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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.

This is an image of Judge Williams.

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
  • Judge Ellis profiled in local publication

    June 1, 2026

    Manatee County Judge Hillary Ellis was featured in the East County Observer on May 19, 2026. Read the profile by Lesley Dwyer.

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  • AI and changes to legal field topic of Bench-Bar Conference

    May 20, 2026

    Joining the local judiciary as moderators, presenters, and panelists were judges from the United States District Court, Florida Supreme Court, and the Second District Court of Appeal, giving a microcosm-to-macrocosm introspection of the legal jurisdictions in which our cases travel.

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  • New circuit rep for judicial networking group

    May 1, 2026

    Sarasota County Judge has been named circuit representative in the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. She picks up the role this year from Manatee County Judge Melissa Gould who represented the circuit for the last five years.

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  • Judges qualified for re-election drawing no opposition

    April 28, 2026

    Eight judges, four circuit and four county, were up for re-election this year and automatically qualified for their seats when no one ran against them. Plus, with the retirement of two circuit judges, two local attorneys were elected to judicial seats when they drew no opposition at the end of the qualification period.

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  • Honored for blazing the trail for women in Workers' Comp

    April 28, 2026

    Manatee County Judge Jacqueline Steele was recently presented with the 2026 Frances Perkins Award by The Florida Bar, Workers’ Compensation Section. The award recognizes her many contributions to the field of Workers’ Compensation.

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  • Judge helps class hone its mock trial skills

    April 28, 2026

    Judge Flowers welcomed students from Classical Conversations, a homeschool group, to the DeSoto Courthouse where he presided over a mock trial as the student hone their debate skills.

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  • Judges host art reception for student artists at SCC

    April 9, 2026

    Judges hosted a reception in the South County Courthouse and welcomed the student artists, family and friends of Mrs. Davis’ class at Garden Elementary School, to the installation of their colorful masterpieces adorning Courthouse halls.

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  • A legacy of service, scholarship & civic pride

    April 9, 2026

    Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr. is winding down his legal career but before he hangs up his robe, the community is celebrating the contributions he has made to its citizens.

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  • Underdog takes home high school mock trial trophy

    March 31, 2026

    After months of prep, three rounds of debate and 10 hours of competition against rivals, including the six-time-champion team from Invictus Advocacy Academy, Booker High School took home the regional High School Mock Trial Competition trophy and will represent the region in the state competition.

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  • Court News Roundup | February

    February 20, 2026

    Judges welcomed a new colleague to the bench, talked civics with students, helped scouts earn a law badge and performed a mass wedding vow renewal ceremony on the beach.

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  • Judges engage community with thoughtful conversations

    January 26, 2026

    Judges engaged with the public at a variety of topics at events held by local civic and community organizations.

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  • Judiciary works 24/7 to ensure responsibilities continue uninterrupted

    December 12, 2025

    Chief Judge Diana Moreland recently gave a presentation on the State of the Circuit to a local civic organization.

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  • Encouraging leadership through service to community

    December 8, 2025

    Judge Nicholas wraps up 2025 K-Kids and Builders Club induction ceremonies.

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  • Congratulations, CTC graduates!

    November 7, 2025

    The Comprehensive Treatment Court (CTC) in Manatee County recently held a graduation for 10 participants.

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  • >Amnesty Court paves way for Veterans to regain driving privileges

    November 6, 2025

    The 2025 session of Amnesty Court assisted 31 veterans from Manatee County, waiving more than $32,000 in court fees/fines and unpaid traffic citations.

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  • Community engages with the judiciary

    October 31, 2025

    In October, business leaders experienced the judicial branch and mock trial, and a new lawyer became a member of The Florida Bar.

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  • Robe comes full circle

    October 21, 2025

    Judge Teri Dees is giving new life to a robe that belonged to a former judge, mentor and family friend.

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  • Judge swears in new attorney

    September 29, 2025

    Judge Susan Maulucci administered the Oath of Attorney to new staff attorney.

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  • Judges recognized for their work on juvenile bench

    September 22, 2025

    Judges Susan Maulucci and Gilbert A. Smith, Jr. were recognized by local child welfare officials at the recent Dependency Court Summitt in Orlando.

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  • ‘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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