Open Ninth

Evellen Jewett remembers voting for a young law student for John Marshall Bar Association President back in the 80s at the University of Florida. “That’s not my fault,” she declares as Steve Jewett recounts his one-vote loss. Years later, they sit down with Judge Fred Lauten to discuss the unusual twists and turns their paths took before they got married and eventually became judges. Whether describing the “Cracker Jacks” proposal in Wrigley Field or the call of balls and strikes at home, one things certain, the Jewetts are memorable. After all, the term the “Jewett Rule” was coined after Steve Jewett forgot to thank a very important person during his investiture ceremony speech. The Jewetts are one of two husband-and-wife judge couples in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. They are both currently assigned to the Orange County Criminal Division. Besides being ardent dog lovers, they are also diehard Gator fans and south Florida natives. Tune in to this podcast to hear their amusing story. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Evellen Jewett remembers voting for a young law student for John Marshall Bar Association President back in the 80s at the University of Florida. “That’s not my fault,” she declares as Steve Jewett recounts his one-vote loss. Years later, they sit down with Judge Fred Lauten to discuss the unusual twists and turns their paths took before they got married and eventually became judges. Whether describing the “Cracker Jacks” proposal in Wrigley Field or the call of balls and strikes at home, one things certain, the Jewetts are memorable. After all, the term the “Jewett Rule” was coined after Steve Jewett forgot to thank a very important person during his investiture ceremony speech. The Jewetts are one of two husband-and-wife judge couples in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. They are both currently assigned to the Orange County Criminal Division. Besides being ardent dog lovers, they are also diehard Gator fans and south Florida natives. Tune in to this podcast to hear their amusing story. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

The Provenzano shooting shocked Central Florida residents and exposed various weak points in courthouse security. After the dust settled, it was clear to everyone that life had forever changed – and that new security measures had to be put in place to avert a similar tragedy from ever happening again. Sheriff Jerry Demings, a decades-long veteran of law enforcement, stopped by the Open Ninth podcast studio to discuss the changes in security that were put in place immediately after the Provenzano shooting and the ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures each day. He states that law enforcement works tirelessly to stay one step ahead of any possible threats. From innovative technologies such as iris, thumbprint, and facial recognition to state-of-the-art security cameras, the 23 floors of the Orange County courthouse are more secure than ever. Courthouse visitors must pass through magnetometers and be screened by handheld wands as necessary before being permitted into the courthouse. Signage placed at courthouse entrance points lets visitors know which items are not permitted in the courthouse. Armed law enforcement officers secure courthouse entrances and courtrooms. Their presence is visible and serves as a deterrent to would-be assailants. As we wrap up this three-part series on the Provenzano shooting, we’d like to give special thanks to all law enforcement officers, particularly to courthouse security detail who work diligently each day to ensure the courthouse remains a safe place for everyone. Sheriff Demings is an Orlando, Florida native who is widely respected by the community. He became Orlando’s first African-American police chief in 1998 and Orange County’s first African-American sheriff in 2008. Sheriff Demings began his law enforcement career in 1981, only a few years prior to the Provenzano shooting. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

The Provenzano shooting shocked Central Florida residents and exposed various weak points in courthouse security. After the dust settled, it was clear to everyone that life had forever changed – and that new security measures had to be put in place to avert a similar tragedy from ever happening again. Sheriff Jerry Demings, a decades-long veteran of law enforcement, stopped by the Open Ninth podcast studio to discuss the changes in security that were put in place immediately after the Provenzano shooting and the ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures each day. He states that law enforcement works tirelessly to stay one step ahead of any possible threats. From innovative technologies such as iris, thumbprint, and facial recognition to state-of-the-art security cameras, the 23 floors of the Orange County courthouse are more secure than ever. Courthouse visitors must pass through magnetometers and be screened by handheld wands as necessary before being permitted into the courthouse. Signage placed at courthouse entrance points lets visitors know which items are not permitted in the courthouse. Armed law enforcement officers secure courthouse entrances and courtrooms. Their presence is visible and serves as a deterrent to would-be assailants. As we wrap up this three-part series on the Provenzano shooting, we’d like to give special thanks to all law enforcement officers, particularly to courthouse security detail who work diligently each day to ensure the courthouse remains a safe place for everyone. Sheriff Demings is an Orlando, Florida native who is widely respected by the community. He became Orlando’s first African-American police chief in 1998 and Orange County’s first African-American sheriff in 2008. Sheriff Demings began his law enforcement career in 1981, only a few years prior to the Provenzano shooting. