7thJudicialCircuitFL

The Clerks of Court in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties are participating in Operation Green Light, a statewide initiative that offers individuals with suspended driver's licenses the opportunity to save on fees and have their licenses reinstated. Flagler County - Operation Green Light will take place Monday through Friday, April 13 through 17, and April 20 through 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-person assistance is available at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center. Putnam County - Operation Green Light will take place Monday through Friday, April 13 through 17, and April 20 through 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance is available in person or by phone at 386-326-7600. For more information, visit: putnamclerk.com/operation-gree…. St. Johns County - Operation Green Light will take place April 13 through April 17 and April 20 through 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virtual online participation will be available April 11, 12, 18, and 19. Court obligations may be paid in person at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, by phone at 904-819-3600, or online through the St. Johns County Clerk’s Office. For more information, visit: stjohnsclerk.com. Volusia County - Operation Green Light Events in both the Volusia County Courthouse, DeLand, and the Steven C. Henderson Judicial Center, Daytona Beach. For additional information, visit: clerk.org/Operation-Gree…. Volusia County Courthouse, DeLand April 13: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (extended hours) April 14–17: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Steven C. Henderson Judicial Center, Daytona Beach April 13 - 17 through April 4: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Judges Joan Anthony, Elizabeth Blackburn, Wesley Heidt, David Wainer, and Alicia Washington, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, attended the unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Wall at Veterans Memorial Park in Daytona Beach, just steps from the Steven C. Henderson Judicial Center.

Congratulations to Circuit Judge Randall Daugustinis on her Investiture. Learn more about Judge Daugustinis at circuit7.org/judges/judge-r….

Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia County courts will be closed Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday. Courts (courthouses) throughout the Seventh Circuit will resume normal operations on Monday, April 6.

Judge Kenny Janesk visited Ketterlinus Elementary School in St. Augustine to take part in the school’s Character Counts! program.

Our Administrative Services team has been hard at work filling Court Administration vacancies within the Seventh Judicial Circuit. That effort came into focus during our latest New Hire Orientation, where new team members were welcomed to the Circuit and began training for their new roles.

Congratulations to Sandra Lamb on earning her Certified Electronic Transcriber credential through the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers. Sandra is part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit’s Court Reporting Services Team, which helps preserve the official record of the court.

Chief Judge Leah Case recently joined Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, and students on Volusia County Schools’ podcast, “Let’s Talk.” The episode is now live. Watch and listen here: vcsedu.org/about-us/podca…

Judges Elizabeth Blackburn and Kathleen McNeilly presided over the 102nd Commencement Ceremony of the Volusia County Adult Drug Court in DeLand, bringing together the East and West Side dockets. Sixteen participants graduated, having built a “Foundation for a New Beginning,” the Drug Court’s guiding motto. The Court Supervision Team was on hand to present each graduate with a certificate and a commemorative brick, symbolizing the foundation they have built.

Judge Alicia Washington joined a panel discussion at Stetson University during an International Women’s Month event hosted by the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Judge Washington spoke with students alongside Assistant Public Defender Courtney Davidson, Brianna M. Faenza of Cobb Cole, and Stephanie Adduci of Landis, Graham and French. The discussion focused on experiences in the legal profession, balancing family with career demands, and advice for students interested in pursuing legal careers.

Sixty-five seventh-grade students from Imagine School at Town Center recently visited the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, where they spent time in the courtroom with Flagler County Court Judge Melissa Distler.

Students from high schools across Volusia County visited the S. James Foxman Justice Center as part of the Futures Foundation’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Program. During the visit, students heard from Chief Judge Leah Case, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, Public Defender Matt Metz, and others about their roles in the criminal justice system. They also observed court proceedings, giving them a firsthand look at what happens inside a courtroom.

The St. Johns County Adult Drug Court held its Spring Commencement Ceremony at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, celebrating two participants who completed all program requirements. Judge Alexander Christine presided over the March 6 ceremony, which included remarks from Chief Deputy Court Administrator Shirley Olson, keynote speaker Henry M. Coxe III, Esq., and a former Drug Court graduate.

The Flagler College Mock Trial team recently visited the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center to practice for an American Mock Trial Association regional competition. The visit gave students a chance to sharpen their skills in a real courtroom setting.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit was represented at Florida A&M University College of Law Career Week. Staff Attorney Syreeta McCoy was on site to share information about career paths and opportunities in the courts. We are hiring. Visit circuit7.org/employment-opp… learn more.

Today, Friday, Feb. 27, marks Tracy Woodman’s last day with the Seventh Judicial Circuit after 25 years of service. The Administrative Services Team hosted a gathering to celebrate Tracy’s retirement, and Court Administrator Mark Weinberg presented her with tokens of appreciation. In a farewell message, Tracy shared, “My past 25 years have been so rewarding, and I can’t thank you all enough for your friendship, camaraderie, and professionalism.” Twenty-five years is a meaningful milestone, and it reflects what we see across the Seventh Judicial Circuit, where many team members build long careers in public service. Want to see what makes the Seventh Judicial Circuit a great place to work? We’re hiring: circuit7.org/employment-opp…

Judge Joan Anthony visited with students at New Smyrna Beach Middle School to share how courts work, what a judge’s role looks like day to day, and answer questions.

Chief Judge Leah Case recently joined Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, and students on Volusia County Schools’ podcast, “Let’s Talk.” The episode is still in production. Stay tuned for its release in the coming weeks, and watch and listen here when it is published: vcsedu.org/about-us/podca…

Judge Dawn Nichols presided over the Flagler County Drug Court graduation at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, where 4 participants were recognized for completing program requirements. Graduates and current participants were treated to encouraging words from Judge Nichols, community partners, and a past graduate during the ceremony.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Court Administrator Rachel Wimer. In 1979, Rachel was appointed Court Administrator for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She served until her retirement in 1993. Our condolences are with her family and all who knew her. Her obituary is available through The Daytona Beach News-Journal: news-journalonline.com/obituaries/psa…