News & Information

Representative Jim Boyd received the Chief Judge's Award for Exceptional Service

At the May 30th Manatee County Bar Association meeting, Representative Jim Boyd was presented the Chief Judge's Award for exceptional service to the judiciary and the State of Florida by Chief Judge Charles Williams.

Judge Iten Receives Live Oak Award

On April 5, 2018, the Manatee District of Boy Scouts of America awarded to Brian Iten the Live Oak Award.  It was formally presented to Judge Iten at the Troop 111 Court of Honor on May 21, 2018. 

Pet Therapy Program Members Speak at Kiwanis Club Meeting

Circuit Judge Terri Dees and Court Administration's Assistant Director Kim Miller speak about the 12th Judicial Circuit Courts Pet Therapy program at a Kiwanis Club meeting.

Dr. Gregory Firestone Receives the Chief Judge's Award

Dr. Gregory Firestone with Judge Fred Mercurio after receiving the Chief Judge’s Award In Recognition of Outstanding Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services Rendered to the Homeowners and the Court During the Foreclosure Crisis 2010-2017.  The award was presented by Senior Judge Lee Haworth on behalf of Chief Judge Charles E. Williams and the 12th Circuit Court at the Sarasota County Bar Association meeting on March 22, 2018.

Civil Rights History Lecture at Booker High School

Chief Judge Charles E. Williams and Attorney Dan Dannheisser lecture  students about Civil Rights  History at Booker High School in preparation for We Are Sarasota - a multimedia event to be held April 30th at the Sarasota Opera House. This event will celebrate the role of the law and the courts in diversity and inclusion through, dance, music and drama

Bridging the G.A.A.P. Conversation

On March 14, 2018 Judge Terri Kaklis-Dees and Chief Judge Charles E. Williams  moderated the Bridging the G.A.A.P.(Gaining Appreciation by Adjusting Perspectives) Conversation. 

Newtown Alive Celebrates Black History Month

For Black History Month  the 12th Judicial Circuit hosted members of the Sarasota Boys & Girls Club to view replica historical markers displayed in the Judge Lynn Silvertooth Judicial Center lobby. These markers  are part of a heritage trail in the Newtown Community of Sarasota.  Newtown is the historical African-American neighborhood of Sarasota.  Pictured in the photographs is 12th Circuit Court Judge Rochelle Curley, Vickie Oldham and members of the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club.

Merit Badge Day at Everglades University

On Saturday, February 3, 2018, Judge Brian Iten and Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. taught the Law merit badge class at “Merit Badge Day” held at Everglades University.

Sheriff Rick Wells and Representative Jim Boyd assisted in the class by talking about their positions in government. These volunteers were able to have the three branches of government represented for all the scouts. Everglades University was represented by Caroline King, Vice President of the Sarasota campus.  

Judge Henderson Retires from USFSM After 40 Year Career

Judge Doug Henderson retires from a part-time teaching job at USFSM.

3rd Annual Dream Big: Civil Rights and Social Justice Event

On Tuesday evening January 10, 2018 at Booker High School’s VPA Theatre, in celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Booker High School Law Academy and the SCBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee held the 3rd Annual Dream Big: Civil Rights and Social Justice Event.  The event also featured Dr. Brook Bello who has lectured nationally on issues of gender equality, human trafficking and social justice.  This event also featured performances and tributes by Booker Law Academy students and the Booker High School VPA