I am running for Public Defender of the 12th Judicial Circuit. The 12th Circuit is all of DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. DeSoto County is approximately 640 square miles, and had an estimated population of 35,000 people in 2005. The county seat is located in Arcadia, which is the largest population center on the Eastern side of the 12th Circuit. There is a beautiful courthouse in Arcadia, and the DeSoto County jail is located nearby. The Public Defender's Office is located right in the courthouse.
Manatee County is approximately 893 square miles, and had a population of 262,000 people according to the census of 2000. Anna Maria is one of the westernmost cities of the 12th Circuit. The growing area of Ellenton is north of the Manatee River, with the lovely town of Parrish found a bit to the north and east. The Port Manatee Stockade serves as the Manatee County Jail, and a new courthouse is going up in downtown Bradenton. Presently the Public Defender's Office is located just a bit east on Manatee Avenue.
Sarasota County has 725 square miles, and an estimated population of 326,000 people according to the 2000 census. The beautiful Englewood straddles Charlotte County to the south, which is part of the 20th judicial circuit. There is a small courthouse located near Venice, but no jail or Court has been built in the fast-growing city of Northport. The main courthouse is located in downtown Sarasota, across the street from the historic courthouse, and the Sarasota County jail, which presently holds more than 1,000 inmates. The Public Defender's Office in Sarasota is located next door, on the 5th floor of the criminal justice complex, which also houses the Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney.
No comments:
Post a Comment