News & Information

Twelfth Judicial Circuit mourns passing of retired Circuit Judge Rick DeFuria

It is with great sadness that the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court announces that retired Judge Frederick “Rick” DeFuria passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022. He was 75 years old.

Judge DeFuria’s obituary can be read on the Herald-Tribune site.

Local JNC seeks applications for two judicial vacancies

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announces two vacancies in the circuit due to the resignation of Circuit Judge Kimberly C. Bonner and the elevation and resignation of DeSoto County Court Judge Danielle Brewer. Accordingly, the commission seeks applications for nomination of all persons who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Florida Constitution.

August marks Judge Bonner's last month on the bench

Circuit Judge Kimberly Carlton Bonner announced her retirement in May 2022. She was appointed to the Sarasota County Court bench in 2002 and was elevated to the Circuit Court bench in 2013. 

Court issues new AO as local COVID cases rise

Chief Judge Charles Roberts issued Administrative Order 2022-08.2, the Court’s sixth amended Order on Health and Safety Protocols Regarding COVID-19. The newest AO, which goes into effect Monday, August 1, 2022, modifies and amends AO 2021-15f.2.

New AO updates County Civil Case Management Protocols

The updated procedures create a new standing order and establishes filing requirements for Small Claims PIP cases

Certified Process Servers can now apply online!

The application period to become a certified process server or renew your certification within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is under way and runs through August 31, 2022. New this year: the ability to apply/renew and pay online!

Phone scam asks you to pay money for missed court date

Court Administration has received information of a potential phone scam by callers claiming citizens had missed court dates and had warrants for their arrest. The citizens were told to send money using the Zelle phone app. Don’t pay them!

Assistant PD receives 2022 Slater Award

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Charles Roberts presented assistant public defender Maria Xinidis with the 2022 Jim Slater Award for Professionalism in the practice of criminal law.

Florida's Chief Justice and State Courts Administrator visit MCJC

Florida’s Chief Justice, the Honorable Carlos G. Muñiz, visited the Manatee County Judicial Center with State Courts Administrator Allison “Ali” Sackett on July 14.

DeSoto County Judge Brewer elevated to Circuit Court Bench

Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that he has appointed DeSoto County Judge Danielle Brewer to fill the vacant Circuit Court seat created by Judge Debra Johnes Riva’s retirement.