Court Administration Spreads Holiday Cheer

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Court Administration Spreads Holiday Cheer

Court Administration employees enjoyed a festive holiday luncheon on Thursday, complete with classic tunes from our talented employee carolers. Thanks to Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico and Chief Deputy Court Administrator Diana Sobel, the 20th-floor hallway was transformed into a red-and-white wonderland, filled with elaborate balloon displays and coordinated décor. The food was delicious and the desserts, decadent. Approximately 140 court administration employees attended.

The beautiful luncheon was a heartfelt “thank you” from Joe and Diana to the dedicated employees whose hard work keeps the courts running smoothly throughout the year. Happy holidays!

by Sallie James — December 11, 2025 in Announcements

Judges Rule: Ugly Sweaters Win

It’s that wonderful time of year again when judges and members of the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) ring in the holidays with their traditional ugly-sweater photo! As always, the mix of clashing colors, bold patterns, and over-the-top festive flair made for a delightfully eye-popping sight. Happy holidays from the 17th Judicial Circuit! (Many thanks to BCBA Executive Director Braulio Rosa for arranging this memorable event)

by Sallie James — December 11, 2025 in Announcements

Governor Appoints Pascale Achille to Circuit Court Bench

We have a new judge! The 17^th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to fill the vacancy created by the August 15^th resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

Judge Achille has worked as an assistant state attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office for 12 years where she has been a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the sexual battery and career criminal units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Court of Appeal.

Welcome aboard! We are so happy you are on our team! Read our press release HERE.

by Sallie James — December 10, 2025 in Announcements

Serving up Gratitude

It’s that special time of year! Judge Mindy Brown’s annual “Thank You” luncheon for courthouse employees kicked off in style on Friday with carolers, cookies, and plenty of delicious food.

For the 15th year, Judge Brown stood at the head of the serving line, dishing up meatballs, macaroni, salad, and sweets to hundreds of courthouse employees. Thanks to her holiday tradition, more than 250 people enjoyed a festive lunch.

Judges Jill K. Levy and John D. Fry also rolled up their sleeves to help serve, joining a dedicated group of volunteers who worked hard to make the celebration shine. The afternoon was filled with hugs, smiles, and heartfelt appreciation.

“It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone here,” Judge Brown shared, noting that the event celebrates the teamwork that keeps the courthouse running.

Thank YOU, Judge Brown, for your generosity and kindness. Happy holidays to all.

by Sallie James — December 5, 2025 in Announcements

Learning How Digital Court Reporting Works

A group of homeschoolers got an inside look at digital court reporting services during a recent courthouse tour, where Supervisor La Kita O’Donnell showed them how detailed records of in-progress court proceedings are made in real time. La Kita introduced them to CourtSmart, the recording program used by the 17th Judicial Circuit, and allowed them to listen to a playback of a DUI trial. They also observed digital court reporters in action, asked questions, and even peeked into active courtrooms through CourtSmart’s live-streaming video.

The 17th Judicial Circuit employs about 30 digital court reporters who actively tag and monitor proceedings at the Main Courthouse, as well as the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, and the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. It’s an impressive operation.

A special thank you to La Kita for taking so much time to show these students how modern court reporting works.

by Sallie James — November 25, 2025 in Announcements

Broward Courts to Close for Thanksgiving Holiday

All Broward courts will close on Nov. 27-28th in observance of the holiday. The 17th Judicial Circuit wishes you and your family a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving. The courts will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1st.

The holiday closure includes:

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

by Sallie James — November 24, 2025 in Announcements