This is a photo of nine people standing in front of a building preparing to cut an oversized green ribbon

New courthouse means 'access to justice for all of us'

The South County Courthouse in Venice was officially celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 4. Representatives from Sarasota County Government, Circuit Judge Kimberly Bonner, and Clerk and Comptroller Karen Rushing spoke about the building and what it means to the citizens of south Sarasota County.

This is an image of Judge Kimberly Carlton Bonner and the seal logo of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit

Judge Kimberly Bonner announces retirement

Circuit Judge Kimberly Carlton Bonner has announced her retirement in a May 2 letter to Governor Ron DeSantis. Judge Bonner was appointed to the Sarasota County Court bench in 2002 and was elevated to the Circuit Court bench in 2013.

Accolades, Awards & Achievements

News, images of judges on & off the bench

Judge swears in new attorney

September 29, 2025

Judge Susan Maulucci administered the Oath of Attorney to new staff attorney.

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Judges recognized for their work on juvenile bench

September 22, 2025

Judges Susan Maulucci and Gilbert A. Smith, Jr. were recognized by local child welfare officials at the recent Dependency Court Summitt in Orlando.

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‘Listen more, speak less’

September 5, 2025

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”.

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Chief Judge honored with 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence

August 4, 2025

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.

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Sarasota Club puts Judge Briggs into 4-H Hall of Fame

July 29, 2025

Retired Sarasota County Judge Barbara Briggs has been selected for induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is July 31st in Gainesville. Judge Briggs, who retired in 2010, has continued to serve her community and helped foster a new generation of 4-H students.

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