All Posts in "County Court"

Honoring Our Outstanding Team Members

✨ For the second time this year, Court Administration celebrated employees reaching milestone anniversaries of five years or more with special recognition awards.

Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico honored 22 dedicated team members for their exemplary service to the 17th Judicial Circuit. Sixteen honorees were present for the ceremony, while six were recognized in absentia.

A special congratulations to Beth Ranalli, who received the “Shining Star” Award for exceptional service! 🌟

Joe plans to make this celebration a regular tradition to remind employees just how valued they are.

👏 Thank you for your years of hard work and commitment—you are the heart of our Circuit’s success!

Pictured left to right last row: Diana Sobel, Maureen Hoefner, Jaki Mullings, Matt Dreis, Marta Prieto, Sharon Alleyne, Robert Grieper, Beth Plotkin and Joe D’Amico.

Second row, left to right: Diane St. Amand Scott, Omar MacAnuff, Taiwo Akinkunmi, Paloma Sanchez, Samantha Scott, Rafael Ferrans and Jenelle Denson.

First row: Russell Edwards and Fausto Alvarez Ravelo. Not pictured: Sunil Nemade, Andre Simmons, Patricia Cantrell, Lucy Catena and Satmatee Misram. Beth Ranalli, winner of the Shining Star award, was also absent.

by — June 27, 2025 in Announcements
Congratulations to the Florida Panthers!

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the Florida Panthers second Stanley Cup win in a colorful show of support for this amazing team! Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico encouraged employees to celebrate the team’s huge victory by donning Panthers merch. And they did not disappoint! Among the fans? Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Nina W. DiPietro. Go Panthers!

by — June 20, 2025 in Announcements
Jury Duty. Your Right. Your Responsibility.

One of the most important Constitutional rights we have as Americans is the right to a trial by jury—but that right only exists if people like YOU step up and serve.

When you’re called for jury duty, you’re not just answering a summons—you’re answering a call to civic responsibility.

✅ Jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Driver Licenses Database.
✅ You must be 18+ and a resident of Broward County.
✅ You only serve once per calendar year.
✅ Selection happens through a fair process called voir dire.

⚖️ Your voice matters. Your service counts.
Ignoring your Jury Summons could result in a $100 fine or Contempt of Court—but more importantly, it means missing your chance to help justice be served.

by — June 18, 2025 in Announcements
Compassion in Action

The 17th Circuit was proud to be part of the June 12th, 2025 Homeless Community Symposium in Hollywood.

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Florence Taylor Barner shared insights from Community Court—where low-level offenses are met with solutions like treatment and service, not jail.

Also representing the circuit was Judge Corey A. Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Pompano Beach Community Court, was unable to attend. More than 100 attendees and service providers attended the event, focused on supporting the homeless population with dignity and care.

A powerful event highlighting real justice, rooted in care. #CommunityCourt #JusticeWithDignity #17thCircuit

by — June 12, 2025 in Announcements
Community Outreach Through Community Court

Community Court is all about celebrating success stories! Meet County Court Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Community Court in Pompano Beach, one of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s three courts created to assist the unhoused. Judge Benson addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations that range from trespass and unlawful lodging, to park after hours and petty theft. Innovative solutions include community service hours, mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. Recent participants ranged in age from their mid-20s to older than age 65. However, criminal charges aren’t necessary to access the social services on hand. Helping to identify the root causes of homelessness to facilitate better outcomes is what the Community Court initiative is all about. Community Courts also operate in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Pompano Beach Community Court is held at the Annie L. Weaver Health Center, at 2011 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach.

by — May 30, 2025 in Announcements
Judge Barner Visits Miami School for Career Day

County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner recently visited Lorah Park Elementary in the historic Brownsville neighborhood of Miami for Career Day. Students got the unique opportunity to observe virtual court, then have one-on-one time with Judge Barner in small groups to discuss civics, the Constitution, and how to become a judge. Afterwards, Judge Barner fielded questions from the class.

by — May 29, 2025 in Announcements
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