Court News
The Sixth Judicial Circuit seeks to inform you about news, events and issues concerning the courts in the community we serve. Court News is a collection of press releases, videos and other communication about the local courts.
Documents are in pdf format.
Judge Loar Presented Judicial Appreciation Award
February 2024
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Doneene Loar is presented the Judicial Appreciation Award by the St. Petersburg Bar Association. (more)
Various Groups Award Sixth Circuit Judges
September 2023
Seven circuit judges have been recognized over the last several months by various organizations – Thomas Ramsberger, George Jirotka, David Ellis, Lauralee Westine, Steve Berlin and Kimberly Todd, along with retired judge Dee Anna Farnell. (more)
Judge Rondolino Given Award by Florida Supreme Court
July 2023
Former Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino is given the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence by the Florida Supreme Court, which is one of the most prestigious in the state to be given to a Florida jurist. (more)
Shawn Crane Named Sixth Circuit's Chief Judge
February 2023
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Shawn Crane, the longtime administrative judge in Pasco County and a pioneer in therapeutic courts, was elected the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit on Feb. 15, 2023. (more)
Judge Rondolino Named Jurist of the Year
July 2022
Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino was given the prestigious Jurist of the Year award by the Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (FLABOTA) on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the organization’s 24th annual convention at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, in Orlando. (more)
Five Judges Win Pretigious Awards
June 2022
Four Pinellas-Pasco circuit judges, and one senior judge, were given prestigious awards in May and June, 2022. Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Thomas Ramsberger was recognized by Stetson University College of Law, Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Philip Federico and Senior Judge Marion Fleming were given awards by the two bar associations in Pinellas, and Judge Steve Berlin and Michael Andrews were recognized by inns of court. (more)
Mental Health Court To Be Established in Sixth Circuit
December 2021
There is expected to be a new mental health court in the Sixth Judicial Circuit thanks to a $550,000 grant awarded earlier this month by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which falls under the auspices of the U.S. Dept. of Justice. Forty defendants are expected to be served each year. To qualify, the main underlying factor of one’s low-level criminal charge must be a mental disorder. The mental health court, or MHC, would be the latest problem-solving court to be established in the circuit, which already has, among others, drug courts, veterans’ court, and drug dependency courts in both Pinellas and Pasco counties, the two that make up the circuit. (more)
Judges Recognized As Models of Judicial Conduct
June 2021
Five Pinellas-Pasco circuit judges were recognized by various entities for their conduct, both on and off the bench. They are Shawn Crane, who presides over drug court in Pasco County, Michael Andrews, who presides over felony cases at the County Justice Center in Clearwater, Sherwood “Flip” Coleman, who handles a probate division in downtown Clearwater, Dee Anna Farnell, who retired last year after 25 years on the bench, most of it spend presiding over drug court at the county justice center, and Pamela Campbell, who presides over a probate division in downtown St. Petersburg. (more)
Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino Wins Re-Election
February 2021
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Anthony Rondolino by acclamation won a fourth term as the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The election took place Feb. 17, 2021. The new term begins July 1, 2021, and ends June 30, 2023. Judge Rondolino drew no opposition. The monumental event between the last chief judge election, in 2019, and this one has, of course, been COVID-19, which has affected businesses, schools, households, and all three branches of government, including the judiciary. (more)
Pinellas and Pasco Counties Each Receive $500,000 Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance
October 2020
Two separate $500,000 federal grants have been awarded to Pinellas and Pasco counties – one to better assist women participants in Pasco County’s adult drug court struggling with addiction and experiencing symptoms of brain injury; and the other to offer special attention to participants in Pinellas County’s adult drug court who are struggling with a substance use disorder and prior sexual trauma. Each of the grants – the $498,755 awarded to Pasco, and the $495,955 awarded to Pinellas – comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which falls under the purview of the U.S. Justice Department. (more)
