FLORIDA PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION ~FPM

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PRESIDENT August 1, 2023

JACK CAMPBELL
Second Circuit
JOI South Monr~ Street
Suite '75 Dear Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee Members,
Tallahasset, FLJ2J99
VICE PRESIDENT The Florida Prosecuting Attorney's Association ("FPAA") was fonned over 6 decades ago
AM/RAD.FOX to provide a unifonn and consensus voice to issues impacting the State's prosecutors. Our
Twentietll Orcuit
board is composed of the State's elected State Attorneys and we collaborate to provide input
SECRETARY to legislative, executive, and judicial ideas and issues of importance on a statewide basis•.
BRIAN HMS
Tenth Qrcuit
As you begin your important work to review and evaluate judicial circuits which have
TREASURER remained in their current fonn for over 54 years, we offer our assistance and experience in
BILL GLADSON
Fifth Circuit this arduous yet sensible task. · Florida has enjoyed a commendable drop in crirne 2 -- the
fundamental measure of our criminal justice system's functionality - but we too always look
STATEAITORNEYS
Ginger Bowden Madden and study processes and procedures to operationalize our system better and more efficiently.
First Qrcuit We recognize that while our primary function is to protect our communities from criminals,
John Durrell we must always do so as stewards of our taxpayer's money.
Third Cira1it
Bn1ce Bartlett As you will likely glean from the introduction to each Judicial Circuit, your challenge will
Sixth Orcttit
be striking the proper balance between thrift and economy, community values, safety and
R.J.LariUP
Seventh Cirmlt justice. Our experience is that all crimes are personal to the victim, community, and the
Brian S. Kramer criminal. Our office demands that we serve all. We strive to restore the victim and his or
Eight// Circuit her community by providing them a solace of justice. We are also called to change the life
Monique H. Worrell of the offender and prohibit recidivism; our interdiction must force a change to his or her
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life. State Attorneys wield their discretion guided by a close connection with the citizens,
Katherine Funandez-Rund/e
Eleventh Cirmlt other elected officials, and law enforcement in each locality in the Circuit they are elected to
serve in order to maintain the balance each community desires.
Ed Brodsky
Twelfth Circuit
Susan S. Lopn. By your charge from Chief Justice Muniz you will be considering, among other facets of
Th/rteent/1 Circuit Florida' s Judicial Circuit structure, if this function of prosecutors may be better
Larry Basford accomplished through a reduction in the number ofjudicial circuits. Put simply, can a more
Fourteenth armlt
centralized system better serve our current 22.25 million citizens than the twenty circuits
Dave Aronbett constructed in 1969 when Florida was home to 6.6 million. We look forward to assisting
Fifteenth Qrcun
you in your evaluation of how these circuits should be structured in 2023.
Ihlnnis W. Ward
Sixteenth Circuit
Harold F. Pryor As a means of introduction, the following twenty pages are written by the elected State
Seventeenth Circuit Attorney for each circuit. They are intended as a primer to lay out the current jurisdictions
Phi/Archer and criminal justice demands, as well as provide a taste of the differing community values in
Eighteenth Clrmit
the counties that make up each circuit. We have deliberately made this incredibly brief and
Thomas Bakkedahl will augment it with whatever information you deem relevant. We hope that you will take
Nlneteent/1 Circuit
the time to review each circuit to appreciate the community nuances of Florida•s criminal
GENERAL COUNSEL
Arlhur I. Jacobs justice system. We look forward to participating with the Committee's study and please
contact me on next steps as you commence your assessment of Florida's Judicial Circuits.
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Gorell M. Btrmon Sincerely,
107 W. Gaines St., Suite IA7 ~
TallahtUSee, FL 31399-1050 ~~
Ttl: 8501,88-3070
Fnx: 850/912-fH6 7 a
.. -v' / State Attorney, 2 nd Judicial Circuit
Website: www. YIHlrF~rr As President of the FPAA

1 Melissa Nelson, State Attorney for the 4tb Circuit is not a current member of the fPAA but was invited to provide a summary. Due to her position

on the Assessment Committee she respectfully declined in order to preserve her impartiality in its deliberations.
2 Florida Crime Rate Drops to 50 Year Low http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Ncws/2022/November/Florida-crime-rate·drops·for-record-SO-year-low
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Florida Fastest-Growing State for First Time Since 1957 https:ffwww.census.govllibrary/stories/2022/12/florida-fastcst-growing-statc.html
 GINGER BOWDEN MADDEN
STATE ATTORNEY

OFFICE OF
STATE ATTORNEY
FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA

July 31, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

As the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, I would like to introduce our
unique core service delivery structure because of our diverse population and
demographics. The First Judicial Circuit comprises Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa
ESCAMBIA COl 'NT\'
190 W Government St Rosa, and Walton counties, with a population of over 835,000 and over 8 million
Pensacola. FL 32591 annual visitors to the Emerald Coast within 4152 square miles.
(850) 595-4200

The First Judicial Circuit's diverse service population comprises rural, urban,
SAl'"T A ROSA C Ol 1NTY and significant tourism centers. Additionally, this circuit hosts three major U.S.
6495 Caroline St
Suite S Department of Defense bases, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Air Force Base,
Milton. FL 32570 and Pensacola Naval Air Base, with a transit population of over 30,000 persons.
(850) 98 l ·5500
The State of Florida houses over 8,000 inmates in five prisons within the circuit.
OKALOOSA Cot .NTY
1804 Lewis Turner Blvd
We enjoy a close relationship with Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and multiple state law
Suite 100 enforcement agencies, which streamlines communications and enhances
rt Walton Beach. FL 32547 criminal justice systems management efficiency. This is an intangible benefit
(850) 651-7260
that is unquantifiable but critical to effectiveness.
WAL TON COl ' ~lT
524 Hwy 90 East
The focus of this office is to ensure the safety and security of residents and the
'f.!"Funiak Springs. FL 32435 many tourists that visit the Emerald Coast. Our office employs over 200 people,
(850) 892-8080 including over 75 attorneys as prosecutors, and prosecutes more than 35,000
cases annually. Over 1,331 people were sentenced to prison in the First Circuit
in FY 2022, having the fifth highest committed rate among all circuits in the State
of Florida.

