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. February 01, 2023 Read Full Article
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. January 23, 2023 Read Full Article
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. January 12, 2023 Read Full Article
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. January 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Thank you for your service, sweet boy Cracker, a beloved golden retriever in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit's pet therapy program, died in December. He was 7 years old. January 04, 2023 Read Full Article
New appellate court opens for filings January 1 The Sixth District Court of Appeal is set to open for filings on January 1. 2023. It is the first new appellate court since 1979. Judicial circuits were realigned to create the new appellate court and redefine the boundaries of the First, Second, and Fifth DCAs. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit falls under the Second DCA. December 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Clerk's Office warns of jury duty scam The Manatee County Clerks Office is alerting citizens of a recently reported jury duty scam in which an imposter identifying themselves as law enforcement is contacting residents and claiming they have a warrant for missed jury duty and must pay a bond. December 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Judge Williams's volunteerism helps kids fill their buckets On November 15, Judge Williams read to students at Gocio Elementary School during Embracing Our Differences "Bucket Fillers Reading Day", where 8,300 students in 450 classrooms throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties went home with author Carol McCloud’s books! December 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Trailblazing judges to be honored at Path to Unity event In a celebration of diversity in the Florida Bar, Judge Rochelle Curley and Senior Judge Janette Dunnigan will be honored at an upcoming event sponsored by the Manatee chapter of Florida Association of Women Lawyers and the Sarasota-Manatee chapter of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr., Bar Association. Reserve your spot now! December 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Changes coming to County Court jurisdiction in 2023 County Court jurisdictional changes go into effect January 1, 2023, shifting where a variety of court actions are heard. Locally, the Manatee County Court bench will see some changes on January 1, too. December 07, 2022 Read Full Article