News & Information

Trailblazing judges to be honored at Path to Unity event

In a celebration of diversity in the Florida Bar, Judge Rochelle Curley and Senior Judge Janette Dunnigan will be honored at an upcoming event sponsored by the Manatee chapter of Florida Association of Women Lawyers and the Sarasota-Manatee chapter of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr., Bar Association. Reserve your spot now!

Changes coming to County Court jurisdiction in 2023

County Court jurisdictional changes go into effect January 1, 2023, shifting where a variety of court actions are heard. Locally, the Manatee County Court bench will see some changes on January 1, too.

Sarasota County Judge Dana Moss elevated to circuit judge

Congratulations to Judge Dana Moss and Judge-elect Guy Flowers. On November 11, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis elevated Sarasota County Judge Moss to the Circuit Court Bench and appointed Guy Flowers to the DeSoto County Court Bench.

Judge's CLE workshop focused on injunction hearings in Family Court

Judge Teri Dees addressed 22 local attorneys at a continuing legal education workshop on Nov. 4 at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Judge Dees, who presides over Circuit Family Division 4 and Early Childhood Court, spoke about injunction proceedings in Unified Family Court.

Amnesty Court gives Veterans a chance to get back on the road

Chief Judge Charles Roberts listens to a veteran during a session of Amnesty Court on November 5, 2022, at the 24th annual Stand Down Manatee event. The specialty court is a yearly component of Stand Down events, which links veterans who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness with agencies that can provide services. 

Purple ribbons spotlight awareness of domestic violence

Special events and activities across Florida and the country are putting a spotlight on Domestic Violence this month. People of all ages, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or national origin are affected by domestic violence.

Applications accepted for court-appointed attorney registry

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is accepting applications for the court-appointed attorney registry administered by the Justice Administration Commission for the 22/23 year that began July 1, 2022. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2023.

Mediation Week highlights benefits of alternative dispute resolution

October 16-October 22 is Mediation Week and courts throughout Florida are recognizing and promoting this alternative to litigation to resolve disputes.

Twelfth Judicial Circuit mourns passing of retired Circuit Judge Rick DeFuria

It is with great sadness that the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court announces that retired Judge Frederick “Rick” DeFuria passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022. He was 75 years old.

Judge DeFuria’s obituary can be read on the Herald-Tribune site.

Local JNC seeks applications for two judicial vacancies

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announces two vacancies in the circuit due to the resignation of Circuit Judge Kimberly C. Bonner and the elevation and resignation of DeSoto County Court Judge Danielle Brewer. Accordingly, the commission seeks applications for nomination of all persons who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Florida Constitution.