We understand and appreciate the many challenges the Committee is tasked

with by studying the efficiency and structures of the circuits. We believe our
office has been very effective as currently organized. However, we offer
assistance in any way to assist with the Committee's objectives.

An Equal Opportunity Affirmative AcUon Employer

Servmg Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties
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 MAIN OFFICE:
LEON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
301 SOlITH MONROE STREET
TALLAHASSEE. FWRJ DA 32399-2550
JACK CAMPBELL TELEPHONE: (850) 606-6000
STATE ATIORNEY FRANKLIN: (850) 653-8181
GADSDEN/LIBERTY: (850) 807-7910
JEFFERSON: (850) 342-0196
WAKULLA: (850) 926-0914
OFFICEOFTiiE
STATE A'ITORNEY
SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA

August I , 2023

Dear Judicial Circuit Assessment Members,

Since 1868, Gadsden, Liberty, Wakulla, Franklin, Jefferson, and Leon Counties have comprised the 2nd Judicial Circuit. In 2022, my
office resolved 14,844 cases with a success rate 94.5%. Defining success consistently over the 3,769 square miles and 413,749 people
demands a close relationship between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

Franklin County is the southern tip of the circuit and is a community in transition. After being a world leader in seafood with famous
oysters and miles of pine forests, developments have forced a different way of life for its residents. The closing of Apalachicola Bay
to oystering and a series of hurricanes have left hundreds unemployed without the skills or job market to find other work. These
events have led to poverty and a raging methamphetamine epidemic.

Just north, Wakulla County is an outdoor paradise. With both Federal and State forests, more land is forever preserved than is available
for development. Good planning has resulted in infrastructure improvement and Wakulla enjoys strong schools, low crime, and home
prices below that of Tallahassee. This has led to Wakulla's conversion to a bedroom community and the demand for a more small-
town lifestyle where strict law and order is expected.

Liberty County is one of the largest geographic counties in the State and also has the lowest population. The population of 7,831 is
spread over 836 miles. The Sheriff office employs only 22 deputies and often there are only 2 on duty at a given shift. This demands
our prosecutors work closely with local law enforcement as major crimes occur to secure convictions. Despite these constant
personnel challenges, together we secured convictions on two murder trials this year.

Gadsden County is the only county in the State of Florida where the majority of the population are minorities. A vestige of southern
agricultural economy, this county has almost no middle class. Despite six municipal police departments, violent crime and a vast drug
culture is prevalent due to a great reluctance for witnesses to cooperate in testifying against their neighbors.

A similar dynamic is also found in Jefferson County where the largest employer is a prison, and the largest landowner is Ted Turner.
This was the first county in Florida to have its school system privatized by the State and the last three murders have all been captured
on the same surveillance camera.

Finally, Leon is home to Florida's center of government. Home to 60,000 students between FSU, FAMU, and TCC, it deals with
youthful indiscretions while also trying to keep our leaders safe. The large college population attracts predators and impaired students
often fall victim to both sex and violence. With Florida's government located in Leon County, each state agency refers fraud and other
crimes to my office which results in atypical investigation and litigation statistics compared to other circuits. These State criminal
referrals compete for attention and resources in a community with high gun violence and the poorest zip code in Florida. Currently,
there are forty pending first degree murders in Tallahassee despite closing thirteen in 2022.

Through trust built over decades, we serve our neighbors in their darkest hours. Please proceed cautiously as you consider altering a
system so integral to each Floridian and let me know how I can help in your analysis.

Sincerely,

~~ 17 of 78
 OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
JOHN F. DURRETT, State Attorney 310 Pine Ave Sw
Live Oak, FL. 32064
Se111ing the Counties of Suwannee, Hamilton, Dixie, Laf ayette, Taylor, (386) 362-2320
Madison and Cohtmbia
FAX (386) 362-5370

July 31, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

I write to you and the Committee in concert with the other elected State Attorneys across
the Great State of Florida. I hope the following serves as briefreview of the unique
nature of the Third Judicial Circuit as told by the State Attorney for the same.

I have the honor and pleasure of serving the citizens of the Third Circuit as their elected
State Attorney and have devoted my entire legal career to the prosecution of criminals
and protection of Constitutional Rights. Our Circuit comprises approximately 5,000
square miles of farmland, rivers, coastline, crystal clear springs, and forests. Agriculture
is our backbone. We are a collection of small towns and communities drawn together not
simply by Circuit lines but instead by our common beliefs and expectations. We are
staunchly conservative and driven by our faith and love for our families.

The Third Circuit is comprised of seven Counties: Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton,

Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor. Although massive in land area, our
population hovers around two hundred thousand people. We do require a bit of space and
room to breathe. Within our Circuit the people are served by seven separate Sheriffs and
seven separate Police Chiefs. In addition, one will find a FDLE field office in Suwannee
County and Highway Patrol Stations located within Columbia and Dixie Counties. Our
Office works closely with each and has developed a relationship of familiarity and trust.
I sit with the heads of each respective agency every month as we come together and
discuss all issues that impact us. We support our law enforcement officers here in the
Third Circuit and are always a phone call away to offer any assistance necessary to
accomplish our common goal of protecting the community.

