Official Sign Now Marks Community Court’s Downtown Home

After being displaced following the flooding at Fort Lauderdale City Hall, the Fort Lauderdale Community Court — now located at 18 NW First Ave. in downtown Fort Lauderdale — proudly displays new signage to welcome community members seeking services. The sign marks a new chapter for the court.

📸 Pictured: Presiding Judge Florence Taylor Barner — known affectionately as Judge Flo — who continues to lead the court in its mission to connect individuals with the resources they need. Her bailiff Leticia Johnson is on the right.

Judge Barner Joins Launch of Rotary Connection Bus

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Judge Florence Taylor Barner, who presides over Community Court, was on hand for the official launch of Rotary Connection on August 1. This first-of-its-kind free bus loop service helps individuals experiencing homelessness in Broward County access essential services and support.

The bus wrap was designed by 17-year-old Sam Danzig, a student at American Heritage High School and winner of the Rotary Bus Wrap Student Art Competition.

By removing transportation barriers, Rotary Connection helps people take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency—and hope. An amazing program that will help the county’s unhoused in an important way!

Ensuring Everyone Understands Their Day in Court

Behind every fair hearing is someone ensuring everyone is heard and understood. Our dedicated team of bilingual courthouse interpreters is always ready to step in when someone needs help understanding court proceedings.

Fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French, these professionals are essential in serving South Florida’s diverse population. For all other languages, the court relies on contracted interpreters to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.

Their work is vital to upholding justice and keeping courtrooms running smoothly.
Thank you to our interpreters for being the voice of clarity in the courtroom.

Students Get a Firsthand Look at Justice in Action

Students from the “New Diversion: An Alternative for Youth” program, led by Community Reconstruction Inc., got a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the justice system during a recent visit to the courthouse. They met Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, Judge Elijah H. Williams in Delinquency, and heard from Public Defender Tayron Lopez from the PD’s felony division.

The students witnessed the realities of juvenile detention, and heard powerful messages about making positive choices. A visit they won’t soon forget. 💬👣✨.

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!

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