The City of North Lauderdale honored County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner this week with a proclamation in celebration of Haitian Flag Day (May 18th). The proclamation decribed her as a Haitian-American trailblazer,” noting that Judge Barner is the first elected Haitian-American judge in Broward County. The proclamation described her election to the bench as a “milestone achievement that reflects both her personal excellence and the progress of the Haitian-American community.” Judge Barner presides on Wednesdays in Fort Lauderdale’s Community Court, which serves the area’s unhoused population.

The City of Fort Lauderdale honored retired Chief Judge Jack Tuter at an appreciation luncheon today at the Broward County Main Library, where he was praised for his dedication and support of Fort Lauderdale Community Court, which serves the unhoused. Also present were County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner, who presides in Community Court, and the support staff that makes the Court hum. The 17th Judicial Circuit’s new Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips also attended, along with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Police Chief William Schultz, City Manager Rickelle Williams and Chief Service Officer Jorg Hruschka, among others. Judge Tuter retired on May 1st after nearly 20 years as a judge. We miss you Judge Tuter. Congratulations!