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In the first installment of this 3-part series, Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten sat down with former Chief Judge Emerson Thompson, Jr. to discuss the backdrop leading up to the tragic 1984 courthouse shooting.  Today, Judge Thompson, Circuit Judge Mark S. Blechman, and other eye witnesses give chilling accounts of the events that unfolded on that dreadful January 10th day. In 1984, Mark Blechman was a young, state attorney assigned to the Orange County Courthouse.  The Orange County Courthouse was a close-knit community and home to Judges and court staff who shared more than a common workplace.  As Judge Blechman details, the horrific shooting sent shockwaves through the community and forever changed courthouse life. Judge Blechman gives a detailed account of how he and his co-workers stayed safe during the shooting by huddling under the attorneys’ tables in the courtroom. He mentions how a bullet from the shooter’s gun ricocheted through a window and into the courtroom. The fear he felt on that day was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. Tune into this podcast to hear survivors tell their stories and honor the memory of the victims. As Judge Blechman describes, Bailiff William "Arnie” Wilkerson, who was fatally shot by Provenzano, was a caring, sweet human being who gave his life protecting others.  Bailiff Harry Dalton and Corrections Officer Mark Parker died years later from injuries related to the shooting.  Their lives were celebrated during the 34th Remembrance Ceremony on January 10, 2018.  Though gone, their heroism and selfless sacrifice will be remembered forever. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In the first installment of this 3-part series, Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten sat down with former Chief Judge Emerson Thompson, Jr. to discuss the backdrop leading up to the tragic 1984 courthouse shooting.  Today, Judge Thompson, Circuit Judge Mark S. Blechman, and other eye witnesses give chilling accounts of the events that unfolded on that dreadful January 10th day. In 1984, Mark Blechman was a young, state attorney assigned to the Orange County Courthouse.  The Orange County Courthouse was a close-knit community and home to Judges and court staff who shared more than a common workplace.  As Judge Blechman details, the horrific shooting sent shockwaves through the community and forever changed courthouse life. Judge Blechman gives a detailed account of how he and his co-workers stayed safe during the shooting by huddling under the attorneys’ tables in the courtroom. He mentions how a bullet from the shooter’s gun ricocheted through a window and into the courtroom. The fear he felt on that day was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. Tune into this podcast to hear survivors tell their stories and honor the memory of the victims. As Judge Blechman describes, Bailiff William "Arnie” Wilkerson, who was fatally shot by Provenzano, was a caring, sweet human being who gave his life protecting others.  Bailiff Harry Dalton and Corrections Officer Mark Parker died years later from injuries related to the shooting.  Their lives were celebrated during the 34th Remembrance Ceremony on January 10, 2018.  Though gone, their heroism and selfless sacrifice will be remembered forever. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In this first installment of the three-part series, The Shooter, The Victims, The Aftermath, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten speaks with former Fifth District Court of Appeal Chief Judge Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. about what it was like to work in Orlando prior to the 1984 courthouse shooting. The “Magic City” was a quieter and friendlier town before the tragic event of January 10, 1984 rocked the community. Appointed to the circuit bench by Governor Bob Graham in 1980, Judge Emerson Thompson was the first African-American chief judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court serving from 1989 to 1991. Judge Thompson describes the courthouse security, although appropriate for its time, as being drastically different from what it is today. He recalls there being multiple entrances to the courthouse with few security checkpoints. He also details how carrying small weapons in the 1980s was socially acceptable, so it would be commonplace for civilians to have handguns or pocket knives in their possession.  