The State Attorney's Office maintains four separate offices throughout the Circuit. Our
offices are located within Columbia County, Dixie County, Suwannee County, and
Taylor County. As the most centrally located, our Suwannee County location is our main
office and provides service to Hamilton, Madison, and Lafayette Counties in addition to
Suwannee itself.

Our Circuit boundaries have remained intact for nearly one hundred years. We are proud
of our communities and choose to live in small towns for a reason. To tether or consume
us within another Circuit, headquartered within an urban center hundreds of miles away,
would only serve to create a sense of detachment and neglect. A fifth-generation farmer

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within the Suwannee Valley does not wish to turn to a prosecutor or a judiciary located
far away within a sea of concrete to detennine what constitutes just punishment,
protection of rights, fair allocation of assets, or the "best interest of a child".
Consolidation would not develop trust. It would undermine it.

I am not here to offer additional statistics. Rest assured, here in the Third Circuit we
make the most effective and efficient use of the resources with which we are provided.
There are certain things that cannot be quantified. The relationships we have built here
and the time we have spent cultivating our connections with the community cannot be
translated into numbers.

I thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

John Durrett
State Attorney of the Third Judicial Circuit

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 WALTER A. FORGIE Reply to·
CHI EF ASSISTANT STATE ATTORN EY
110 NW I AVE. SUITE 5000
OCALA. FL 34475
BRIDGET B. KIEFER TELcPHONE (352) 671 -5800
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WI LLIAM M. GLADSON
STATE ATTORNEY
FIFTll JUD ICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
CITRl.. S. HERNANDO. LAKE. MARION. A 'ID SUMTFR COUNT ll'S

July 26, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

The Fifth Judicial Circuit is comprised of five central Florida counties with a geographical area approaching the
size of Connecticut. Its more than 1.3 million residents live in some of the fastest growing cities in the State.
Drawn to our beautiful coastline, natural springs. and active adult communities, people from around the world
are relocating here in record numbers. Indeed, we are home to The Villages, the world's largest retirement
community which spans Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. On July 12, 2023, the Daytona Beach News
Journal ranked two of our communities. The Villages and Spring Hill, the first and the sixth safest places to live
in Florida. My office devotes substantial time and resources to maintain a connection to our growing
community's values allowing us to keep pace with the population increases.

Our office currently has 244 FTE' s, approximately I 05 of which are assistant state attorneys. During tht! past 35
years our office has experienced unprecedented stability allowing our prosecutors, investigators, and victim
advocates to develop longstanding local relationships with our law enforcement partners. These partnerships
have expanded to include DCF, Guardian ad Litem. the Children 's Advocacy Centers, and Public Safety
Coordinating Councils throughout our five counties. Here, our employees sit as board members, volunteers, and
advocates ensuring that the rights of our most vulnerable are protected. Over the years, it 's these close working
relationships that have contributed to thousands of successful prosecutions. In fact, the Fifth Circuit consistently
ranks near the top for prison admissions. This, despite being the ninth largest circuit, is proof that having a State
Attorney that works closely with the community stakeholders is crucial to ensure public safety. Our office also
participates in a variety of problem-solving courts, ensuring that non-violent, first-time offenders are held
accountable, and given a second chance when appropriate. Focusing on these alternative justice programs could
not be accomplished without community-wide buy in and confidence in the prosecutors that I employ.

As an example of the measures we have employed to stay in sync with our growing circuit. for the past thrc~
years I have hosted a free Citizens ' Prosecutor Academy. This six-week course delves into the role of the
prosecutor in the criminal justice system. The response from the attendees is overwhelmingly positive, and they
are encouraged by the fact that they have had a chance to meet their elected sheriff~ state attorney, public
defender, clerks, and judges · something they say is unique, and frankly, refreshing. Through programs like the
academy, I set the example that we are accountable. I hope this overview of the Fifth Circuit aids you as you
embark on your Judicial Circuit Assessment study.

William Gladson
State Attorney. Fitih Judicial Circuit

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 OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
SIXTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES

July 25, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

As State Attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, I am honored to serve approximately 1.6 million citizens in Pinellas and
Pasco Counties. It is a circuit that has had its boundaries unchanged for 90 years and is unlike any other circuit in Florida. I'd
like to share our circuit with you by describing the composition of our unique circuit and how our criminal justice partners
and elected leaders together make the Sixth Judicial Circuit's current boundaries a model of why no change is needed.

Pinellas County, while only 38 miles long, is a peninsula with 588 miles of coastline and is the most densely
populated county in Florida with 3,425 people per square mile. (Broward County, the next most densely populated county,
has 1,470 people per square mile.) Pinellas is home to an estimated population of 971,875 people and a tourist destination
that welcomed approximately 20 million visitors in 2021. It is home to a major baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays, spring
training facilities for the Philadelphia Phillies, and home to world class art museums, restaurants, Grand Prix racing, fishing,
water sports and professional golf tournaments.

Pasco County covers 868 square miles as compared to Pinellas at 274 square miles and has a current estimated
population of 591,048 people. It was the seventh fastest growing county in Florida from 2012 - 2022 and added the sixth
most new residents within that same timeframe. It's size and available land make it a developer's dream while its rustic
heritage makes it a bedroom community for many who work in Pinellas and other counties. Its most populous cities are
New Port Richey and Zephyrhills which Is home to the Zephyrhills water bottling plant.

