COVID-19 Puts Jury Trials on Hold, in Sarasota, Manatee & DeSoto Counties
The 12th Circuit Court is temporarily suspending jury trials as of this Monday, August 30th, 2021.
In the administrative order issued Thursday, August 25th, 12th Circuit Chief Judge Charles Roberts says the reason, is due to a upward trend in positive COVID-19 cases within the circuit, which includes Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Jury trials are being suspended in order to limit the number of people in each courthouse.
Judge Roberts reinstated face mask requirements on July 30th,2021 for all people in public areas of the courthouses. This requirement remains in place.
The 12th circuit court will continue to monitor data conditions and will give a minimum of two weeks’ notice when it determines when jury trials can safely resume.
If people who have business in the courthouses are sick, they should not enter the building and should call Court Administration…. In the County in which they have their business…. at one of the following locations:
- DeSoto County: 863-993-4644
- Manatee County: 941-749-3655
- Sarasota County: 941-861-7800
You an also visit their website here: https://www.jud12.flcourts.org/