Actor Gene Hackman has died. Police in New Mexico found Hackman, age 95, and his wife dead in their home. Police do not believe foul play was involved.
Hackman won the Oscar for performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven. His other roles include Bonnie and Clyde, The Poseidon Adventure, Crimson Tide, Mississippi Burning, Enemy of the State, The Conversation, Uncommon Valor, Hoosiers, Superman and many, many more.
Rest in peace.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court is celebrating the one year anniversary of its Community Court in Hollywood. The Community Court program partners with local groups to addresses issues related to homelessness. The program serves all of Broward County.
Judge Corey Cawthon presides over the Hollywood Community Court, while Judge Betsy Benson handles cases in Pompano Beach and Judge Florence Taylor Barner handles Community Court in Fort Lauderdale.
Here is the press release from the 17th Judicial Circuit Court:
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Hollywood Community Court – a problem-solving court created to provide alternatives to jail for low-level misdemeanor crimes while connecting the homeless with services – celebrated its one-year anniversary this week.
The court, funded by a $532,305 federal grant, was established in January 2024. To date, to fledging court has served more than 330 individuals, including more than 30 families and held over 600 hearings and nine graduations representing 37 years of combined homelessness for individuals who are now off the street.
“Community Court represents an opportunity to address the challenges and issues surrounding homelessness,” said Judge Corey Amanda Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. “It enables and empowers those experiencing homelessness to take back control of their lives, to get off the street, and to give back through service to the community.”
The City of Hollywood on Feb. 19th issued a proclamation honoring the court’s one-year anniversary which stated, “By focusing on compassion and tailored solutions, the court has strengthened community cohesion and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to public safety, social justice and resilience.”
Hollywood Community Court meets every other Tuesday at The Caring Place, 2056 Scott Street.
“It’s important to recognize all of our service providers who have been working in partnership with us over the past year to provide services for the defendants and the community at large,” Judge Cawthon added.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court also conducts community court at 18 NW First Ave. in Fort Lauderdale and at the Annie L. Weaver Health Center, 2011 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach.
Judge Florence Taylor Barner presides weekly on Wednesdays in Fort Lauderdale and co-presides with Judge Betsy Benson in Pompano Beach every other Thursday.
Fort Lauderdale Community Court was established in 2019 with funding from a $200,000 federal grant. Pompano Community Court was established in 2022 and was awarded a $716,876 federal grant last year.
Under the Community Court program, local community-based organizations partner with the court to provide housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and other social support at no cost to the grant. Additionally, the Broward Sheriff’s Office facilitates community service opportunities for participants as ordered by the court. Participants who complete the requirements of their court-ordered program have their eligible misdemeanor cases dismissed while gaining the benefit of the services obtained through the program.
Hollywood’s Community Court is a collaborative effort involving the 17thJudicial Circuit and the City of Hollywood.