Four Judges Lauded by Various Organizations
October 2020
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Thomas Ramsberger was given the Judicial Appreciation Award by the St. Petersburg Bar Association on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in what was just the latest instance of a judge in the circuit winning recognition for his or her conduct on and off the bench. Judge Ramsberger, who presides over civil cases in downtown St. Petersburg, was praised for his courtroom demeanor, judicial experience, and helpfulness, as is everyone who is granted the award each year. (more)
Pinellas County Awarded Grant from the Justice for Families Program
October 2020
More than a half million dollars in federal grant money has been awarded to Pinellas County to better assist domestic violence victims, whether they are involved in a divorce, need access to resources to deal with issues such as trauma, or need legal help. The $549,992 three-year grant comes from the Justice for Families Program, whose mission it is to improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to families with a history of, among other things, domestic violence. (more)
Sixth Circuit Chief Judge Presented with Judicial Excellence Award
September 2020
Anthony Rondolino, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, was given the John U. Bird Judicial Excellence Award by the Clearwater Bar Association on Sept. 17, 2020. Typically, the recipient is given a plaque at the bar's annual luncheon in Safety Harbor, but this year, it had to be given remotely, with a member of Judge Rondolino's staff giving him the plaque in person after he was praised via Zoom by Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Kimberly Campbell. (more)
Sixth Circuit Awarded Federal Grants for Drug Courts
August 2020
Thanks to a total of $3 million in federal grant money, the Adult Drug Court in Pinellas County this summer has begun providing more services to its participants, while the Adult Drug Court in Pasco is now able to serve more people. Pinellas County children whose lives have been upended because of their parents’ addiction to opioids will receive more intensive therapeutic treatment through the court system as a result of a $1 million federal grant. (more)
Family Guardianship Expo
January 2020
If I have a child who is autistic, can I use his disability benefits to help build an apartment for him on my property? If someone is a veteran who had been exposed to Agent Orange, what type of benefits is she or he entitled to? If my ward's stock holdings improve, do I, as a guardian, have to report the uptick on documents that need to be periodically filed? This is just a handful of the issues raised at the 2020 Family Guardian Expo that took place Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Stetson College of Law in Gulfport from 1 to 5 p.m. (more)
Pinellas County Recognized For It’s First-Time Pre-Arrest Utilization Rate of 97 Percent
December 2019
Authorities have a choice when it comes to juveniles suspected of such common youth misbehavior as getting into a minor scrap, vandalizing a bathroom wall, or drinking a beer. They can either arrest the youth on a criminal misdemeanor charge, or they can divert him or her into a pre-arrest diversion program, often using civil citations. The Caruthers Institute, a non-profit, nonpartisan think tank that conducts research on such matters, is a proponent of the latter approach, as it doesn’t leave the juvenile with a criminal record, as an arrest might. (more)
Adoption Celebrations Unite Forty-six Children with their New Families
November 2019
At the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s two celebrations of National Adoption Day this year — one in Pasco County on Nov. 8, a second in Pinellas County on Nov. 15 — a total of 46 children were adopted into 37 families. At the Pasco celebration, held at the New Port Richey courthouse, the featured speaker was Bradley Hawkins. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, Bradley and his wife Shannon yielded to God’s command in James 1:27 to care for orphans. You could say the Hawkins family did just that by caring for eighteen children through foster care and adoption over the next seven years. (more)
Judge Cynthia Newton Secures Coveted Spot In Ironman World Championship
November 2019
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton knew she had to get back on track in Ironman racing. Judge Newton, who in her spare time trains for Ironman competitions, was diagnosed with two conditions in her left foot last year, a stress fracture and tendonitis. And these races are no small matter. An Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.2 mile run. After healing, Judge Newton, 52, started out small this year, comparably speaking. In April, she competed in the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, with distances that are shorter than those in an Ironman: a .93-mile swim, a 24.8-mile bicycle ride, and a 6.2-mile run. Judge Newton, 52, placed third in her age group. (more)
