Learning Ways to Improve Public Trust

Our very own Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico and hundreds of other court administration personnel from across the country met in Atlantic City, NJ, last week for the mid-year conference of the National Association for Court Management (NACM). Discussion focused on the theme: “Taking Action on Public Trust and Confidence.” Joe is the co-editor Court Manager, a national publication that focuses on ethics and the courts, technology and the judiciary and court management issues. Kudos to our public servants for always trying to do better! Pictured left to right: Stacey Hoskins (10th Circuit Chief Deputy Court Administrator); Elizabeth Garber (2nd Circuit TCA); Joe D’Amico (17th Circuit TCA); Holly Elomina (16th Circuit TCA).

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Guilty or Not Guilty? Homeschoolers “Try” Their Case in County Court Mock Trial

Would-be lawyers from the Trial Advocacy Skills Institute TASI JR Mock Trial Advanced Homeschool Program had their day in court this week during a mock trial competition. The students argued their cases before County Court Judge Kal Evans, who presided during the students’ mock trial. A great experience made possible by judges who devote their time and expertise to make such experiences fun and educational. #17thJudTeam

Celebrating Outstanding Effort

Congratulations to Judicial Staff Attorney Megan Zbikowski, recipient of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s 2024 James E. Lowry III, Award for Staff Attorney Excellence. The award is presented annually to one Judicial Staff Attorney who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the position, exceeds expectations, enhances confidence in the judiciary and assists in ensuring that proceedings run smoothly and efficiently. Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico presented Megan with the award today.

Pines Lakes Elementary Students Pepper Judges With Questions

How do you become a judge? What kind of cases have you handled? What is a third degree felony and do you like your job were some of the questions a group of fourth and fifth graders from Pines Lakes Elementary School had for Circuit Court Judge George Odom Jr. and County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner during a courthouse tour on Tuesday. Judges Odom and Barner fielded questions from the students and explained what happens inside their courtrooms during the no holds barred visit. Thank you judges for your time and attention! The kids had a blast.

And the Chief Judge Award for Excellence Goes to …. Sunny!! Congratulations!

Congratulations to Sunil “Sunny” Nemade, the Chief Technology Officer for the 17th Judicial Circuit, for being chosen as recipient of the Chief Judge Award for Excellence! Judge Tuter presented Sunny with this prestigious award last month during his State of the Circuit presentation. Sunny was hired by Court Administration in 1987, after working in Broward County’s IT Department for three years. He has played a pivotal role in modernizing the court’s IT systems, transitioning from IBM mainframe terminals to advanced systems while creating statewide networks and specific programs tailored to serve our judges.  Sunny’s tireless devotion to the job and his desire to modernize and update aging technology has positioned this court as the most progressive in the state of Florida. Astoundingly, Sunny makes himself available 24/7 to handle IT emergencies and updates of any kind, even when he travels overseas to visit family in India and has to work remotely. And on top of it all, he delivers top notch service – always – with a smile. Well-deserved, Sunny. We are fortunate to have you on our team! #17thJudTeam

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