Judge Mark Blechman Named “Citizen of the Year”
Orlando, FL – On Saturday, April 11, 2015, the Honorable Mark Blechman received the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Osceola County Veterans Council. Each year the Veterans Council recognizes persons whose innovative contributions to the community create awareness of and present solutions to a problem plaguing Central Florida residents. Judge Blechman was honored with the award for spearheading the development and implementation of Veterans Court in Osceola County.
Osceola County’s Veterans Treatment Court was established in early 2014 to address the special issues that cases involving veterans present to the judicial system. Modeled around Drug Court and the recommendations of Justice for Vets, Veterans Court coordinates the resources of the judiciary, treatment providers and the community to reduce the recidivism rates of veterans. The first session of Veterans Court was held on February 28, 2014. Since its inception, the program has been extremely successful and has helped many participating veterans become productive members of society.
Judge Blechman, a University of Florida alum, has served on the Ninth Judicial Circuit bench since 2013. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award from the Florida Supreme Court. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society named Judge Blechman a candidate for their “Man of the Year” award for his efforts in raising contributions to the organization by climbing Mount Rainier, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Whitney, Mona Kea and Mount Hood.
For additional information, please contact Julio Semino at ctadjs1@ocnjcc.org or 407-836-0403.