Judge Benson and Pompano Court Staff Engage Community at Job Fair

All Posts in "County Court"

Judge Benson and Pompano Court Staff Engage Community at Job Fair

Last week, representatives from Pompano Community Court, including County Court Judge Betsy Benson and other Pompano Court staff, attended the countywide Education and Employment Resource Expo in Lauderdale Lakes. The Pompano team connected with residents, shared information about court programs, and supported participants in accessing resources.

The event featured employers, educators, apprenticeships, GED programs, free health services, expungement information, community partners, free clothing, haircuts, and refreshments — all designed to help residents build a brighter future.

A big thank you to our vendors, partners, and participants who made this outreach event a success!

by Sallie James — October 28, 2025 in Announcements

Future Voters (and Game Show Contestants) Meet the Bench

Students from Hallandale High School, Nova Middle and High Schools, and Millennium 6-12 on Friday took part in the Informed Voters Project, a collaboration between the 17th Judicial Circuit, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, and Broward County Public Schools.

They learned about the judicial system, the importance of voting, and the process of becoming a judge through presentations by judges, an attorney, and representatives from the Supervisor of Elections office, then tested their knowledge in a lively game of Jeopardy!

Participating judges included Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judge Giuseppina Miranda, Judge Florence Taylor Barner, Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Michael Robinson, Judge Stacey Schulman, and Judge Natasha DePrimo.

by Sallie James — October 27, 2025 in Announcements

5000 Role Models Explores the Courts

Students from Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, members of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, visited the Broward County Courthouse this week for an educational tour that spanned from the West Tower to the Criminal Wing, ending at the Lamar Warren Law Library.

Along the way, they observed court proceedings in the courtrooms of Judges Michael A. Robinson and Michael J. Orlando and had the opportunity to meet Judge Keathan B. Frink.

The students also learned about forensic science from Sanissa of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab and gained insight into the justice system from Janelle B. Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Public Defender’s Office.

Thank you to all the judges, staff, and presenters who made this experience so meaningful for the students!

by Sallie James — October 24, 2025 in Announcements

All Broward Courts Closed for Yom Kippur

In observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Reflection, all courts in the 17th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Thursday, October 2, 2025. This includes:

Broward County Judicial Complex (Main Courthouse) – Fort Lauderdale
North Regional Courthouse – Deerfield Beach
South Regional Courthouse – Hollywood
West Regional Courthouse – Plantation

We extend our best wishes for a meaningful day to all who observe. Regular court operations will resume on Friday, October 3, 2025.

by Sallie James — September 26, 2025 in Announcements

Hope, Healing & Second Chances at Pompano Community Court

It was an afternoon of transformation at Pompano Beach Community Court, where Judge Betsy Benson presides.

✨ A 23-year-old man in recovery proudly graduated.
✨ At least three people experiencing homelessness were connected with essential services.
✨ A mother of 7-year-old twins, who had been living in a laundromat, received immediate housing assistance and was connected with long-term support to help her rebuild.

There were hugs, tears, cheers, and smiles as this unique court changed lives with empathy, kindness, new direction, and hope. The court is located at the Anne Weaver Health Center, at 2011 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach.

Pompano Beach Community Court—one of three in the 17th Judicial Circuit—takes on low-level misdemeanor cases and municipal ordinance violations by offering innovative alternatives like community service, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Community Court was created to help the homeless. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood also have Community Courts.

Since January, Pompano Beach Community Court has:
✔️ Served 34 walk-ins
✔️ Heard 16 notices to appear
✔️ Connected participants with vital services through organizations such as SunServe, Broward Health, Care Resource, Henderson Behavioral Health, Legal Aid, Covenant House, Vocational Rehabilitation, Women in Distress, South Florida Wellness Network, BARC, and Serving Him Helping You Ministries.

This is what justice with compassion looks like. 💙

by Sallie James — September 19, 2025 in Announcements

17th Circuit Judicial Assistants Join Statewide Conference in Orlando

Judicial Assistants from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently joined colleagues from across Florida at the Judicial Assistants Conference in Orlando. Nearly 140 Judicial Assistants attended.

From exploring the role of AI in the courts—“A tool, a threat, or both?”—to sessions on cybersecurity, security for judicial assistants, work-life balance, and handling vexatious litigants, the conference was packed with valuable learning.

With circuit- and county-specific breakouts, inspiring speakers, and statewide networking, it was an amazing opportunity to learn, share experiences, and connect.

📍 Rosen Plaza & Resort, Orlando

by Sallie James — September 19, 2025 in Announcements