News & Information

Judge honored with key to City of Sarasota, 'Mayor’s Citation'

County Court Judge Erika Nikla Quartermaine honored by the City of Sarasota for her dedication to reducing homelessness and recidivism of its vulnerable citizens.

New case management procedure in place for circuit civil, county civil cases

Are you familiar with the new case management protocols in civil cases filed after May 1? In response to the requirements set forth in FL Supreme Court AOSC20-23, Amendment 12, Chief Judge Bonner issued AO2021-6.1 outlining the court’s new case management protocols for county civil and circuit civil cases.

Twelfth Judicial Circuit mourns passing of retired Circuit Judge Robert J. Boylston

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is mourning the loss of one of its “legends of the bench”, retired circuit judge Robert J. Boylston, who passed away at the age of 89 on April 29, 2021.

FL Supreme Court seeks input to shape future of judicial branch

The Florida Supreme Court, through the Judicial Management Council (JMC), seeks comments from the public on the court system to identify issues and trends from many perspectives.

PIO Receives Award for Excellence

On April 7, Donna Rhodes, Public Information Officer for the 12th Judicial Circuit, was presented with the Award for Excellence in Communications by the Florida Court Public Information Officers at their annual awards ceremony. Donna received the award for her outstanding public service during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic by successfully communicating health and safety protocols and information about the courts with jurors, the public and media under unique and ever-changing circumstances.

Nailed it! Judges have fun with fondant and frosting

Shortly after the teams were formed, the trash talk began. Who knew cake decorating could be a competitive sport?

Unanimously elected, Judge Roberts next to lead circuit as chief judge

Congratulations to Judge Charles E. Roberts who will serve as the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s chief judge beginning July 1, 2021.

Unanimously elected by his colleagues, Chief Judge Elect Roberts assumes the administrative role for the two-year term of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023.

Changes to weekend, holiday hearings in Sarasota and DeSoto

In a February 11, 2021 memo to justice system partners and community services agencies, Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner announced changes to weekend and holiday first appearance proceedings in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, effective February 20, 2021.

Court manager hones leadership skills through yearlong knowledge academy

Congratulations to Nicole Durston, DUI Court/Pretrial Services manager, on her graduation from Sarasota County Government’s Academy of Leadership Excellence (ALE) program.

Judge's path to the bench was international trek

Much has been already been written about Manatee County Court Judge Melissa Gould’s international trek to the judiciary. Her legal studies took her from a small town in Ontario, Canada, to New York, to the United Kingdom.