Additionally, he talks about the lack of cameras, computers, or radio systems in the courthouse. Coupled with the less stringent security measures that were established at the time, Judge Thompson’s account provides listeners with an accurate backdrop for the events that occurred on that dreadful day. Both Judge Thompson and Judge Lauten recount the times they ran into the shooter, Thomas Provenzano. They explain that, in hindsight, Provenzano was a suspicious character who visited the courthouse often and was, at times, very pushy and overstepped his bounds. Take a listen to their stories and the eye witnessed accounts of many others. Be sure to tune in next week as Judge Lauten and Judge Thompson sit down with Judge Mark S. Blechman to discuss the fateful day of the shooting at the Orange County Courthouse. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In this first installment of the three-part series, The Shooter, The Victims, The Aftermath, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten speaks with former Fifth District Court of Appeal Chief Judge Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. about what it was like to work in Orlando prior to the 1984 courthouse shooting. The “Magic City” was a quieter and friendlier town before the tragic event of January 10, 1984 rocked the community. Appointed to the circuit bench by Governor Bob Graham in 1980, Judge Emerson Thompson was the first African-American chief judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court serving from 1989 to 1991. Judge Thompson describes the courthouse security, although appropriate for its time, as being drastically different from what it is today. He recalls there being multiple entrances to the courthouse with few security checkpoints. He also details how carrying small weapons in the 1980s was socially acceptable, so it would be commonplace for civilians to have handguns or pocket knives in their possession.  Additionally, he talks about the lack of cameras, computers, or radio systems in the courthouse. Coupled with the less stringent security measures that were established at the time, Judge Thompson’s account provides listeners with an accurate backdrop for the events that occurred on that dreadful day. Both Judge Thompson and Judge Lauten recount the times they ran into the shooter, Thomas Provenzano. They explain that, in hindsight, Provenzano was a suspicious character who visited the courthouse often and was, at times, very pushy and overstepped his bounds. Take a listen to their stories and the eye witnessed accounts of many others. Be sure to tune in next week as Judge Lauten and Judge Thompson sit down with Judge Mark S. Blechman to discuss the fateful day of the shooting at the Orange County Courthouse. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Today marks the anniversary of a horrific mass shooting in Orange County. It was January 10, 1984 when lone gunman Thomas Provenzano entered the Orange County Courthouse, killing one bailiff and wounding two others in a single event that resonates louder than ever as one of the first events of this kind in Central Florida. Beginning January 17th, listen in as the court honors the heroes of that tragic day with a 3 part podcast series of testimony and eyewitness accounts from those who were there. We start our discussion with the days leading up to the shooting then hear the accounts of that terrible day by those impacted by the event. Finally, we conclude with a look at where our court is today and how the actions of one man changed our community and our lives forever. Listen to the full series beginning January 17th on OpenNinth.FM. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Learning about the professional life of a judge – Where did they attend law school? What law did they practice? When did they take the bench? – is generally very easy. These types of questions all have publicly attainable answers. However, if you want to learn about the person behind the robes – Why did they want to become a judge? Are they a morning person or a night owl? How did they adjust to life on the bench? – that is generally not very easy at all. Until now. Join Chief Judge Fred Lauten as he sits down for a candid conversation with Judges Chad Alvaro and Jamie Grosshans, two of Central Florida’s newest judges. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In this episode of Open Ninth, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten, along with Administrative Judges Julie O’Kane and Patricia Doherty, speak about the state of the courts in 2017. Besides providing an overview of their respective divisions, the Judges also discuss the Ninth Circuit’s relationship with the legislature, the impact of Hurricane Irma on social services and the courts, and the loss to the judiciary of three dearly beloved jurists – Judge Scott Polodna, Judge Ted Coleman, and Judge Rom Powell. The Ninth Circuit is the third largest circuit in the state of Florida, employing about 360 staff, including 65 judges and their judicial assistant. Judge Lauten predicts an increase in staff will be necessary in 2018 to handle the impact of Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Irma damaged Puerto Rico’s power grid, prompting a large migration of Puerto Rican immigrants to Central Florida. With the large influx of native Spanish speakers to our community, the Ninth Circuit may experience an increased demand for court interpreters. Judge Lauten also discusses the Circuit’s efforts to address issues with implicit bias in the court system. In 2017, the Circuit invited experts to provide training on implicit bias to all our judges. Noting the importance of the topic, Judge Lauten is honored to sit on a diversity panel that identifies and provides recommendations on a series of diversity and racial issues present in the justice system. Judge Lauten is optimistic that we will see even more advances in our circuit in 2018. Tune in to find out more. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

