Volume 2: April - June 2025

Table of Contents

Featured Stories

Judge Edward Rodgers Law Library Naming Ceremony

On May 29, 2025, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit unveiled the Judge Edward Rodgers Law Library during a naming ceremony held at the Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse. Family members, friends, elected officials, current and retired members of the judiciary, members of the legal community as well as other dignitaries and court administration staff, attended the momentous occasion, where many shared their fondest memories of and lessons from the late Judge Rodgers.

The naming of the Law Library was approved by the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners during their April Board meeting, at the request of Chief Judge Glenn Kelley. Judge Edward Rodgers served 22 years as a judge in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. He graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequently obtained his Juris Doctorate from Florida A&M University College of Law. Two years after graduating from law school, Judge Rodgers was appointed the first Black county prosecutor. In 1973, he was appointed to the bench by then-Governor Reubin Askew, becoming the first Black judge to serve in Palm Beach County. In 1977, he was elevated to the Circuit Court bench. Judge Rodgers later served one term as the County’s first Black Chief Judge from 1983-1985.

In 1991, Judge Rodgers established the Riviera Beach Civil Drug Court which serves the citizens of Palm Beach County who struggle with substance abuse issues. In 1992, he was awarded the Jefferson Award; the Nobel prize for public service, in recognition for his visionary work related to the Riviera Beach Civil Drug Court.

Judge Rodgers retired from the bench in 1995 but continued his community work, later serving as Councilman and Mayor of Riviera Beach. He passed away in 2018 and is remembered as an extraordinary jurist and community leader.

Investiture of the Hon. Lourdes Casanova

On April 4, the Circuit held the investiture ceremony for the Hon. Lourdes Casanova, who was elected to the County Court bench in November 2024 and began her term as Judge in January 2025, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Ted Booras.

Many presentations and remarks were made including by Chief Judge Glenn Kelley, County Criminal Judge Stephanie Tew and Circuit Criminal Administrative Judge Daliah Weiss, as well as by many representing local volunteer Bar Associations.

Judge Casanova's brother and sister-in-law were on hand to help hold the bible during the Administration of Oath of Office, and Judge Casanova's parents helped for the enrobing.

Judge Casanova also made history as she became the Circuit's first Hispanic female to be elected to the bench.

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Highlighting the Judiciary

Congratulations to Our Judges & Magistrates

Judge Laura Burkhart

Judge Daliah Weiss

The Honorable Laura Burkhart was awarded Jurist of the Year by the South Palm Beach County Bar Association on May 3 during their annual Installation Gala.

Judge Burkhart was appointed to the bench in 2020 by Governor Ron DeSantis. Prior to her judicial appointment, she served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Judge Burkhart is assigned to the Family division located in the South County Courthouse.

Judge Danielle Sherriff

On April 15, the Honorable Danielle Sherriff had the pleasure of swearing in the new class of Assistant State Attorneys. Accompanied by friends and family, the newly installed attorneys were able to hear words of encouragement from Judge Sherriff.

Magistrates and Judges Attend Educational Institute

Juror Appreciation Day

On June 3, in honor of Juror Appreciation Day, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, American Board of Trial Advocates - Palm Beach Chapter, the Palm Beach County Bar Association, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County sponsored an event showing gratitude for the jurors.

Jurors were treated to “thank you for your service” speeches by Chief Judge Kelley, Judge Sherri Collins, ABOTA members, and clerk employees. Additionally, the Palm Beach County Bar and ABOTA donated coffee and breakfast foods for the jurors who appeared to perform their civic duty.

Around the Circuit - Highlighting the Judiciary

Judicial Community Engagement & Outreadh

"Reading and Robes" Visit at Village Academy

Several judges paid a visit to Village Academy in Delray Beach to participate in another installment of the “Reading & Robes” program, which is a partnership organized by the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Judicial Relations and Lawyers for Literacy Committee.

Participating judges included: (Back, from L to R) Judges Howard Coates, Laura Burkhart, Ori Silver, Melanie Dale Surber, Samantha Schosberg Feuer, Carolyn Bell; (Front, from L to R) Judges Jeffrey Gillen, Danielle Sherriff, Sherri Collins, Daliah Weiss and Santo DiGangi.

