The first 1,000 days Early Childhood Court, created in 2019, is a problem-solving court in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit that aims to end the intergenerational cycle of child maltreatment in families with children aged 0-5. The first thing you’ll notice in a session of Early Childhood Court (ECC) is the setup of the courtroom. Proceedings in this problem-solving court are much less formal, with people sitting around a table having a conversation, and there are dogs! February 10, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit mourns passing of Retired Judge Thomas M. Gallen, Jr. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is mourning the loss of one of its distinguished citizens, former legislator, veteran, volunteer and retired Circuit Court Judge Thomas M. Gallen, Jr., who passed away at the age of 92 on February 5, 2025. February 07, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit judge renews board certification in criminal trial law Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio has been recertified by The Florida Bar as Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law, from August 1, 1994 to July 31, 2029. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 1984, first granted status as a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law on August 1, 1994, and has since continuously maintained his certification. January 10, 2025 Read Full Article
Circuit announces its holiday schedule Read the schedule to learn when court facilities will be open and closed during the Christmas and New Year holidays. December 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Judge trades courtroom for a classroom Circuit Judge Charles Williams visited a local elementary school to mark Bucket Fillers Reading Day. The annual event, sponsored by the Embracing Our Differences organization, deploys volunteers to classrooms throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties to read and gift students with books that encourage kindness and positive behavior. November 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Not all heroes wear capes The Twelfth Judicial Circuit observed National Adoption Day on November 15, 2024. Sixteen families from around the circuit participated in a ceremony held at the Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota. November 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Annual event aims to help veterans get back on the road Circuit Judge Lon Arend presided over the annual session of Veterans Amnesty Court, a component of Manatee County Stand Down event, a health and wellness expo that targets veterans. November 05, 2024 Read Full Article
Judges present professionalism award to local civil attorney The judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit are pleased to announce that Kim Bald is the recipient of the 2024 Lamar Matthews Professionalism Award in Civil Law. Chief Judge Diana Moreland presented the award to Ms. Bald on October 30th at a Manatee County Bar luncheon. November 01, 2024 Read Full Article
County court judges busy with canvassing board duties County court judges play an important part in a community’s election process by participating on the county’s canvassing board. The canvass process protects our right to vote by certifying that voting equipment correctly counts all votes and by verifying the accuracy and validity of votes. October 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Three court buildings to open Oct. 14 All north county court facilities in Sarasota will reopen on Tuesday, October 15th. This includes the Silvertooth Judicial Center, CJC and the treatment court office at Mound St. October 13, 2024 Read Full Article