Six Judges Lauded This Spring by Various Organizations
June 2019
A slew of judges in the Sixth Judicial Circuit was recognized this spring by various organizations for, among other things, their professionalism, community outreach, high ethical standards, even athleticism, with the most recent accolades given Wednesday, June 5, 2019. It was then that Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Linda Allan was given the 2019 William Castagna Award for Judicial Excellence at the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court banquet. It's typically given for, among other things, knowledge of the law, ethics, professionalism and demeanor. Earlier, on May 11, Judge Allan, at the Clearwater Bar Association’s annual Law Day luncheon in Safety Harbor, was given the John U. Bird Judicial Excellence Award, which was created to recognize honor, high ideals, personal character, judicial competence and service. (more)
Lactation Room Now Available in the St. Petersburg Judicial Building
March 2019
The St. Petersburg Judicial Building provides a dedicated Lactation Room that is available for use by attorneys, jurors, court patrons, and staff. The Lactation Room is located on the 1st floor of the Courthouse in Room 136. Users may access the room by obtaining a key code from the Administrative Office of the Courts by calling 727-582-7477. The Lactation Room will be made available to users during business hours Monday – Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino Wins Re-Election
February 2019
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Anthony Rondolino by acclamation won a third term as the chief judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The election took place Feb. 20, 2019. The new term begins July 1, 2019, and ends June 30, 2021. “I just hope to continue the positive direction the judiciary has been going in,” Judge Rondolino said. And he wanted to use his re-election as an opportunity to thank the other stakeholders in the circuit, which comprises Pinellas and Pasco counties — the state attorney, the public defender, the clerks in both counties, the sheriffs in both counties, the county commissions in both counties, and all the state representatives and senators who speak on behalf of both counties in Tallahassee. (more)
Judge Cynthia Newton Holds on to Ironman Title for Second Year in a Row
February 2019
For the second year in a row, Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton has been designated an Ironman Gold All World Athlete, which means she is the top one percent of her age group who compete worldwide in Ironman triathlon competitions. Judge Newton, 52, has managed to hold on to her special distinction despite the fact that, in one of her races, she ran with a stress fracture in her left foot, a painful condition that required her to repeatedly pop 800 milligrams of Ibuprofen into her mouth as she bicycled and ran. And that wasn’t the only injury she faced in 2018. (more)
Six-Month Pilot Program to Ease Eviction Proceedings
January 2019
In an effort to make it easier for landlords and their tenants to resolve their disputes without the tenant being evicted, the Sixth Judicial Circuit is launching a six-month pilot program whose aim it is to encourage mediation. Historically, once a landlord files a petition to have a tenant evicted, the tenant has to respond in five days and enter the disputed rent in a registry. If the tenant fails to complete either of those two tasks, a judge typically orders the tenant evicted. If, however, the tenant completes those two tasks, the case is set for a hearing. Under the pilot program, a Pinellas County judge will now ask the landlord and tenant to leave the courtroom and see if they can work out their differences. (more)
South County Criminal Traffic Cases to be Heard at County Justice Center
December 2018
The traffic court which for years has disposed of all criminal traffic cases originating in the southern part of Pinellas County will no longer do so in the county government complex at 1800 66th St. N. in St. Petersburg as of Dec. 21, 2018. The division is being moved to the County Justice Center at 14250 49th St. N. in Clearwater and the presiding judge will resume proceedings on Jan. 2, 2019. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court has informed all of those facing charges of the move. Now, their cases will be heard in Courtroom 15 at the justice center, and by the same Pinellas County Judge who handled these traffic cases in the government center in St. Petersburg, Joshua Riba. (more)
Attorneys and Legal Staff Lauded for Helping the Underprivileged
December 2018