Judge Shullman Presents at Quarterly Continuing Mediation Education Training

On April 25, Judge Sarah Shullman spoke to the Circuit’s Volunteer Mediators. We appreciate their service which includes mediating (gratis) for all eight small claims divisions on a weekly basis. Judge Shullman spoke on mediation issues from her perspective from the bench, along with her gratitude for their work.

The King’s Academy Mock Trial with Judge Sherman

A group of middle school students from The King’s Academy paid a visit to the main courthouse in April to participate in a mock trial. The mock trial, presided over by Circuit Civil Judge James Sherman, offered the students real-world legal experience, allowing them to build arguments and practice public speaking. The students were also able to enjoy a K9 Demonstration.

Judges Participate in Law Day Event

On May 1, the Palm Beach County chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers commemorated National Law Day with a program held at Palm Beach Lakes High School. Judge Bradley Harper, Judge Ashley Zuckerman, and Judge Danielle Sherriff served as panelists. They discussed their career paths, the rule of law and the importance of an independent judiciary, while also offering words of advice.

Carver Middle School’s Annual Law Day Mock Trial Event

Each year, the Honorable Cymonie Rowe helps to lead the coordination of the annual mock trial event with Carver Middle School and their Civics Department. This year, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County hosted the students at the historical, ceremonial courthouse for the event.

The students served as prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors and witnesses in the Hanshee v. Fort George Board of Education, modeled after the historical Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. Students were able to hear from Chief Judge Glenn Kelley as well as Judge James Sherman, while Judge Lauren Burke presided over the trial.

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Events

Take Your Child to Work Day

On April 24, 85 children of judges, judicial assistants, court administration staff, Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller staff, as well as members of the Palm Beach County chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association and the Palm Beach County chapter of the Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association, spent the day at the main courthouse for the annual Take Your Child to Work Day event.

The day was full of various activities and judicial exercises, giving the students a behind-the-scenes look at court operations. A very special welcome from Chief Judge Glenn Kelley and the Clerk’s Office Chief of Staff/Chief Deputy Clerk Shannon Chessman, kicked off the day’s festivities.

Students had the opportunity to speak with Judge Maxine Cheesman and Judge Cymonie Rowe, participate in mock trials with Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Judge Stephanie Tew presiding; visit the jury room and evidence rooms; enjoy a K9 demonstration and finish the day with breakout sessions that included games and crafts and a panel with Juvenile judges and Palm Beach County Sheriff Officers.

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Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Historical Project

On May 9, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit announced the release of its Court History Project. Stemming from a larger initiative with the Palm Beach County Art in Public Places department, the Court History project, located on the Circuit’s website, provides a glimpse into both the past and present. From trailblazing members of the judiciary, to notable cases and high profile trials, the history of the Circuit is one of deep and significant importance.

Visit our Court History Page

News from Court Administration Staff

Directors’ Annual Training

On May 21, Trial Court Administrator Barbara Dawicke and the Court Administration Directors held their Directors’ Training in Loxahatchee, FL.

The full day event was led by Erica White, General Counsel for the Office of the State Courts Administrator and Belicha Desgraves, Senior Attorney II for the Office of the State Courts Administrator. The training focused on the topic of Employment Law and Best HR Practices.

The event is one of the annual trainings held by the TCA as a team-building exercise for the Directors and training to sharpen their leadership skills.

Therapy Dogs Visit the Courthouse

On May 30, judges, JAs and court administration staff were able to enjoy a few moments of relaxation with a visit from our therapy dogs. The visits are hosted by the Circuit’s Health and Wellness Committee, which regularly offers various activities and challenges to help employees stay proactive in investing in their self-care.

Summer Judicial Interns Activities

For the fourth consecutive year, judges have welcomed summer interns to the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit and provided them the opportunity to shadow judges, take various field trips and sit in on panel discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of the legal profession as well as the judicial process. During the month of June, some of the activities included a trip to the Fourth District Court of Appeals as well as a panel discussion with Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Attorney Marisa Gonzalez, Criminal Defense Attorney Leonard Feuer, Assistant State Attorney Richard Clausi. The attorneys shared with the group their professional experience, as well as provide advice on pursuing careers in the legal field. The interns were also given the opportunity to meet State Attorney Alexcia Cox.

Clerk’s Summer 2025 Financial & Judicial Internship Program

Court Administration Staff and Interns Visit PBC Jail

On June 24, Melissa Sotillo, Director of Administrative Services, organized an excursion for Court Administration staff and interns to expand their knowledge of the courts and criminal justice system. The staff and interns visited the Gun Club facility and observed First Appearance. They were also provided with a tour of the jail by Corrections deputies.

