News & Information

History of the Manatee County Bar Association

Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr., was the guest speaker at the June 26th  Manatee County Bar Association luncheon.  Dressed like a lawyer from the early 1900’s, he spoke about the history of the Manatee County Bar Association and the 12th Judicial Circuit.

The Honorable Kimberly C. Bonner begins her term as Chief Judge

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is pleased to announce that on Monday, July 1, 2019 the Honorable Kimberly C. Bonner will begin her term as Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.  Judge Bonner was unanimously elected to serve a two year term by the 12th Circuit Judiciary.  She will be the first woman to serve as the Chief Judge in the history of the 12th Circuit.  Judge Bonner 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.

Heather Doyle receives 2019 Jim Slater Award for Professionalism

Chief Assistant State Attorney Heather Doyle with her family after receiving the award at the Manatee County Bar Association’s 2019 Law Day Luncheon on May 29, 2019.

This award is presented to the attorney who the judges of the 12th Circuit feel best personify the qualities of the late Jim Slater, who was a long time Chief Assistant Public Defender.  Those qualities include civility, honesty and collegiality toward the bench and to opposing counsel.

Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. as Regimental Colonial Army Honor Guard

Judge Gilbert Smith was a part of an Regimental Colonial Army Honor Guard which led the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance to start the festivities at the 2019 Manatee County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon held at the Pier 22 Restaurant in Bradenton on May 29th, 2019.

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!