In writing this letter, I am reminded how special this circuit is. It's a circuit that focuses on its citizens' welfare and
provides a safe environment for those who live and travel here. In Pinellas and Pasco, we have a history of great
cooperation with our criminal justice partners. While our state attorney's office employs 420 people and handled the
prosecution of over 71,000 cases last year, our prosecutorial efficiency is accomplished through our experienced staff along
with our judges, county clerks, and law enforcement agencies with whom we have long established relationships. Our
county partners, including legislators, mayors, county commissioners, and school superintendents also have strong bonds
that support law enforcement resulting in a significant reduction in overall crime.

In conclusion, we have a well-oiled machine in the Sixth Judicial Circuit and already have the public's trust and
confidence in what we do every day. I therefore see no need to make any adjustments to this circuit.

Kind regards,

a4:i~
State Attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit

Post Office Box 17500, Clearwater, Florida 33762-0600 Telephone (727) 464-6221

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 OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF A.ORIDA
VOLUSIA. FLAGLER, PUTNAM & ST. JOI INS COUNTIF.S
R.J. LARIZZA 251 North Ridgewood Avenue
STATE ATTORNEY Dayton:i Beach, FL 32114· 7509
Phone (386) 239.7710
Fiix (386) 239·7711

July 24, 2023

Dear Committee Members;

The 7th Circuit is a diverse and unique blend of small communities and urban areas. There are 4
County Commissions, 23 City Commissions, 4 School Districts/Boards, 23 Local LEO Enforcement Agencies
and several State and Federal LEAs w ithin our circuit. There are several annual special events: the Daytona
500 and 400, Bike Week, Biketoberfest, the Players Championship, Nights of Lights and the Blue Crab
Festival, to name a few. We have established programs and relationships with local non-profit drug
treatment providers, Veteran Services, local religious groups, school officials, business leaders, local
government officials and many others in our local communities. These efforts are made possible by the
relationships and history of cooperation and respect bu ilt over the years with the SAO 7th. The benefits of
these relationships can be seen by the SAO 7th consistently being ranked in the top 3 in Conviction Rate and
top 2 in prison admissions. The programs, policies and local relationships in the 7th resulted in a 56%
reduction in our Crime Rate since 2015. Citizens of the 7th benefit from continuously having one of the
lowest three crime rates in Florida, with a Circuit Court clearance rate of 113% and a 94.3% conviction rate,
while number of filings remained consistent or increased slightly. All this being accomplished by embracing
paperless technology and reducing staff size, while enhancing communication with local residents and
officials. We avoid the pitfalls of being too large or too small by maintaining the benefits of small-town
relationships while implementing economies of scale, giving a voice to the citizens of our smallest towns to
our large cities. We maintain a high level of personal contact in our communities even as they continue to
far exceed population growth projections each year.

We have created several specialized units to include; Career Criminal/Sexual Assault Units, Homicide
Units, Drug Units, Domestic Violence Units and White-Collar Crime Units. Additionally, we have prosecutors
embedded with local law enforcement agencies to provide an enhanced level of cooperation and
communication. Our specialized units, combined with our diversionary programs are tailored to the unique
needs of each county while delivering equal service to all.

Sincerely,

arizza
State Attorney
Seventh Judicial Circuit

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 HEATHER L. JONES 120 WEST UNIVERSITY AVENUE
CHIEF ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32601

BRIAN S. KRAMER TELEPHONE (352) 374 - 3670

STATE ATTORNEY
EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
SERVING
July 31, 2023 ALACHUA, BAKER, BRADFORD, GILCHRIST, LEVY PLEASE REPLY TO:
AND UNION COUNTIES

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chainnan Gerber:

I proudly represent the people of the Eighth Judicial Circuit composed of Alachua, Baker, Bradford,
Gilchrist, Levy and Union Counties. In the Eighth Circuit we enjoy community partners created from a
mix of education, agriculture, state prisons, and heath care. Our circuit is rich in history and tradition.

Alachua County is the home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, both flagship educational
institutions. The Eighth Judicial Circuit, my office, the Public Defender's office, the judiciary have for
decades supported our State's educational institutions by hosting trainings, greeting new students, and
offering programs related to personal safety. All of us are familiar faces to these institutions of higher
learning.

Baker, Bradford, and Union Counties are unique and beautiful in so many ways. One way they are
similar, however, is that they serve this great State by hosting several major prisons. Safety and security
of the employees and prisoners of the Department of Corrections is paramount in these counties. Our
offices and our Assistant State Attorneys work closely with all these partners by offering advice and
support, prosecuting offenders within the institutions, and always keeping an open line of
communication.

Natural beauty and small-town communities rule the day in Levy and Gilchrist Counties. Levy County is
where the Eight Judicial Circuit touches the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River makes up the border
of both Levy and Gilchrist Counties on their western sides. The Eighth Judicial Circuit works closely
with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in keeping those waterways and our other natural areas
safe, clean, and sustainable through passionate enforcement of environmental crime.

Finally, the Eighth Judicial Circuit, specifically in Alachua County, is a nationally recognized model of
judicial efficiency. 1 In 2019, the Effective Criminal Case Management Project (ECCM) recognized that
in a review 90 courts in 21 states, Alachua County was determined to be "one of the most expeditious
courts in the country." In the Eighth Circuit, the Court, the Clerks, the Public Defender, and the State
Attorney pride our organizations on personal service and ease of access that living in rural Florida allows.

