This is a photo illustration of the Twelfth Circuit logo behind an image of Judge Moreland.

Judge Diana Moreland set to helm circuit in July

As Judge Roberts finishes his final few months helming the Twelfth Judicial Circuit before his summer retirement, a new judge is waiting in the wings to assume the role of chief judge. Judge Diana L. Moreland was elected by the local judiciary to lead the circuit, effective July 1, 2023.

This is a photo of four people having their photo taken.

Before you lead, grow yourself

Congratulations to DUI Court Manager Mollie Cool on her February 8th graduation from the Academy of Leadership Excellence. This year-long training combines group learning and self-study options to explore and develop key leadership skills.

This is an image of a man standing next to a painted portrait of himself.

Judge Williams honored as 'trailblazer' by professional organization

At a luncheon on January 26, 2023, students from area high schools, court staff, judges and members of the legal community learned about the five trailblazing lawyers showcased in The Florida Bar’s Path to Unity Project. Then Judge Charles Williams, the program's master of ceremonies, was surprised with a portrait of his own.

Bar Associations honor two 'pathfinders in the law'

Circuit Judge Rochelle Curley and Senior Judge Janette Dunnigan (Ret.) were honored as “Pathfinders in the Law” on January 19. The sitting judge and senior judge received recognition for their work as jurists and trailblazers for other professional women. The event coincided with The Florida Bar’s Path to Unity Project.

This is an image of a courthouse

JNC seeks applications for vacancy in Sarasota County Court

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee announces a vacancy in the Sarasota County Court due to the elevation and resignation of Judge Dana Moss. Accordingly, the Judicial Nominating Commission seeks applications for nomination from all persons who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Florida Constitution.

Traveling exhibit arrives at Manatee County Judicial Center

James Weldon Johnson, Anna Brenner Meyers, Judge Mario Goderich, Larry D. Smith and James “Jim” Kracht may not have understood the importance of their place in Florida’s legal community, but these five attorneys hold the key to the state bar’s path to inclusivity. The portraits have arrived in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit and will be displayed in the Manatee County Judicial Center through January 19. 

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”.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Read more

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.

Continue reading