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee conducted its annual pro bono award ceremony on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at the annual Wild, Wild West Bench & Bar-B-Que CLE Conference, held at Stetson University College of Law and hosted by both the St. Petersburg and Clearwater bar associations. Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Susan St. John, the chair of the committee, informed those in attendance of the recipient for the 2018 Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award, Erica Smith. (more)
Adoption Celebrations Unite Forty-nine Children with their New Families
November 2018
At the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s two celebrations of National Adoption Day this year — one in Pasco County on Nov. 2, a second in Pinellas County on Nov. 9 — a total of 49 children were adopted into 35 families. At the Pasco celebration, held at the New Port Richey courthouse, the featured speakers were Attorney Tonya Oliver-Valdes, who has been involved in dependency court as a foster parent and a Guardian ad Litem for 22 years, and Megan Truesdale, who decided to adopt when she and her husband Shane realized they couldn’t have children of their own. The Pinellas celebration was held one week later, on Nov. 9, at the County Justice Center in Clearwater, and it featured one family whose members offered to speak of their experience. (more)
Judge Cynthia Newton Ranked Competitor in Worldwide Ironman Competitions
October 2018
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton received a letter in the mail on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, with some shattering News: She is in the top one percent of women athletes in her age group who compete worldwide in Ironman triathlon competitions. For the uninitiated, an Ironman is a grueling, if often scenic, race. It consists of a 112-mile bicycle ride, a 26.2-mile run, and a 2.4-mile swim. Judge Newton, 51, is in the 50 to 54 age group for women, and she has consistently improved since she started competing in Ironman triathlons in 2014. But not until now has she been ranked in the top one percent, a distinction that makes her a 2018 Ironman Gold All World Athlete. (more)
Federal Grant to Combat Domestic Violence Awarded to Pinellas
October 2018
More defendants accused of domestic battery in Pinellas County will be ordered into batterer intervention programs, and will undergo drug testing more frequently, thanks to a $864,210 federal grant awarded to Pinellas County’s Office of Justice Coordination. Victims of domestic violence too will benefit from the three-year grant, since more domestic violence advocates will be on hand to assist them by, among other things, planning for their safety, and, if needed, steering them toward housing and child care assistance, as well as counseling services. (more)
Trial Attorneys Give Pamela Campbell Judge of the Year Award
July 2018
Citing both her work off the bench, which includes a stint as the director and chairman of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program , as well as her professional courtroom demeanor, the Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates this month gave Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Pamela Campbell its Jurist of the Year Award. (more)
Bar Associations and Other Groups Laud Six Judges
May 2018
Six Pinellas-Pasco circuit judges were praised over the last few months by, among other entities, bar associations, a women’s lawyer group and the American Board of Trial Advocates, and for a range of reasons -- their legal acumen, their courage on the bench, the example they set, and their contributions to the community. One judge, Jack Helinger, received two awards. The other five were John A. Schaefer, Amy Williams, Keith Meyer, Frederick Pollack, and Pamela Campbell. (more)
Thirty-seven Children Are United With Their Forever Families At Celebrations
November 2017
A total of 37 children were adopted into 32 families at the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s two celebrations of Adoption Day this year. The first event was at the New Port Richey courthouse in Pasco County on Nov. 3, the second at the County Justice Center in Clearwater, in Pinellas County, on Nov. 17. Among the speakers were Cassie and Josh Hollingsworth, who adopted a girl born addicted to drugs. (more)
Chief Justice Labarga Gives Excellence Award to Judge Peter Ramsberger
July 2017
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Peter R. Ramsberger was presented the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence by Chief Justice Jorge Labarga at the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges in Orlando on July 24, 2017. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the state to be given a Florida jurist. Judge Ramsberger, an expert on domestic violence, was recognized for, among other things, traveling around the state with another judge, giving two-day presentations to other judges on the subject. (more)
Bar Associations and Other Groups Laud Six Judges
June 2017