Sincerely,

Bri:f:::! !:::::;, 8" Circuit

1 htts:l/w,ww.ncsc.or ' data/assets/ dt.file/0017152~3_1.LNCSC-ECCM.:.FL-Alachua-County-Summary-Repgrt­
Fe Ion y-and-M i sdemeanor-Cases.pdf

23 of 78
 ~~H­
Jmontque 1l;l. Worrell
~tate ~ttornep
Jliintb J ubtcial QI:trcutt
@range anti egreola l(ount!'. jflortba

July 28, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

Thank you for the opportunity to address the Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee's review of the
necessity to increase, decrease or redefine Florida's judicial circuits. From a State Attorney's perspective, the 9 th
Judicial Circuit needs no geographic modification, and, in fact, a revision of circuit boundaries could result in
significant disruption and unnecessary expense to the taxpayers of Florida.

The 9th Circuit is comprised of Orange and Osceola Counties, and is currently the second largest circuit
in Florida, covering over 2,500 square miles and serving more than 1.9 million residents. We partner with over
30 different law enforcement agencies that generate approximately 50,000 to 60,000 cases for prosecution
annually. According to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability ("OPPAGA"), 1
the 9th Circuit is anticipated to experience the greatest increase in population at a 55% growth rate, or almost 1
million additional residents, by 2045. Further, the 9•h Circuit is one of three circuits that have led the state in
increased case filings each year. The anticipated population growth will undoubtedly demonstrate a corresponding
continued increase in case filings as well.

The 9th Circuit is also particularly unique in that it is the home of Walt Disney World in Orlando, which
attracts on average 160,000 visitors per day. It is also the home of the largest public university in the nation, the
University of Central Florida, with enrollment that exceeds 68,000 students from all 50 states and over 150
countries. We also serve the Orlando International Airport, the busiest airport in Florida, as well as a host of other
colleges, law schools, theme parks, hotels and resorts, retail establishments, restaurants and other tourist
attractions. As a major metropolitan city, the 9th Circuit is extremely complex in its diversity in that it includes
both urban and rural populations and is comprised of our native local residents and families, as well as students,
tourists and transplants from all over the world.

Since 1973, the 9 th Circuit has fared very well in its current geographical state. It would be impossible to
add an additional population to an already significantly populated area, while also achieving minor "disruption
and expense" as anticipated by the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. Specifically,
our legal resources are already stretched extremely thin to address current public safety concerns. The amount of
disruption that would be caused by consolidating processes, procedures, case management systems, digital
communication networks and other variables that differ circuit to circuit would be insurmountable.

1
See OPPAGA 2019 Report, Florida's Judicial Boundaries and Workload, Exhibit 11 (analysis of Judicial Circuits Populations Changes -
1970, 2018, and 2045).
415 North Orange Avenue - P.O. Box 1673 - Orlando, Florida 32801
407-836-2400
24 of 78
 It is important to note that OPPAGA has previously analyzed previous efforts to decrease judicial
boundaries. It found that state attorneys were concerned that changes to the circuits could "create issues with
continuity and fidelity ofprosecution. 2" The 9th Circuit wholeheartedly agrees. Larger circuits would weaken the
ability for prosecutions to remain consistent circuit-wide, and would also hinder any state attorney's ability to
lead, engage the community, travel and participate in community events, and live in and be a part of the
community in which he or she serves, which is the exact purpose of centralized local government.

In sum, there does not appear to be a compelling need for any change in the existing circuit boundaries,
nor would the judicial process be improved by such change. Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Monique H. Worrell
State Attorney, 9th Circuit

/KLP

2 See "A Review of Florida Circuit Courts", OPPAGA Report No. 15-13, December 2015.

415 North Orange Avenue - P.O. Box 1673 - Orlando, Florida 32801
407-836-2400
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 Highland~ Office Hardee Office
41 I S<>111h Eul·alyptus Street 124 South !r A\'cnuc #100
Sebring, Horida 3:1870 • (863) 402-6519 Wauchula, Horida 3387:-J • (863) 773-6613

State Attorney Brian Haas

Office ofthe State Attorney, Tenth Judicial Circuit
2!J."> ~011h Broadll"ay Avenue · Dr.twcr SA, P.O. Box 9000 · Banow, Florida 33831-9000
(863)534--1800 • W\\w,saolO.com

July 28, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

As State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, I am honored to serve the citizens of
Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties. Our population of nearly one million people is comprised of richly
diverse residents who Jive in our 3,755 square miles of Central Florida's natural beauty. For well over a
century, our three counties have been one of the leading areas in Florida's Agriculture Industry. Our
citrus groves, cattle ranches and many other agricultural interests provide employment to many of our
residents, as we provide food for the nation and the world. Tourism is a big part of our circuit. We are
home to Legoland Florida, Bok Tower Gardens and the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. Our
communities host many annual festivals which have become important traditions, such as Lake Placid's
Caladium festival, Lakeland's SUN n' FUN Aerospace Expo and Bartow's Bloomin' Arts Festival. We
are home to Publix Supermakets and many colleges and universities, including Florida Southern, Florida
Polytech University and Southeastern University. Our many lakes are sources of great fishing and marine
recreation. The people of our circuit are our greatest asset. We are comprised of people whose families
have been here for generations and those who have recently moved here to embrace our way of life, the
plentiful jobs available and the convenience of our geographic location in Florida.

The Tenth Circuit is growing rapidly. Our area is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.
Polk County has added at least 100,000 residents in just the past four years. We anticipate further growth
and my office stands ready to serve our increasingly populated circuit. In 2022, my office was referred
more than 60,000 cases from our law enforcement agencies. Those agencies are comprised of state
agencies, large sheriffs offices, medium city police departments and small town departments totaling 30
agencies. I am proud of the close working relationship that I have with our local law enforcement leaders.
Our daily communication is key to protecting the citizens we serve. Just last year alone, my office of
nearly 90 prosecutors, tried 350 cases to verdict. Our annual budget is nearly $25,000,000. We do our
job with the goal of protecting the public and doing so in the most cost-efficient way possible.

