Judges meet, learn from peers at national child welfare conference Circuit Judges Teri Dees and Andrea McHugh recently attended the 17th annual Cross Sites Meeting in National Harbor, MD, just outside Washington, D.C. The theme this year was focused on “growing connections, capacity and relationships.” The Cross Sites Meeting is a program of ZERO TO THREE, an organization committed to ensuring that babies and toddlers are given a “strong start in life.” August 24, 2023 Read Full Article
Sunday Fish Fry celebrates friendship, books honor 'champions' At a Bradenton Kiwanis Club meeting on August 8th, Judge Smith talked about Volume 1 of his two-volume series on Bradenton Kiwanis’ 100 years of serving as “Champions of Children” and amateur auteurs Judge Williams and Retired Judge Adams teased their newest documentary. August 10, 2023 Read Full Article
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. August 03, 2023 Read Full Article
Judge Gould to again represent county judges on statewide organization Manatee County Court Judge Melissa Gould was recently re-elected as the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s representative of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. She and other judicial representatives were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz the week of July 17th. July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
Pretrial, Probation staff provides vital benefit to the community July 16-22 is Pretrial, Probation & Parole Supervision Week and we're sharing the work of our dedicated staff in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. July 18, 2023 Read Full Article
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. July 13, 2023 Read Full Article
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. June 08, 2023 Read Full Article
After 20 years, judge eyes retirement, travel and international half marathons Chief Judge Charles E. Roberts retires June 30, 2023. To celebrate his public service to the community, we offer this retrospect of his legal career and his plans for a well-earned retirement. June 05, 2023 Read Full Article
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. April 11, 2023 Read Full Article
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. March 22, 2023 Read Full Article