Six Pinellas-Pasco circuit judges were praised over the last few months by bar associations, a women’s lawyer group and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and for a range of reasons -- their legal acumen, their courage on the bench, the example they set, and their contributions to the community. One of the six was awarded posthumously – Judge Walter “Skip” Schafer. The other judges were Senior Judge W. Douglas Baird; Judge Patrice Moore, Judge Linda Babb, Judge Thane Covert and Judge Declan Mansfield. (more)
Members of Legal Community Lauded for Helping Others
April 2017
Whether it was for helping besieged tenants in their disputes with landlords, or teenagers caught in contentious divorces, or victims of domestic violence working to keep restraining orders in place, dozens of lawyers, paralegals and students were recognized on April 21 for the legal work they have done, for free, on behalf of the less fortunate, at the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s second annual pro bono ceremony. The event was attended by many judges and dignitaries (more)
Pulitzer Prize Winner To Speak at Pro Bono Ceremony
April 2017
The Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Pro Bono Committee is pleased to announce that Tim Nickens, a Pulitzer-Prize winning columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s ceremony honoring those who have done exemplary pro bono work in Pinellas and Pasco counties. Mr. Nickens will be giving his remarks at what will be the Sixth Circuit’s Third annual Recognition Ceremony, where lawyers, law students, law firms and paralegals will be praised for the legal work they have done without remuneration on behalf of those who lack the financial means to pay for legal services. (more)
Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino Handily Wins Re-Election.
February 2017
Without any opposition, Judge Anthony Rondolino handily won a second two-year term as the chief judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Judge Rondolino will continue to work toward what he described as maintaining “the public’s access to timely and fair judicial services during a period of increasing workloads and decreasing resources.” He will also continue to play a role, along with other stakeholders, in the construction of a new court building and the remodeling of existing facilities at the County Justice Center. (more)
Judge Is First in Florida in Ironman Races
December 2016
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton, who presides over civil cases at the courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg, earned in early December that she ranks first in the state in her age group when it comes to Ironman competitions. In the 50-54 age group for women, Judge Newton ranks 65th in the world, 29th in the United States and first in the Sunshine State. An Ironman race is grueling, if scenic. The one in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, entails a 112-mile bicycle ride, a 26.2-mile run, and a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene. (more)
Sixth Circuit Wins Federal Grant to Set Up Special Drug Court
October 2016
Now that it has won a federal grant to do so, the Sixth Judicial Circuit is setting up a special court in Pinellas County designed for parents who have lost custody of their children due to substance-abuse problems. It is a so-called Family Dependency Drug Court, and its mission will be to help parents deal with their drug problems so that their children can be returned to them. A similar court already exists in Pasco.(more)
Judge Has Best Time Yet In Idaho Ironman
August 2016
In her never-ending quest to do better and better in her Ironman performances, Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton slashed nearly 40 minutes off her time, in what was the third time she began, and successfully completed, the Ironman competition in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Aug. 21, 2016. The race entails a 112-mile bicycle ride, a 26.2-mile run, and a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene. (more)
Bar Associations and Mentoring Group Honor Judges
June 2016
Three judges with the Sixth Judicial Circuit were honored last month, two for their high standards of conduct, both off and on the bench, and another for his work with mentors. Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judges Jack Day and John Schaefer, both of whom handle civil cases, were given awards by the St. Petersburg Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association, respectively, while Pinellas County Judge James Pierce, who is an acting civil judge in Unified Family Court in Pinellas, was honored by Fresh Start Innovative Mentoring, a non-profit organization. (more)
Lawyers, Others Recognized at Pro Bono Ceremony
April 2016
Whether it was for finding a safe haven for an abused six-year-old girl, or ensuring dozens of families weren’t evicted from an extended-stay hotel, dozens of lawyers, paralegals and students were recognized on April 15 for the legal work they have done, for free, on behalf of the less fortunate, at the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s second annual pro bono ceremony. The event was attended by many judges and dignitaries (more)
