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.

Congratulations on Your Appointment by Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz

Congratulations to Brittany Simpson Joseph for your appointment to the state Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy. Brittany is the Director of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Court Mediation and Arbitration Program. Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appointed Brittany to this prestigious committee, which reviews all the governing rules of the court-appointed mediators. As a committee member, Brittany will contribute her thoughts to any pending cases or needed updates. The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you on our team, Brittany!

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!

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

A Visit to the Courthouse …

When you tour the courthouse you never know who you will meet! A Girl Scout troop on a recent tour got an impromptu lesson in civics from Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez. They also met Judge Ari Abraham Porth in felony mental health and Judge Michael J. Orlando in Delinquency. A highlight of the visit? A visit inside a prisoner holding cell, which shined a light on the lack of privacy inmates experience. What a great way to learn. Thank you all for making this such a great experience!

Judge Elijah H. Williams Leads Thought-Provoking Session at 2024–25 Leadership Academy

Broward Circuit Judge Elijah H. Williams, delinquency chair for the 17th Judicial Circuit, taught at the 2024–25 Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy, held May 16–17 at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. The two-day academy focused on “The Power of Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Finding Your Tribe,” and included building communication skills, promoting civility in the legal profession, understanding professionalism and disciplinary rules, and enhancing emotional intelligence.

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