Seven judges qualified for re-election Four County Court judges and three Circuit Court judges recently qualified for re-election. May 10, 2022 Read Full Article
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. May 06, 2022 Read Full Article
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. May 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Respite, resources and camaraderie Chief Judge Charles Roberts presided over Amnesty Court during Sarasota's annual event for area veterans. April 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Circuit, county judges come out to hear Supreme Court Chief Justice Canady Twelfth Judicial Circuit judges were in attendance to hear Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady speak at the Bradenton Kiwanis Club luncheon on April 12. April 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Doctors play integral role in legal Guardianship cases Doctors occasionally find themselves on the frontline of protecting our most vulnerable citizens from exploitation, abuse and neglect in emergency rooms or in private practice. Did you know that doctors also play a part in protecting vulnerable citizens in legal Guardianship proceedings? March 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Teen Court's grant highlights benefits of youth diversion programs Sarasota’s Teen Court program was recently awarded a $125,000 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. On its Facebook page, Teen Court of Sarasota said the grant “will address our 30% increase in referrals” and give youth a second chance by teaching them tools to make better decisions. Sarasota County’s Juvenile Court Judge Debra Riva said diversion programs are beneficial for all involved. March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
JNC announces circuit judge vacancy, seeks applications for nomination The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee announces a vacancy in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court due to the resignation of The Honorable Debra Johnes Riva. Accordingly, the Judicial Nominating Commission seeks applications for nomination from all persons who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Florida Constitution. March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Judge Debra Johnes Riva announces retirement Circuit Judge Debra Johnes Riva has announced her retirement effective July 2, 2022, after serving 15 years on the Twelfth Judicial Circuit bench. She was elected in 2007 and went on to serve (unopposed) two additional terms. Because Judge Riva will be retiring before the end of her third term, the governor has convened the circuit’s Judicial Nominating Commission to appoint a successor to complete her term. March 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Remembering Lamar Matthews, local 'Legal Legend' Lamar Matthews, an attorney considered a local “legal legend” among lawyers and judges in Sarasota, died on March 4, 2022. He practiced civil law for more than 50 years and received numerous honors and awards, including the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Award for Outstanding Service to the Judiciary. March 07, 2022 Read Full Article