Oaths, interesting discussions and thoughtful recognition
Top row, from left: In September, Manatee County Judge Melissa Gould swore in the next group of K-Kids at Willis Elementary School. K-Kids, a program by Kiwanis International, instills concepts of leadership and service to the community in elementary school students. Courtesy of Willis Elementary School
At the circuit’s first swearing-in event, Circuit Judge Teri Dees and Sarasota County Judge Shannon Hankin administered the oath of attorney to new members of The Florida Bar, inviting family and friends to watch them become credentialed legal professionals. by Donna Rhodes and Tiffany Hammill
Middle row, from left: We held investiture ceremonies for two new judges – Circuit Judge Andrea M. Johnson on September 18th at the Manatee Historic Courthouse in Bradenton and Sarasota County Judge Kaylin Humerickhouse on October 23rd at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota. by Heather Blanton and Donna Rhodes
Bottom row, from left: The Sarasota County Bar Association’s Council for Diversity and Inclusion hosted a panel of legal experts as they discussed the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Louisiana vs. Callais. Judge Charles Williams moderated the panel, which included the Honorable Peggy A. Quince, former chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court; FSU College of Law Professor Michael T. Morley; and Cecile M. Scoon, Esq., from the League of Women Voters. courtesy of SCBA
Two retired judges – Durand Adams and Gilbert Smith Jr. – both received awards for their contributions to preserve Manatee County’s history. The inaugural honors were presented at the 2026 Manatee County Preservation and Heritage Awards. A prolific author, Judge Smith has detailed in several publications the county’s legal history and the 100-year history of Bradenton Kiwanis’ mission to be the “Champions of Children.” Adams has been involved with local production house BTN Films, Inc., and making documentaries with his friend, Judge Williams, about the local community. courtesy of Judge Williams
Sarasota County Judge Erika Quartermaine was honored by an organization that provides housing and individualized support for adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Second Heart Homes, Inc. named its 14th residence “Erika’s House of Hope” to recognize Judge Quartermaine’s decade of work, both on and off the bench, with people in our community facing these issues. courtesy of Second Heart Homes, Inc.