News & Information

Judge Henderson Announces his Retirement

Manatee County Court Judge Douglas Henderson announces his retirement after nearly 25 years on the bench

Therapy Dog Program Profiled on Animal Outtakes

Twelfth Circuit Court Therapy Dog Program Profiled on Animal Outtakes show broadcast locally on WWSB ABC 7

Project 180 Strong Voices Luncheon

At the April 2019 Project 180 Strong Voices Luncheon, Judge Erika Quartermaine, Judge David Denkin, Sr. Judge Andrew Owens along with Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight participated in a panel discussion on initiatives directed at preventing unnecessary incarcerations.

Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr. Awarded the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr. was awarded the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award by the National Society of the Sons of American Revolution (SAR) for his distinguished service to Scouting.

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.