An unlikely Gator fan, Judge Tanya Davis Wilson worked her way through law school. After graduation, she served as an Assistant Public Defender, an Assistant Federal Public Defender, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, before being appointed to the Orange County bench. She was recently invested as a Circuit Judge. A Quincy, Florida native and a 16-year cancer survivor, she credits having learned many life lessons under the mentorship of former Judge Scott Polodna, who passed away last December from lung cancer. “It wasn’t as much what he said, as much as what he did,” said Judge Wilson as her eyes welled up during the podcast. Judge Scott Polodna was well regarded for his vast knowledge of the law. He was also a man of incredible faith. During his battle with cancer, he modeled true grace and strength by frequently comforting family members and friends who were concerned with his medical condition. Judge Polodna used his dry sense of humor and gentle teaching style to win over the hearts of those around him. On the one-year anniversary of his passing, we honor the legacy he left us and we remember the great father, husband, and coworker who was Scott Polodna. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

An unlikely Gator fan, Judge Tanya Davis Wilson worked her way through law school. After graduation, she served as an Assistant Public Defender, an Assistant Federal Public Defender, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, before being appointed to the Orange County bench. She was recently invested as a Circuit Judge. A Quincy, Florida native and a 16-year cancer survivor, she credits having learned many life lessons under the mentorship of former Judge Scott Polodna, who passed away last December from lung cancer. “It wasn’t as much what he said, as much as what he did,” said Judge Wilson as her eyes welled up during the podcast. Judge Scott Polodna was well regarded for his vast knowledge of the law. He was also a man of incredible faith. During his battle with cancer, he modeled true grace and strength by frequently comforting family members and friends who were concerned with his medical condition. Judge Polodna used his dry sense of humor and gentle teaching style to win over the hearts of those around him. On the one-year anniversary of his passing, we honor the legacy he left us and we remember the great father, husband, and coworker who was Scott Polodna. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In August, Judge Egan and Judge Marques swung by our studio to discuss popular legally themed movies. They barely scratched the surface before time ran out. Now the 9th Circuit’s own movie critics return to review the greatest legal films of all time. Movies like “My Cousin Vinny” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” form part of our shared American experience. And, one thing’s for sure, whether they make you laugh or challenge your ideas of justice and fairness, iconic movies have a deep, lasting impact on us. So take out the popcorn and listen on as our dynamic duo talk about their favorite legal movies with Judge Lauten. I’m sure they’ll be covering your favorite movie too. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Elena and Paul stopped by the Open Ninth studio to speak with Chief Judge Lauten about their journey as foster care parents and, now, adoptive parents. Together, they have five biological children, two foster children, and have recently adopted a baby boy. Elena and Paul explain that fostering children has its challenges, but the opportunity to help bring positive change and improvement to the lives of so many children is extremely rewarding. Over the years, they have cared for over two dozen foster children. Elena explains how the children usually enter the home broken, afraid, and insecure but over time become happy, relaxed, and positive about life. They credit their success to the passion they have for children. After years of serving as foster care parents, they met a week-old newborn named Marco. Elena and Paul immediately fell in love. On, November 17, 2017, during a National Adoption Day ceremony, little Marco became a part of their permanent family. On that day, nearly 30 other children were welcomed into their “Forever Families” during companion ceremonies in Orange and Osceola counties. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or adopting a child, please visit these websites: www.cbccfl.org www.myflfamilies.com Let us know what you think about the podcast.