Our circuit is a special place. It's a community that is united in our common interest to live, work
and enjoy this beautiful part of Florida. Our residents, businesses and visitors rightly expect a high level
of service from their prosecutors to ensure their safety and security. I'm so grateful for the team of
assistant state attorneys, investigators and staff with whom I have the honor to serve.

Kind regards,

~~
Brian Haas
State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit 26 of 78
 STATE ATTORNEY•
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
E. R. GRAHAM BUILDING
13SON,W.12THAVENUE
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33136-2111
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE TELEPHONE (30S) 547-0100
STATEATfORNEY www.miamiSAO.com
Ka!hcrjncFcmendczRundlc@MiamiSAO.com

August 1, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

I am writing you as a State Attorney who has enjoyed my community's trust and support for three decades to
express my thoughts on the possible consolidation of Florida's judicial circuits.

As you know, the 11 lh Judicial Circuit is home to nearly 3 million residents and more than 50 million
individuals that travel through our international airport each year. Our community is unique in its diversity,
structure, and complexity. Miami-Dade County is a minority-majority area. Only 14% of residents are White
alone, not Hispanic, while 17% of our residents are Black alone. Approximately 69% of our residents are
Hispanic. 1 Their support is essential to our success and my team and I have spent countless hours building their
trust and ensuring all of their needs are met. For example, I have worked with our Grand Jury to tackle some of
our community's biggest challenges, including juvenile crime and local school failures, the mental health crisis,
public housing, building standards (including the homeowner protections and recommendations to avoid another
building collapse such as Surfside), and the health of Biscayne Bay.2 I am the only elected prosecutor who
administers a child support program (CSP) which has resulted in the collection of over $1 Billion Dollars over
the last several years alone for our children. I am proud to say it is the most effective such program in the state.

Miami-Dade County is a large county that can be very difficult to navigate. The 2022 INRIX Global Traffic
Scorecard ranks Miami as the 5th most congested city in the United States and 9th most congested city in the world
and shows the problem is getting worse. 3

We have 37 municipalities and work with over 45 law enforcement agencies. With so many stakeholders,
communication, collaboration, and coordination are critical. I have worked tirelessly building relationships and
working with our partners to protect our community in an efficient and effective manner. We operate or otherwise
participate in a number of task forces and provide 24/7 assistance on a variety of cases. For example, my
prosecutors try to respond to every homicide scene including·police shooting fatalities, throughout the county and
to contact shootings in multiple high crime areas. During my tenure, our efforts have helped reduce the property
and violent crime rates by more than 75%.

1
United States Census Bureau (2022),
hUps:llwww.ccns!!s.aov/qyt£1dhmlfactttabk/miamidedecow!tv0orjdaJRH172W#RHlllS222.
2
See m :l!miam js10.com/our.::-w.Dr.k/sjgnatm:promrmJ&rend:j1.H;ylamid·iUD'·np!rtsl.
3 INRJX (2022), https://inrix.com/scorecard-city-2022/?city- Miami%20FL&index·-9.
27 of 78
The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chainnan
August 1, 2023
Page2

While I appreciate the value in reviewing judicial boundaries and considering ways to improve efficiency,
unifonnity, and effectiveness, I believe that re-aligning or consolidating Florida's judicial circuits would be very
disruptive to our law enforcement and our criminal justice systems. Like education, law enforcement is, and
should be, local and reflect community values; judicial circuit consolidation would serve neither of those two
ideals. If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sip ,
~~ANDEZRUNDLE
State Attorney

KFR:sr

28 of 78
 ED BRODSKY

$tate ~ttornep
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Serving Sarasota, Manatee cmd DeSoto Cmmties

Sarasota Cvun~r Venice Office Manatee County DeSoto C mmty

Criminal Justice Building
2071 Ringling Boulevard
Suite 400
Sarasota. FL 3423 7- 7000
(941) 861-4400
R.L. Anderson Building
4000 South Tamiami Trail
Room 135
Venice, FL 34293-5028
(941) 861-3200
County Admin. Building
1112 Manatee Avenue W.
P.O. Box 1000
Bradenton, FL 34206-1000
(941) 747-3077
DeSoto County Counhouse
I 15 East Oak Street
Third Floor
Arcadia, FL 34266-4446
(863) 993-4881

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber

Chair, Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chair Gerber:

