Symphony of Justice Court Administration continues to mark its 50 years of service to the court and public. Throughout 2026 we will celebrate our golden year by spotlighting the agency, its departments, its services and most importantly, its staff. Continue reading about the senior managers that conduct Court Administration's daily operations. March 02, 2026 Read Full Article
Requirements are a 'one-stop-shop' for judge and division procedures Judicial requirements list all applicable policies, procedures, and administrative orders of a general and continuous nature to inform and educate attorneys and self-represented litigants of common topics. We designed our requirements to simplify processes and procedures for busy lawyers and legal assistants and have structured the pages with simple navigation using uniform categories. March 02, 2026 Read Full Article
Program offering low-cost, short-term legal services for civil cases launches The Sarasota County Law Library Board of Directors has launched Skylaw-SRQ, a pilot program designed to provide short-term, limited legal services in non-criminal matters to the public. Participants can expect a one-hour online consultation with a qualified lawyer with a reduced fee and no contract required. March 02, 2026 Read Full Article
50 years of service to court & public Court Administration is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 and to mark our golden year we will be spotlighting the work of Court Administration and its departments now through December. January 23, 2026 Read Full Article
Local JNC seeks nominees for judicial vacancies The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Gov. Ron DeSantis with nominees for vacancies for judgeships in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. Specifically, the Commission has been tasked with making recommendations for potential Circuit and County Court judges created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508 and the retirement of Judge Lon Arend. January 14, 2026 Read Full Article
You’re never too young to learn basic skills of conflict resolution It’s never too soon to develop the basic skills needed to resolve conflict and respect differences. Through the Level Up reading program, preschool and elementary students are offered age-appropriate ways to peacefully resolve disputes with the aim of helping to decrease bullying in schools and communities. January 07, 2026 Read Full Article
Court holiday schedule CHRISTMAS: Court buildings in Arcadia, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice will be closed December 24-26. First appearances will follow the weekend/holiday schedule in DeSoto and Sarasota counties. First appearances in Manatee County on December 25th are at 8 a.m. JANUARY 1, 2026: Court buildings in Arcadia, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice will be closed. First appearances will follow the weekend/holiday schedule in DeSoto and Sarasota counties. First appearances in Manatee County are at 8 a.m. December 23, 2025 Read Full Article
Retired Circuit Judge Robert Bennett passes away at age 80 The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is sad to announce that retired Circuit Judge Robert Bennett has passed away at the age of 80. Judge Bennett served as circuit judge from 1992 until his retirement in 2010. He also served as chief judge, overseeing the administrative functions of the court, from 2003-2006. A highly respected member of the judiciary, Chief Judge Diana Moreland described Judge Bennett as “an example of quiet authority.” December 15, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit celebrates courtroom dedication in DeSoto Courthouse It was standing room only in the third-floor courtroom on November 14th at the DeSoto County Courthouse. Family, friends and colleagues of the late-Judge James Smiley Parker, Jr. filled the room to celebrate its dedication in Judge Parker’s memory. November 19, 2025 Read Full Article
Application period for JCID is underway October 1st ushers in the annual application period for attorneys to renew or obtain a Judicial Center Identification (JCID) card. October 01, 2025 Read Full Article