Ninth Circuit Court of Florida

Hurricane season is officially here and we want to make sure you are prepared. Before a storm hits, make sure to follow these tips! To see a complete checklist of supplies, please visit: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKIh7xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRUDMwNGVSdElaWFgyaW14AR74X7p968IDrCfNI3MKeYdmP-xIIwqsnqu_W2MFDwG1JQ7jtOxBgLt8l-x4_g_aem_Cm7c35aXUA07xkIKM4mjGA

Over the past few weeks, our judges have welcomed two groups into the Orange County Courthouse for a behind-the-scenes look at the Ninth!

Judge Beasley recently collaborated with the Orange County Clerk of Court, Tiffany Moore Russell, to host a group of participants from Leadership West Orange. To kick off the day, Judge Beasley hosted a Q&A session, shared his journey to the bench, and explained what it's like to be a judge. After tons of great questions, the participants had the chance to explore the 23rd floor and take in the amazing views of Downtown Orlando. The day wrapped up with Clerk Russell, who hosted a working lunch and presentation.

Yesterday, Judge Leach welcomed students from the City of Altamonte Springs Teen Camp for a day full of learning. The students observed several motions, hearings, and sentencings — getting a firsthand look at how the judicial system works. Even though Judge Leach had a busy morning docket, she made sure to answer a few questions from the students and take a picture with them before it was time to leave.

It has been a great few weeks at the Ninth, and our judges always enjoy connecting with both professionals and students in our community!

Mark your calendars — Judge Strowbridge is retiring! Please join us on Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. at the Orange County Courthouse to celebrate Judge Strowbridge and her contributions to the Ninth. RSVP today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7ery6v7

Today marks the first day on the bench for our newest judges: Sonia McDowell, David Peters, and Therese Savona. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to the Ninth!

Join our team at the Ninth! Multiple positions are available in different locations. Check out our website to learn more and join us on our mission to make justice in Florida accessible, fair, effective, responsive and accountable. Apply today: ninthcircuit.org/careers

The Ninth extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis.

Former Florida Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis died Tuesday, May 26, in Tallahassee, at age 78.
Lewis will lie in state in the Florida Supreme Court rotunda from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. Members of the Court will ceremonially receive the body and Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz will make brief remarks. A memorial service will be held in the courtroom of the Florida Supreme Court at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12.

https://supremecourt.flcourts.gov/page/former-florida-chief-justice-r.-fred-lewis-1947-2026

June 1 marks the official start of the 2026 hurricane season, and there's no better time than now to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. Whether its making an emergency plan or building a hurricane supply kit, these steps can provide an extra peace of mind.

Stay in the know this hurricane season and follow us on social media for the latest updates on court closures in the event of a hurricane. Stay safe!

Additional resources can be found below.

Orange County Hurricane Information:
https://www.orangecountyfl.net/EmergencySafety/EmergencyInformation.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6oiFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBS2ZjbXVIUWtvalBqT1Z6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHo6BkDsHi7wSk5MaCwSqsS_NpQSb_WgyUYMAnTrAok4yMFsHRxOI9iXmTUP__aem_z060HbswuNOr6Ca_z5Br1A

Osceola County Hurricane Information:
https://www.osceola.org/Government/Agencies-and-Departments-Directory/Office-of-Emergency-Management/Hazards/Hurricane-Center

National Weather Service Hurricane Information:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6o_JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBS2ZjbXVIUWtvalBqT1Z6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkexE2aYQn9IiTrFARUGFXNbJ1r89YRI0iea_KPo5yO87eadrm7Squgo8fyK_aem_RppHa9b7OSwaJV75h-JQrA

In recognition of Problem Solving Courts Awareness Month, our teams in Orange and Osceola Counties hosted events at the courthouses throughout the month.

In Osceola County, our team organized a resource fair, where Judge Whitehead spoke about the impact of the Problem Solving Court's resources and programs available through our community partners — many of whom set up booths so guests could learn more about the services they offer. Our guests even had the chance to hear from a Drug Court graduate and the impact that Drug Court has had on her life. In Orange County, our teams organized guest speakers every Friday of the month and also hosted a resource fair at the Thomas S. Kirk Justice Center.

Moments like these remind us of the significant impact our Problem Solving Courts program has on the lives in our community, and we are so thankful for everyone who makes this program possible.

Today, we remember and honor the fallen men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. As a reminder, the Ninth is closed today. Courts will reopen tomorrow, May 26.