Professional Legal Groups Honor Two Judges
April 2016
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judges Jack Helinger and Shawn Crane were honored this month by two prominent legal associations for their expertise and leadership. Judge Helinger was awarded the 2015 Canakaris Award forJudicial Excellence in family law, while Judge Crane won the annual Judicial Professionalism Award granted by the Pasco chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Coincidentally, the awards were bestowed
the same evening, on April 19. (more)
Justice Quince Keynote Speaker at Pro Bono Ceremony
March 2016
The Sixth Judicial Circuit’ Pro Bono Committee has a special keynote speaker at what is the circuit’s second annual recognition ceremony celebrating those in the legal system who have done free legal work. It is Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy A. Quince. Justice Quince was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles and Governor-elect Jeb Bush to the Florida Supreme Court in 1998, and became the first African-American woman to head any branch of Florida government when she became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida in 2008. (more)
Boys Court Begins in Pinellas County
January 2016
In an effort to steer juvenile males away from a life of crime once they enter the criminal justice system, Judge James Pierce has launched Boys Court. The mission of Boys Court is to Build Optimal Youth Success through
character development, inspirational speakers, mentoring, tutoring, and goal-setting that will help the boys and young men take charge of their future and reach their full potential. Boys Court will focus on learning
and building character traits of self-respect and respect for others, humility, courage, compassion, and discipline. (more)
Court Builds on Program To Help Youth
October 2015
For years, juveniles in the Sixth Judicial Circuit have been given an opportunity to avoid having a criminal record after they were charged with their first misdemeanor. Now, thanks to a recent change in the law, that opportunity has been extended to include their second or third misdemeanor. The youths often have to perform community service, and, if need be, their substance abuse or mental illness issues are addressed. The expansion of the so-called civil citation program is designed so the juveniles, once they get on track, won’t be derailed later on with a criminal record when they are trying to get a job. (more)
Bar Associations, Women's Group, Award Judges
June 2015
Chief Judge J. Thomas McGrady and Retired Judge Walt Logan were recognized this spring for their judicial acumen and professionalism by two local bar associations, while Circuit Judge William Webb was recognized by the Pasco County chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Judge Webb’s award was the first of its kind. It’s called the Judicial Professionalism award, and, when naming Webb as its recipient, the women’s lawyer’s group noted Judge Webb was instrumental in coordinating local continuing legal education programs about professionalism. (more)
Circuit Recognizes Attorney for Pro Bono work
April 2015
Ramon Carrion, a longtime Clearwater immigration attorney, is the recipient of an award, granted for the first time in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, that recognizes an attorney in either Pinellas or Pasco county for outstanding pro bono service. Others, including an attorney with cancer, and a paralegal, were also recognized at a special ceremony on April 17 at the Pinellas County Justice Center. The event was put together by a special committee, chaired by Circuit Judge Kimberly Todd, that wanted to consolidate various pro bono efforts in the circuit. (more)
New Chief Judge Elected Unanimously
February 2015
Anthony Rondolino, the second longest-serving circuit judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, was unanimously elected chief judge on Feb. 25 after outgoing chief judge J. Thomas McGrady opted not to seek re-election. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, and an honors graduate of the Florida University School of Law, Rondolino first worked at the local public defender’s office, rising to the position of chief assistant public defender in five years. All told, he was a lawyer for 15 years and has been a circuit judge for 25 years. (more)
Judge Wins Special Ironman Status
February 2015
Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton did so well in her three Ironman competitions last year that she was ranked in the top ten percent of her age group. Newton, 48, was ranked 290th in the world, and 151st in the U.S., in a category for women 45 to 49 years old. The results of 4,486 competitors in her category were taken into consideration, with each awarded a certain number of points depending on how well they did, compared with the winners, in each competition. Judge Newton took part in a Chattanooga Ironman competition, another in Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, and an Ironman 70.3 or Half Ironman in Florida (more)
