Sarasota County Judge has been named circuit representative in the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. She picks up the role this year from Manatee County Judge Melissa Gould who represented the circuit for the last five years.
Eight judges, four circuit and four county, were up for re-election this year and automatically qualified for their seats when no one ran against them. Plus, with the retirement of two circuit judges, two local attorneys were elected to judicial seats when they drew no opposition at the end of the qualification period.
Manatee County Judge Jacqueline Steele was recently presented with the 2026 Frances Perkins Award by The Florida Bar, Workers’ Compensation Section. The award recognizes her many contributions to the field of Workers’ Compensation.
Judge Flowers welcomed students from Classical Conversations, a homeschool group, to the DeSoto Courthouse where he presided over a mock trial as the student hone their debate skills.
Judges hosted a reception in the South County Courthouse and welcomed the student artists, family and friends of Mrs. Davis’ class at Garden Elementary School, to the installation of their colorful masterpieces adorning Courthouse halls.
Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr. is winding down his legal career but before he hangs up his robe, the community is celebrating the contributions he has made to its citizens.
After months of prep, three rounds of debate and 10 hours of competition against rivals, including the six-time-champion team from Invictus Advocacy Academy, Booker High School took home the regional High School Mock Trial Competition trophy and will represent the region in the state competition.
Judges welcomed a new colleague to the bench, talked civics with students, helped scouts earn a law badge and performed a mass wedding vow renewal ceremony on the beach.
Judges engaged with the public at a variety of topics at events held by local civic and community organizations.
Chief Judge Diana Moreland recently gave a presentation on the State of the Circuit to a local civic organization.
Judge Nicholas wraps up 2025 K-Kids and Builders Club induction ceremonies.
The Comprehensive Treatment Court (CTC) in Manatee County recently held a graduation for 10 participants.
The 2025 session of Amnesty Court assisted 31 veterans from Manatee County, waiving more than $32,000 in court fees/fines and unpaid traffic citations.
In October, business leaders experienced the judicial branch and mock trial, and a new lawyer became a member of The Florida Bar.
Judge Teri Dees is giving new life to a robe that belonged to a former judge, mentor and family friend.
Judge Susan Maulucci administered the Oath of Attorney to new staff attorney.
Judges Susan Maulucci and Gilbert A. Smith, Jr. were recognized by local child welfare officials at the recent Dependency Court Summitt in Orlando.
Sarasota County Judge David Denkin has retired after two decades on the bench. He was instrumental in establishing Sarasota's DUI Court, a problem-solving court for repeat DUI offenders. Read the article published in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune about his “legacy of second chances”.
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Diana Moreland was presented with the Florida Supreme Court’s 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, honoring her service to and leadership within Florida’s judicial branch.