New magistrate joins Circuit in South County

Exciting things are happening in the South County Courthouse and throughout the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to increase citizens’ access to the courts. The Circuit is pleased to announce that the South County Courthouse has a new part-time General Magistrate now that Natalya Evans has joined the Circuit in this quasi-judicial officer role.

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Judge Williams appointed to statewide committee focused on pro bono legal services

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court announces the recent appointment of Circuit Judge Charles E. Williams to the Judicial Advisory Council of the Florida Bar’s Pro Bono Legal Services Committee. Judge Williams is only the latest judge appointed to a statewide committee. Nearly 1/3 of our local judiciary serves on various state judicial committees, commissions and councils.

This is an image of a plaque that reads "The Jim Slater Award for Professionalism in the practice of criminal law"

Local judiciary honors two attorneys with annual professionalism award

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Charles E. Roberts will present two local attorneys with the 2023 Jim Slater Award for Professionalism in the practice of criminal law. Jerome “Jerry” Meisner and Kaylin Humerickhouse will accept their awards at a presentation at 12 p.m. on June 21st in Courtroom 7B at the Silvertooth Judicial Center.

Circuit welcomes new judge to Sarasota County Court bench

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court congratulates attorney David Ryan Felix on his recent appointment to the Sarasota County Court bench. The vacancy was created when Judge Dana Moss was elevated to the Circuit Court bench. Judge-designate Felix will preside over Sarasota County Civil Divisions C and D beginning May 1st.

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Judge uses books, art to foster inclusion and kindness

Circuit Judge Charles Williams returned to the classroom to read to elementary students and led a group from the SCBA's Young Lawyers Division on a tour of a juried art exhibit. Both activities were part of Embracing Our Differences year-round program using books and art to foster conversations about inclusion, kindness and respect.

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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