As the State Attorney for the 12t~ Judicial Circuit for the past 10 years, and a career prosecutor, I am honored to serve the
almost 1 million citizens of Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Our circuit encompasses almost 2,000 square miles and is
bounded by the Charlotte Harbor to the south and Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge to the North. While a mid-sized circuit, with
three unique counties, we possess a "small·town" feel.
Our massive tourism speaks to that, in part due to our world -renowned sandy-white beaches from Siesta Key up to Anna
Maria Island. We have a vibrant community with Arts and the Ringling Museum, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Atlanta Braves,
Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates for spring training, and people from all over the world attend events at the Benderson
Rowing Park. DeSoto County, located in the heartland region, is a small but charming equestrian community famous for their Rodeo.
More than tourism, our community is a place people want to relocate to, which the astronomical population growth numbers
in our counties demonstrates. I humbly believe that in addition to the top-notch schools we have, a safe community is a paramo unt
consideration for many of whom relocate and plant roots in the 12t11 Circuit. We are a comparatively safe community, with high
conviction rates, and luckily do not have the "big city" issues of many of the larger circuits. Importantly, our circuit's size allows me the
time to personally meet with and maintain excellent dialogue with citizens in our community, as well as leaders in all 3 counties in our
criminal justice sphere, including our judges, court administration, the clerks' offices, local county and city commissioners, and our
state legislators. I would be remiss in not mentioning our phenomenal relationships with the more than 15 local law enforcement
partners that we work with on a daily basis, and constantly provide training and counsel to, which has taken decades to build that type
of teamwork, communication, and trust to continue to reduce crime. l am proud to say that these relationships have been invaluable
and essential to allow us to address and solve complex issues to make our system more efficient with the use of taxpayer dollars,
reduce victimization and its exorbitant costs, with a non-stop focus on public safety for all our citizens. The engagement of these key
stakeholders has helped Sarasota achieve recognition by U.S. News & World Report as the 5th best place to live in America (2023), the
nth best place to retire (2022-2023), and nme Magazine's World's Greatest Places (2021). Jn similar fashion, Manatee County is a
world-class destination, and home to JMG where students and professional athletes come to train.
Our circuit has a unique symbiotic relationship with its 3 counties, which work in harmony to support one another. One
example, in DeSoto county, fiber optic lines and IT support are provided by Sarasota County, and in the 31 years I have been with the
office, the DeSoto office has always needed to be staffed with commuting attorneys from Sarasota and Manatee counties.
In closing, it is essential to review current systems and processes in all aspects of government and in life generally to seek
improvement. However, while the DCA's were recently expanded due to growth, I respectfully believe that reducing the number of
judicial circuits is counterintuitive and would lead to an overall increase in crime and fiscal costs to the citizens and future victims in
our state. What we have in the 12t11 Circuit is working extremely well and I would respectfully request that no change occurs to our
circuit.

&Jy, rJ-.JJ.,/
Ed Brodsky
State Attorney, 12th Circuit CC: All committee members29 of 78
 SUSAN SHORTER LOPEZ
THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
TAMPA, FLORIDA 33602

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida

One of the unique features of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit (a map of our circuit is
located below) is the cohesiveness with which all of the partnering agencies within the
circuit work. We feel that is best demonstrated to the Judicial Circuit Assessment
Committee by working together with our judicial circuit partners to submit information to
the committee. Instead of a complete analysis about the circuit in this booklet, we will be
working together with the agencies within our circuit to make information available to the
assessment committee.

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30 of 78
 OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties
P.O. Box io40, Panama City, FL 32402 ° (850) 872-4473
LARRY BASFORD July 26, 2023
Popubtion : 307, I 8B
State Attorney
Squ<lre i'vlilcs : 3,H69
L<iw Enfon:elllenl r\genc1es: 28
Colleges : 5
The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chair Schools : 100
Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee Milbry f3~se.'> ;::;
Corrcction;1I F~cilities: 1 Z
Dear Chairman Gerber:

I write to you on behalf of the 14th Circuit, covering Bay. Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington
Counties. We are a diverse Circuit, home to the World's Most Beautiful Beaches and a thriving tourist economy of
over 5 million visitors per year, but also home to rural areas with a booming agriculture industry, a robust military
community with the most modern Air Force base in the world, and a significant retirement community. The
geographic boundary of our Circuit has remained the same since 1934, providing stability for the community. and
significant representation for our less populated areas. For example, 5 of our 13 Circuit Judges live outside of the
Circuit seat of Bay County. Our Bay County courthouse is a historical landmark and the site of the Gideon v.
Wainwright case, which established the right to free counsel for indigent defendants nationwide.

In 2018, the 14th Circuit was ground zero for Hurricane Michael, one of only 4 Category 5 hurricanes to ever
make landfall in the U.S. Much of our Circuit was damaged, and Mexico Beach was nearly wiped off the map. Our
office created a Construction Fraud Task Force, uniting law enforcement agencies across the Circuit, who worked
together to assist citizens and protect them from unscrupulous contractors. DBPR praised us for our aggressive
prosecution of these cases. This is part of the reason there is a high level of respect for and public confidence in our
office and law enforcement We are #850STRONG! The citizens of the 14th Circuit elected me with 7 5% of the vote
in 2020. If the geographic area of the Circuit were expanded, the voting power of our rural areas would be diluted.
This would only erode the public's confidence in their elected Circuit officials.

Our 6 counties cover 3,869 square miles, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama and Georgia state
lines, including 489 miles of coastline, making our Circuit the 4th largest. This is a vast geographic area, but we have
individualized relationships developed over decades with all 23 local law enforcement agencies with whom we
partner. I consistently travel the circuit, meeting face-to-face with our sheriffs, police chiefs, and community
partners. Our Major Crimes attorneys based in Panama City and I also drive across the Circuit to handle murder
trials in all 6 counties. This kind of personal connection and specialized prosecution would not be possible if the
geographic area were expanded. Let us remember, government is at its purist when kept closest to the people.

The geographic boundary of the 14th Circuit has been the same for 90 years. Changing this boundary would
not only affect the court system, State Attorney and Public Defender's offices, but also the other agencies such as DCF,
DJJ, DOC Probation Offices, and the Medical Examiner's office who use the Circuit boundary. This would only cause
unnecessary confusion for the entities we work with and the public we are devoted to serve. The lasting effects of a
change of this magnitude could cause irreparable damage to the confidence that our area has in our elected officials
and government. which could not possibly outweigh any potential benefit that it could produce.