Judges Begin Work in Circuit
January 2015
A half dozen new judges started presiding over cases this month, and they bring with them a wide range of legal and personal experiences. Four of the six are former prosecutors with the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office, one is a former assistant public defender, and the sixth was a partner in a prestigious Clearwater law firm. Some delved into a legal career after working in some other field. For instance, one of the six is a former sheriff’s deputy, and another is a U.S. Army veteran. (more)
Courts Get Financial Help
December 2014
The Sixth Judicial Circuit has won nearly $2 million in federal grants, a development that will enable the court system to better serve children skipping school, veterans and victims of domestic abuse. As the result of one grant, magistrates and case managers will visit six high-risk middle schools as part of an anti-truancy program. As the result of another, victims of domestic abuse seeking restraining orders will be entitled to receive free legal advice. And as the result of a third, money has been freed up to pay for drug and mental health services for veterans. (more)
Judge Completes Second Ironman
October 2014
After training for weeks, Pinellas Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton planned on taking part in an Ironman competition in Lake Tahoe, just a few months after she competed her first Ironman in Coeur d�Alene, Idaho. But a forest fire near Lake Tahoe disrupted her plans. She had to change gears, and have her bicycle shipped to another location, too. (more)
Bar Associations Recognize Judges
August 2014
Six judges in the Sixth Judicial Circuit have been recognized by several bar associations in Pinellas and Pasco counties, whether it was for implementing an innovative program, making a daring ruling, or general excellence on the bench. They are Circuit Judges Pamela Campbell, Raymond Gross, Patrice Moore, Lynn Tepper, William R. Webb and the late County Judge, Patrick Caddell. (more)
New System for Case Management
Flanked by other elected officials and Pinellas County technology experts, J. Thomas McGrady, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, announced the implementation of a new $10-million court case management system that is more user-friendly and efficient than the previously used Consolidated Justice Information System. (more)
Judge Newton Finishes Ironman
After having completed a half-Ironman competition in Florida, Circuit Judge Cynthia Newton went to Lake Coeur D’Alene, in Idaho, and completed her first full Ironman competition, a feat that required she swim 2.4 miles in a lake, bicycle 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles. more>
Substance Abuse Help Available for Veterans
July 2014
Veterans charged with certain crimes as a result of substance abuse or mental health issues are encouraged to take advantage of a special court designed exclusively for them. It's called Veterans Treatment Court, or VTC, and it functions in both Pinellas and Pasco counties. more>
Legislature Injects Fund Into Prison Diversion Program
June 2014
With newly allocated recurring funding by the Florida Legislature becoming available on July 1, Pinellas Adult Drug Court has re-started its diversion program that allows some felons to choose treatment over time in Florida’s prison system. Defendants with substance abuse issues who score no more than 60 points on state’s sentencing guidelines can apply for admission to the program. more>
Staffers' Cost-Saving Measures Recognized
April 2014
The eight members of the Fiscal Team of the Administrative Office of the Courts for the Sixth Judicial Circuit have been named as a team winner of a 2014 Prudential Financial-Davis Productivity Award, which recognizes state employees whose innovations significantly improves the delivery of state services and saves money for Florida’s taxpayers. more>
Two Judges Prepared for Endurance Tests
April 2014
Two judges from the Sixth Judicial Circuit will be temporarily discarding their robes and donning running gear as they race during the next few months in some of America’s most challenging events. more>
New Programs Directed at Backlog of Foreclosure Cases
June 2013
A judge’s caseload will be distributed to other Civil Division judges so that he can work fulltime on clearing the more than 16,000 foreclosure cases that are backlogged in Pinellas County. Circuit Judge Thomas M. Minkoff’s court dockets and calendars will be filled with foreclosure cases that were filed in Pinellas prior to Jan. 1. more>
Drug Court Resumes Program for Felons With Abuse Issues
June 2013
