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Opportunity for MDs and DOs in Guardianship cases

Doctors of medicine (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are a necessary component in Guardianship proceedings but the Twelfth Judicial Circuit does not have enough physicians to meet the growing need. We have an opportunity that offers physicians another outlet to care for their community by helping protect its most vulnerable citizens in court proceedings.

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Judge Legler learns to lead by example

Lawyering, it seems, is in Sarasota County Judge Kennedy Legler’s DNA: His grandfather and father both practiced in Ohio and Florida for over 30 years, and his dad still practices. “I had two great role models,” he said. “I wanted to be just like them, and I knew from an early age a career in law was in my future.”

Don't fall victim to this scam

Scammers are targeting people with open court cases and using public records to make the information real enough to make you believe it’s legitimate but it’s not. Please don’t fall for it!

Judge Stephen Walker honored with Outstanding Jurist Award

Judge Stephen Walker honored with Outstanding Jurist Award

Congratulations to Judge Stephen Walker! He was recently recognized with the Meenu T. Sasser Outstanding Jurist Award at The Florida Bar’s annual convention. The honor presented by the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar is given to judges with a reputation for sound judicial decisions, an unblemished record of integrity as a lawyer and judge, and a willingness to assist young lawyers.

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Circuit gearing up for annual process server renewal period

The application period to become a certified process server in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit begins Monday, July 1, 2024. Applicants must complete the online application, provide the application fee and upload all necessary documents between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024, to be approved for the certification period of September 1, 2024-August 31, 2025.

Treatment Court has several reasons to celebrate

Graduates of Manatee County’s Treatment Court programs addressed the Board of County Commissioners on May 14th, after the Board proclaimed the month of May as National Drug Court Month. Court leaders and Treatment Court staff had another reason to celebrate. Read more to find out why.

Three photos are shown: two photos of a judge talking to a defendant and one photo is a balanced scale. The words on the image read: "Proble-Solving Court Month and Opioid & Stimulant Use Disorder Awareness Month"

May means Opioid Awareness Month in Florida's Courts

In a proclamation issued April 30, 2024, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz proclaimed that in the State Courts System, May 2024 shall be a month to recognize the contributions of problem-solving courts and Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Awareness Month.

Accolades, Awards & Achievements

News, images of judges on & off the bench

‘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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Judges, Sarasota Bar honor scholarship recipient

July 1, 2025

Judges Kevin Bruning, Rochelle Curley, Stephen Walker and Charles Williams, along with members of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) Council for Diversity and Inclusion recently attended a reception to honor the 2025 Richard R. Garland Scholarship recipient, Aryione’ Bass.

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