in honor of the holiday season.
Judge Florence Taylor Barner and Attorney Anisha Acthanah were the hosts of the Broward County Bar Association’s Mentorship View from the Bench Panel, which was a three part series featuring judges from various circuits. Judges were able to answer specific questions about their experience on the bench and best practices.
Judges Chris Brown, Catalina Avalos, George Odom, Jr., Daniel A. Casey, Fabinne E. Fahnestock, Jackie Powell, Kathleen McCarthy, and Stacy Ross all participated in the panel representing the 17th Judicial Circuit.
The Honorable Jackie Powell was invited to be the keynote speaker at the induction of Lauderdale Lakes Middle School’s Chapter of the Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders program, and Boyd Anderson High School
Chapter of 5,000 Role Model. Judge Powell also administered the oath to the inductees of the Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders program.
Both programs have been created for Broward County students to have an opportunity to learn about the importance of mentorship, and to be able to become a role model for their community and peers.
The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner was a guest speaker for over six hundred high school
students at the FBI Miami Citizens Academy Alumni Association Youth Summit on Friday,
December 1, 2023.
The summit is held to bring students together from the tri-county area who participate in this
program and gives them the opportunity to learn about law enforcement and a potential career
in the field.
