News & Information

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.

Thomas M. Gallen awarded Lifetime Achievement Award

Retired circuit judge Thomas M. Gallen was awarded the 11th Annual Edgar H. Price Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award by Manatee County Rural Health Services Foundation.  In recognition of this award, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October 25, 2018 as Judge Tom Gallen Jr. Day.

Judge Lee E. Haworth Self Help Center and Law Library

The 12th Judicial Circuit’s Judge Lee E. Haworth Self Help Center and Law Library on the first floor of the Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota, had its Grand Opening on October 24 and is available to assist citizens. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The office is equipped with computers that offer legal research capabilities, including free access to FastCase, as well as legal reference books.  The office also provides forms assistance to litigants that are representing themselves in Family Court proceedings and can provide referrals to 12th Judicial Circuit services, legal resources and other community agencies.  The personnel in this office are not providing legal advice or representing themselves as lawyers. 

Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
2002 Ringling Blvd, 1st floor
Sarasota, FL 34237  (941) 861-8191 SarasotaSelfHelpCenter@jud12.flcourts.org

Judge Haworth Receives NSDAR Medal of Honor

Judge Haworth receives the Sara DeSoto Chapter’s Daughters of the American Revolution 2018 NSDAR Medal of Honor.  The Medal of Honor is NSDAR’s highest award for citizens who have shown leadership, trustworthiness, patriotism, and service.

Representative Jim Boyd received the Chief Judge's Award for Exceptional Service

At the May 30th Manatee County Bar Association meeting, Representative Jim Boyd was presented the Chief Judge's Award for exceptional service to the judiciary and the State of Florida by Chief Judge Charles Williams.

Judge Iten Receives Live Oak Award

On April 5, 2018, the Manatee District of Boy Scouts of America awarded to Brian Iten the Live Oak Award.  It was formally presented to Judge Iten at the Troop 111 Court of Honor on May 21, 2018.