Ensuring Everyone Understands Their Day in Court

Behind every fair hearing is someone ensuring everyone is heard and understood. Our dedicated team of bilingual courthouse interpreters is always ready to step in when someone needs help understanding court proceedings.

Fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French, these professionals are essential in serving South Florida’s diverse population. For all other languages, the court relies on contracted interpreters to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.

Their work is vital to upholding justice and keeping courtrooms running smoothly.
Thank you to our interpreters for being the voice of clarity in the courtroom.

Students Get a Firsthand Look at Justice in Action

Students from the “New Diversion: An Alternative for Youth” program, led by Community Reconstruction Inc., got a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the justice system during a recent visit to the courthouse. They met Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, Judge Elijah H. Williams in Delinquency, and heard from Public Defender Tayron Lopez from the PD’s felony division.

The students witnessed the realities of juvenile detention, and heard powerful messages about making positive choices. A visit they won’t soon forget. 💬👣✨.

Promoting Public Trust & Confidence Through Service and Collaboration

A team of dedicated court employees from the 17th Judicial Circuit was in Omaha, NE, this week for the 2025 Annual Conference of the National Association for Court Management.

This year’s conference focused on strengthening public trust in the courts through strategies that enhance the court user experience and foster effective collaborations. Sessions exploredbest practices in public information sharing, cultural responsiveness, support for individuals with limited English proficiency, assistance for self-represented litigants, and initiatives that promote access and fairness for all.

We’re proud to have sent our team there, gaining valuable insights to bring back to our community.

Pictured left to right: Alex Villoria, Meisha Kellyman, Marhea Lascano, Sheree Edwards, Jeremiah Ortiz, Joe D’Amico, Lizete Guete Ibarra and Rafael Ferrans.

Judges DeLuca & Lerner-Wren Recognized for Decades of Judicial Service

Congratulations to Judges Steven P. DeLuca and Ginger Lerner-Wren!
Both judges were honored with the prestigious Silver Gavel Award at the recent 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida in Bonita Springs for their 25+ years of dedicated judicial service. Thank you for your decades of commitment to justice and public service — the 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to have you on our team!

Embracing Innovations in Court Communications

More than 80 court public information officers from across the country gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this week to exchange ideas on court communications, judicial security, and using social media to share the stories of the courts. Representing the 17th Judicial Circuit was our own Court PIO, Sallie James.

The conference featured innovative discussions, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s groundbreaking use of avatars to explain court decisions and a thought-provoking conversation about the pros and cons of livestreaming trials. Attendees also explored strategies for handling high-profile cases, highlighted by firsthand insights from the PIO who managed the intense national and international media attention surrounding actor Alec Baldwin’s Rust trial.

Participants toured the New Mexico State Capitol and Supreme Court, building connections and sharing expertise that will strengthen court communication efforts across the country. This conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with experienced court communications professionals, share best practices, and build relationships that will serve the courts for years to come.

Focusing on Judicial Excellence

The 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida wrapped up this week in Bonita Springs after several days of continuing education, networking, and well-deserved recognitions.

Congratulations to Judge Jackie Powell, elected Vice President of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, and Judge Tabitha B. Eves, named President-Elect of the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court! Read our press release HERE.

Special thanks to Judge Kenneth A. Gottlieb, whose photography talents helped capture so many memorable moments throughout the week. #17thjudteam

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