WHEREAS, §§ 948.08(7) and 948.16(2), Florida Statutes, provide for the establishment of Veterans Treatment Court programs; and

WHEREAS, Veterans Treatment Courts help provide for the needs or justice-involved veterans suffering from a military-related mental illnesses, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse disorders, and/or psychological problems; and

WHEREAS, there is a recognized need for a Veterans Treatment Court program to serve justice-involved veterans residing in St. Johns and Putnam counties;

NOW THEREFORE, I, RAUL A. ZAMBRANO, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, hereby reaffirm the establishment of a St. Johns/Putnam County Veterans Treatment Court division and program, to which certain criminal cases involving military veterans meeting program eligibility criteria may be referred/assigned.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the St. Johns/Putnam County Veterans Treatment Court be designated as Division 27 for assignment purposes and that a judge be assigned to preside. Upon receipt of appropriate orders of the Court, the Clerks of Court shall assign/transfer designated cases to Division 27.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Veterans Treatment Court judge shall convene a Veterans Court Advisory Committee, comprised of relevant stakeholders and other interested parties, to advise and assist the Veterans Court judge and Chief Judge in the operation of the program. The Veterans Court judge shall serve as chair of the advisory committee.

TO BE RECORDED in St. Johns and Putnam Counties.

DONE AND ORDERED in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida, this 1st day of April 2021.