News & Information

Pulitzer Prize Author Gilbert King at 2019 Access to Justice Dinner

Author of Beneath a Ruthless Sun: A True Story of Violence, Race, and Justice Lost and Found, published by Riverhead Books in April, 2018.

His previous book, Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America, was awarded the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. The book was also runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Nonfiction, and a finalist for both the Chautauqua Prize and the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime.

Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr. Receives Seven Seals Award

At the March 21, 2019, Pirates Spring Training Game, Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr., was presented with the Seven Seals Award. This award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) and is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission, to include the efforts of the more than 4,500 volunteers who carry out ESGR’s mission across the nation on a daily basis.  Congratulations, Judge Smith!

Embracing our Differences 16th Annual Outdoor Art Exhibit

On March 14th, 2019 the Young Lawyers Division in collaboration with the SCBA Diversity and Inclusion Council were led on a tour of the Embracing our Differences 16th Annual Outdoor Art Exhibit . The Exhibition celebrates diversity by showcasing art chosen from over 11,791 submissions  representing 111 countries, 44 states and 239 schools.

Mock Trial

A mock trial competition was held at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center on Saturday February the 16th

The following schools participated in the event: Saint Stephen's Episcopal School, Riverview High School, Booker High School, Southeast High School, Manatee School for the Arts, and new competitor, Invictus Home School Group

The Presiding Judges were: Judge Henderson, Judge Stephen Walker, Shem Dominko (Litgation Attorney), Judge Susan Maulucci, Judge Dana Moss, Judge Lee Haworth, Judge Mercurio, Judge Denkin, Judge Andrea McHugh

Congratulations to the winner Invictus Home School Group!

Valentine's Day Vow Renewal

Saying "I DO" Again…

For over 30 years on Valentine’s Day, couples have been celebrating a Renewal of Your Wedding Vows at sunset on beautiful Siesta Key Beach and Nokomis Beach. This year 325 couples in Siesta Key and 120 couples in Nokomis participated in the event.

The Honorable Kimberly C. Bonner Elected as Chief Judge

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is pleased to announce that on Friday, February 8, 2019 the Honorable Kimberly C. Bonner was unanimously elected to serve as the next Chief Judge of the 12th Circuit for the two year term beginning July 1, 2019.  Judge Bonner will be the first woman to serve as the Chief Judge in the history of the 12th Circuit.  She received her BA Degree from Stetson University in 1986, her Master’s Degree from the University of West Florida in 1987, her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University in 1990 and her Masters of Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2017.  Judge Bonner was first appointed as a County Judge in 2002 and in 2013 was appointed to the Circuit Court bench.

In Celebration of the Words of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On  February 4th, 5th, and 6th of this year an impressive collaboration of partnerships came together in celebration of the writings, words, and inspiration of two individuals, born in the same year, who never met but who both inspired and continue to inspire men and women throughout the world, Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. .

Judge Williams, Judge Walker, and Judge Roberts Speak at SCF Event

Judge Charles Williams, Judge Charlie Roberts, and Judge Stephen Walker, address the Suncoast Chapter of the Paralegal Association of Florida’s  Seminar on Forensic Testimony in their presentation at SCF titled “Be a CSI for a Day” a program held on 2/9/19 on the campus of SCF-Lakewood Ranch.

Merit Badge Day at Everglades University

On Saturday, January 26, 2019, Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. and Assistant County Attorney Brian Iten taught the law merit badge class at “Merit Badge Day” held at Everglades University.

Sheriff Rick Wells and Representative Will Robinson assisted in the class by talking about their positions in government. These volunteers were able to have the three branches of government represented for all the scouts. 

DeSoto County is Frozen for Halloween

For Halloween this year Desoto County Judge Danielle Brewer and her JA, Magan, went all out and decorated their offices in a Frozen theme, and then invited local school children to visit and trick-or-treat on the 31st .  Pictured are Magan (Anna), Judge Brewer (Elsa), Magan’s daughter, Evie (Marshmallow), and foreign exchange student Frida (Olaf), who is visiting from Germany.