New Palm Beach County Judicial Assistants Association Board

On June 25, the new Board members for the Palm Beach County Judicial Assistants Association were sworn in by Judge August Bonavita; their term will run from 2025 to 2027.

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Juvenile Division Event Recaps

Family Treatment Court Graduations

Family Treatment Court (FTC) is a voluntary specialty court that uses a family-centered, multidisciplinary approach to serve families with substance use disorders who are involved in the child welfare system. It is the mission of the program to provide families with the support and services they need to stabilize the family in a safe and expeditious manner. By doing this, the goals are to 1) decrease the risk to the children, 2) reunite families before or around 12 months, 3) reduce the probabilities of the children being removed from the parents in the future, and 4) help the parents address their substance use.

During the second quarter, FTC held several graduations with the Honorable Kirk Volker presiding. On May 7 , FTC celebrated the first of three graduations in the second quarter. During the graduate’s involvement in the program, she successfully completed detox and Triple P Parenting. Additionally, she maintained stable housing, stable employment, and continued sobriety. After graduation, she continued participating in Outpatient and Family Therapy. The Court commended the graduate on her growth, adaptability, and patience.

On May 21st, FTC celebrated another graduation. During the graduate’s involvement in the program, she successfully completed Outpatient treatment and Triple P Parenting while maintaining stable housing, stable employment, and continued sobriety. The Court commended the graduate on her resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering positivity throughout this journey.

June 4, 2025 marked the third graduation of the second quarter. During the graduate’s involvement in the program, he successfully complete Outpatient while stable housing, stable employment, and continued sobriety. The Court commended him on his resilience, trust, and positivity. Although this was a long and demanding journey, he graduated as the best version of himself.

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Main Courthouse Tours

Palm Beach Gardens High School

On April 1, students from Palm Beach Gardens High School paid a visit to the main courthouse, which included speaking with Judge Scott Suskauer and Judge Bradley Harper. The students were also able to visit the Law Library and Jury Room and experience a K9 Demonstration.

Loggers Run Community Middle School

On May 20, students from Loggers Run Community Middle School paid a visit to the main courthouse, where they were able to stop by the Law Library, Jury Room and a holding cell. During their visit, they also participated in mock trials, watched a K9 Demonstration and spoke with Judge Jaimie Goodman and Judge Howard Coates.

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Staff Events

Lunch & Learns

May 30: How To Travel Inexpensively, presented by Judge Sherri Collins On May 30, Judge Sherri Collins led a lunch and learn on “How to Find Travel Deals.” During the session, Judge Collins shared some of her own travel experiences, as well as various tips and resources others can use when looking to save on travel accommodations.

June 23: South County Courthouse First Aid, Presented by the Delray Beach Fire Department

New Employee Orientation

Over a dozen new Court employees attended the Circuit’s employee orientation course in April and June 2025.

During the course, the employees were introduced to the Circuit’s Mission and Vision, the Circuit’s Core Competencies, the structure of the judicial branch, and their role as officers of the Court.

New Hires | Retirements | Employees On the Move

Welcome to the Circuit's newest Judge and employees

April 2025

Amanda Clarke, Civil Court Court Case Manager;
Andrew Montoya, Digital Court Reporter;
Michele West, Trial Court Staff Attorney;
Amaya Burton, Administrative Assistant II;
Mary Bode, Program Coordinator;
Christine Bruno, Hearing Officer;
Gina Thacker, Computer Specialist II;
Printania Tham, Administrative Assistant II, Court Technology

May 2025

Jonathan Jean-Francois, Haitian-Creole Court Interpreter;
Megan Jerome, Court Program Specialist;
Rodrigo Prado, Jr., Court Interpreter Scheduling Specialist

June 2025

John Abel, Court Program Specialist II, Civil;
Damien Williams, Judicial Assistant to Judge Cymonie Rowe

Employees on the Move/Position Reclassified

June 2025

Erica Alter, Program Coordinator

Employees that retired during this quarter

May 2025

Jeffrey Kash, Mediator

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Administrative Orders

The following AOs were updated or entered April - June 2025 (most recent to oldest)

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Credits

The Circuit Courier is published by the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Glenn Kelley, Chief Judge
Barbara Dawicke, Trial Court Administrator
Richalyn Miller, Public Information Officer