Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Processes in Vacant Judicial Positions

Port St. Lucie Process Changes
Judge Robert McAliley has retired effective April 30, 2016. We thank him for years of service to this agency and the people of Florida. Effective May 1, 2016, Final Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings related to pre-trial issues and Attorney Fee Hearings for cases assigned to Judge McAliley’s division will be reassigned by Judge Langham. This will generally occur 14-21 days in advance of the hearing date to hopefully prevent moving cases that may yet resolve prior to trial. Mediations will continue as normal in PSL. Settlements and motions, stipulations and evidentiary hearings on motions for advance, motions to enforce settlement or motions to dismiss on cases that are not reassigned for trial will be considered and ruled upon by Judge Dietz. We will keep you posted on the appointment process and any decisions. 

Ft. Myers Process Changes
Judge Sturgis has retired. Effective April 1, 2016, Final Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings related to pre-trial issues and Attorney Fee Hearings for cases assigned to Judge Sturgis’ division will be reassigned by Judge Langham. This will generally occur 14-21 days in advance of the hearing date to hopefully prevent moving some cases that may yet resolve prior to trial. Mediations will continue as normal in FTM. Settlements and motions, stipulations and evidentiary hearings on motions for advance, motions to enforce settlement or motions to dismiss on cases that are not reassigned for trial will be considered and ruled upon by Judge Weiss. We will keep you posted on the appointment process and any decisions. 

Process Changes in JCC Punancy’s Division West Palm Beach 
Effective March 14, 2016, Final Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings related to pre-trial issues and Attorney Fee Hearings for cases assigned to Judge Punancy’s division will be reassigned by Judge Langham. This will generally occur 14-21 days in advance of the hearing date to hopefully prevent moving some cases that may yet resolve prior to trial. Mediations will continue to be conducted as normal in WPB. Settlements and motions, stipulations and evidentiary hearings on motions for advance, motions to enforce settlement or motions to dismiss on cases that are not reassigned for trial will be considered and ruled upon by Judge Anderson. Questions regarding order status, however, should still be directed to Judge Punancy’s staff. 

Retirement and Changes in JCC Basquill’s Division WPB
Effective May 12, 2016 Judge Basquill will retire after many years of dedicated service to Floridians and the workers’ compensation system. Effective that day, Final Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings related to pre-trial issues and Attorney Fee Hearings for cases assigned to Judge Basquill’s division will be reassigned by Judge Langham. This will generally occur 14-21 days in advance of the hearing date to hopefully prevent moving some cases that may yet resolve prior to trial. Mediations will continue to be conducted as normal in WPB. Settlements and motions, stipulations and evidentiary hearings on motions for advance, motions to enforce settlement or motions to dismiss on cases that are not reassigned for trial will be considered and ruled upon by Judge Rosen. Questions regarding order status, however, should still be directed to Judge Basquill’s staff. 

Reiterating Panama City Process Changes
Effective February 1, 2016, trials for cases assigned to Panama City will be reassigned by Judge Langham. This will generally occur 7-21 days in advance of the hearing date to hopefully prevent moving some cases that resolve prior to trial. Mr. Oramas remains in PMC and will be conducting mediations. Settlements and motions and stipulations on cases that are not reassigned for trial will be considered and ruled upon by Judge Winn in Pensacola. Questions regarding order status, however, should still be directed to the PMC staff.