 By: Hon. Caryl E. Delano, Chief Judge
One of the joys of sitting on the bankruptcy bench in the Middle District of Florida is working with my colleagues towards a common goal: to enable each of the constituencies with whom we work—lawyers, Clerk’s Office staff, our chambers staff, and pro se parties—to work efficiently and effectively so that we judges are able to rule on the merits on the issues and disputes before us.
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Judge's Corner
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Judicial Conference Reception
 Taken at a reception after a JCUS (Judicial Conference of the United States) meeting on Constitution Day. Pictured left to right: Father Timothy Corcoran, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Judge McEwen
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Judge Catherine Peek McEwen Sworn in for Second Term
 By: Hon. Caryl E. Delano, Chief Judge
On August 14, 2019, Judge Catherine Peek McEwen was sworn in by Eleventh Circuit Judge Charles Wilson for her second 14-year term as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Florida. Judge McEwen’s colleagues, family, and co-workers, including Judges Williamson and Delano, Fr. Tim Corcoran, sister, Rosemary Peek, nephew, George Peek, and her chambers staff, Denise Martin, Dedra Gann, and Lisa Scotten, gathered in Judge Wilson’s chambers to witness this milestone event.
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All I can say is... |
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SURVEY RESULTS - HOW TO IMPROVE OUR PROCEDURE MANUAL
By: Hon. Karen S. Jennemann, Kim Osment, and Jeanne Kraft
Roughly two years ago, the Bankruptcy Court started posting our procedures on The Source. We have made numerous improvements and changes to address the requests of our attorneys, paralegals, staff, and parties. Now, you can find the procedures (and much more) front and center on our website. But, we know we can do better! So, we sent out a survey to our users.
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Our NEW Student Loan Management Program Starts October 1, 2019 |
By: Hon. Karen S. Jennemann
In January 2019, the Bankruptcy Court formed a district wide committee of lawyers to evaluate and recommend ways to assist parties either repaying or collecting outstanding student loans involved in bankruptcy cases.
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Why Do We Need the Student Loan Management Program? |
By: Christie D. Arkovich, Christie D. Arkovich, P.A.
To ensure debtors receive a “fresh start” and not a “false start,” the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) has implemented a Student Loan Management Program (SLMP), which utilizes a transparent portal to obtain relief from federal and private student loans.
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2019 Annual Judicial Retreat
 The Student Loan Committee for the Middle District of Florida and Default Mitigation Management, the portal provider for our new Student Loan Management Program, had the honor of presenting to all the Middle District Judges at their annual judicial retreat in August.
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 Lucas Lieb and Clara Bridge like the view from the bench. They also liked the Junior Marshal badges that U.S. Marshal Zach Self gave them during a tour of the lock up facilities.
By Hon. Catherine Peek McEwen
Regarding my cases, if you see a paper or pleading set for hearing that you don’t think requires a hearing, say something! Please call the courtroom deputy to inquire and suggest why a hearing may not be necessary. Maybe I have seen something I want to hear more about, or, instead, it could have been set by mistake or oversight.
Our Court Has a New Michigan State University Graduate
On August 7th, Tampa Case Manager, Deanna Berrier, graduated from the Judicial Administration Noncredit Certificate Program sponsored by NCBC (National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks) through Michigan State University. Deanna was one of 47 graduates to complete the program this year and was presented with her graduation certificate during the NCBC Conference in Chicago.
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Summer Intern Reception at the old Tampa Federal Courthouse, Now Le Meridien
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The Court Connection is published quarterly. Please submit items for inclusion in the next edition by December 31, 2019 to:
newsletter@flmb.uscourts.gov
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