A Salute to Service and Justice

Judge Edward H. Merrigan Jr., a highly decorated Major General in the U.S. Army, received a formal military sendoff during a retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., complete with an honor guard, military bands, and heartfelt tributes. The ceremony was livestreamed on Facebook.

Now presiding in our Circuit Criminal division, Judge Merrigan founded the 17th’s Veterans Court in 2012, a specialized program helping veterans facing substance abuse or mental health challenges.

Major General Merrigan enlisted in the Army in 1994 and joined the Army Reserve in 1999, beginning his service as an International Law Officer with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion in Perrine, FL. His distinguished career included a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

During the Department of the Army and General Officer Retirement Ceremony, one speaker noted: “You represent the epitome of selfless service. Please accept our eternal thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Thank you, Major General Merrigan, for your unwavering commitment to both country and community. Read our press release HERE. Watch the video HERE.


Leadership, Learning & Legacy at the 2025 County Court Judges’ Conference

The 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida wrapped up last month month in Bonita Springs, bringing together county court judges from across the state for meaningful education, collaboration, and connection.

Pictured here: the 17th Judicial Circuit’s own Judge Florence Taylor Barner and Judge Jackie Powell. During the conference, Judge Powell was elected Vice President of the 4th DCA within the Conference—succeeding Judge Barner in the role.

We’re proud to see our judges leading with integrity and representing the 17th so well!

Judges DeLuca & Lerner-Wren Recognized for Decades of Judicial Service

Congratulations to Judges Steven P. DeLuca and Ginger Lerner-Wren!
Both judges were honored with the prestigious Silver Gavel Award at the recent 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida in Bonita Springs for their 25+ years of dedicated judicial service. Thank you for your decades of commitment to justice and public service — the 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to have you on our team!

Embracing Innovations in Court Communications

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.

Focusing on Judicial Excellence

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

Inspiring the Next Generation of Forensic Experts

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.

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