With newly allocated funding by the Florida Legislature becoming available on July 1, Pinellas Adult Drug Court has re-started its diversion program that allows some felons to choose treatment over time in Florida’s prison system. more>
Judges Record Memories for video History of 6th Circuit
May 2013
Newly posted videos on the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s website begin to create a history of the circuit, utilizing the memories of the judges who have presided in the courts that serve Pasco and Pinellas counties. more>
Justice Quince to Participate in Annual Judicial Forum
March 2013
Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy A. Quince will join three local judges for this year’s Judicial Forum, a program designed to inspire and motivate at-risk young men and women. The sponsoring Youth Development Initiative (YDI) has scheduled the 2013 Forum to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, at Dunedin Highland Middle School, 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. more>
Chief Judge McGrady Re-elected for Another Term
February 2013
Circuit Judge J. Thomas McGrady has been re-elected to a third term as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, the courts for Pasco and Pinellas County. McGrady was re-elected by acclamation during a Feb. 27 meeting of the circuit’s 68 other judges. more>
Court Program Targets Prescription Drug Abusers
January 2013
Almost $1.3 million in grant money will fund a special Pinellas Drug Court program aimed at helping young adult abusers of prescription drugs. more>
New Domestic Violence Court Emphasizes Compliance
December 2012
Utilizing a $300,000 grant from the Office of Violence Against Women and collaboration with local officials, the Sixth Judicial Circuit will initiate Pinellas County’s new Civil Domestic Violence (DV) Court next month, emphasizing that respondents comply with conditions of orders in DV cases. more>
Bench and Bar BBQ Presentation
November 2012
Pinellas Courts Begins Installation of New Case Management System
September 2012
On-line access to public records that are part of court files in Pinellas County is one-step closer with the launch of the first part of a $6.4 million consolidated case management system that will be used by the Court and offices of the State Attorney, Public Defender, Clerk and law enforcement (stakeholders). more>
Bay Area Bar Associations Recognize 4 Judges' Contributions
May 2012
Four judges who preside over cases in the Sixth Judicial Circuit were honored during Law Day programs conducted annually by Bar associations in the Tampa Bay area. more>
New Plan for Mediation in Mortgage Foreclosure Cases
January 2012
Revisions to a previously mandated mediation program are targeted more directly at property owners who are most likely to benefit, while making the procedures more user-friendly and effective. The goal is to continue to efficiently move foreclosure cases through the courts of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which serves Pasco and Pinellas counties. more>
Automatic Referral of Foreclosures to Managed Mediation Suspended December 2011
Newly implemented Administrative Order 2011-064 PA/PI-CIR has temporarily suspended the automatic referral of residential mortgage foreclosure cases to the Foreclosure Mediation Program. more>
More Than 25 Children Adopted on Pasco Adoption Day
November 2011
A special day is captured on video as foster children officially become part of their new families and accompanying activities. It’s one of those times when everyone leaves court happy.
Pinellas County's Eighth Annual Adoption Day
November 2011
A video that captures activity and emotion of Pinellas’ participation in this national observance that focuses on children in foster care and the joy of those who complete the process of finding a forever family.
Sixth Circuit Judges & Staff Served Their Country
November 2011
A poster recognition for Sixth Judicial Circuit judges and staff who have served their country before or while they served the third branch of government. more>
Chief Judge Named Florida’s Jurist of the Year
July 2011
Circuit Judge J. Thomas McGrady, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, has been named by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) as its Florida Jurist of the Year. Judge McGrady will be honored on July 23rd during the banquet that concludes FLABOTA’s annual conference at the Hammock Beach Resort in Flagler County. more>
James Taylor Speaks to Drug Court Graduates
June 2011
Legendary singer/composer James Taylor was the principal speaker at the 10th annual graduation ceremony for Pinellas County Drug Court on May 25. In addition to 100 graduates, approximately 175 family members, judges and special guests attended the ceremony at the Pinellas County Justice Center. They heard Taylor’s inspirational words about his own battle back from the “disease of addiction, and he urged the recovering addicts to exercise and stay away from drugs and alcohol. more>