We are experiencing unprecedented growth in our area, and crime rates are down. Public confidence in our
office has never been higher. The 14th Circuit stands strong and any adjustments would adversely affect our citizens
and their access to justice.

~-#~
ey, 14th Judicial Circuit
·sometimes people mess up something good, by looking for something better. just to end up with something worse.N - Unknown
31 of 78
 O:fFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY

DAVID ARONBERG
STATE ATfORNEY
July 31, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chair Gerber,

I am writing to ask that our 15th Judicial Circuit remain intact, with no changes. As the State Attorney, I
serve a population of approximately 1.51 million, all living in Palm Beach County. The county extends
approximately 48 miles from Jupiter to Boca Raton and 50 miles from Palm Beach to South Bay. There are a
number of aspects of our circuit that make us unique and, along with the excellent relationship with our criminal
justice partners and elected leaders, make the 15th Circuit's current composition a model of success.
FDLE's uniform crime data indicate that Palm Beach County averages approximately 2148.91100,000
arrests per year. A large part of this success can be credited to the excellent working relationship with all our
local criminal justice agencies, including our Sheriff, Clerk, police chiefs, court administration, judges and
defense bar. In addition, our county government has a Criminal Justice Commission in place to foster strong
working relationships and open discussion on all criminal justice matters. Further, Palm Beach County Sheriff
Ric Bradshaw supports our request to leave Palm Beach County as a single circuit with no additions or
reductions.
Our efficiency is also measured through the Office of State Courts Administration, which published our
felony conviction rate at 94% for FY 21-22 ranking us second among the 20 circuits.
This office employs 333 people who handle approximately 50,000 arrests per year for all of Palm Beach
County. Our office diverts a large percentage of the misdemeanor arrests and have moved numerous cases to our
specialty courts. All these measures ensure that the most violent and serious offenders are aggressively and fully
prosecuted.
Consolidation with our bordering circuits would create serious efficiency and effectiveness issues.
Combining our county with the l 7'h Circuit would create a circuit population of 3,465,503, based on 2022 census
figures. Likewise, a consolidation with the l 91h Circuit would require servicing a population of 2,246,951. In
either example, the volume of cases, coupled with issues of travel, logistics, coordination and oversight of such a
large area would be counterproductive, bureaucratic, cost inefficient and would reduce the effectiveness of the
service we give to our citizens.
By this letter, I am asking the members of the Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee to take notice of
our successes and strong working relationships within the criminal justice community here in Palm Beach
County. We already have the public's trust and confidence in the job that we do. Therefore, there is no need to
make changes to this circuit.

40 1 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida33401 32 of 78

Phonc: (56 1)3SS·7100
www sal5.org
 OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Dennis W. Ward 88770 Overseas Highway (305) 852-7170

State Attorney Tavernier, Florida 33070

July 27, 2023

The Florida Keys (16th Judicial Circuit, Monroe County) are unquestionably one of the most unique and
environmentally diverse areas in Florida, the United States, and on earth. To preserve this pristine ecosystem for our
grandchildren, to preserve the character of the Keys, and to preserve its residents' access to justice, the Keys should
not be merged with any other circuit.

First, the keys are geographically separate from the Florida mainland. For most of their existence the Keys
archipelago, comprising over 1,700 keys off the southernmost part of Florida, have been only accessible by boat.
Not until Henry Flagler built his Overseas Railway in the 191 Os were the Keys accessible by land. Even today, one
single two-lane highway (US 1) connects the mainland to Key Largo, and continues with its 42 bridges, including
the famous seven mile bridge, to connect Key Largo to Key West. US 1 is so congested it is often gridlocked and
plagued by accidents, many of them fatal head on collisions. While Monroe and Miami Dade abut each other
geographically, the culture of these two counties could not more diverse. Literally, it is David and Goliath. Key
West has a storied history made famous by authors like Hemingway and adventurers like Mel Fisher. While Miami
is the largest urban area in the state with almost 3 million residents, Monroe County is a small, rural county with
only 80,000 residents which limits growth due to state evacuation concerns, and airlifts sick or injured individuals to
Miami for treatment. Monroe County employment is driven by hospitality, tourism, and fishing, while Miami is a
center of education, medicine, and finance. Miami has criminal justice issues common to big cities, while Monroe
County has issues attendant to rural areas.

Secondly, preserving the environment in the Florida Keys is one of the highest priorities of the State
Attorney, given the large number of endangered species, including Key deer, conch, sea turtles, American alligator,
and other species of animals and fish too numerous to mention. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
protects North America's only coral barrier reef. The largest subtropical wilderness in North America is located
within Everglades National Park, the only site in the US to have been designated as globally significant by three
different international initiatives: World Heritage, UNESCO Man and the Everglades Biosphere program, and the
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Prosecutors work with our law enforcement partners in federal and state agencies
to preserve these species and bring violators to justice. Penalties are vigorously enforced, including imprisonment
for violators. Such cases have included individuals capturing and torturing Key deer and cruelty to pelicans. In the
past seven years alone, 2,591 citations for fishing violations have been prosecuted along with 862 cases involving
lobster violations. Many jobs in Monroe County are dependent on commercial and sport fishing, as well as other
environmental tourism considerations. Many areas in the Florida Keys are considered some of the best fishing and
scuba diving areas in the world, which attracts presidents and global heads of state. Over three million people visit
the Keys each year from around the world.

Finally, access to justice is a crucial consideration. Given the separation and remoteness of the Keys and
its residents, travel to, from and among offices and courthouses drives many considerations. While the most
northerly courthouse, Plantation Key, is only 88 miles from Key West, and 45 miles from the Marathon courthouse,
it often takes almost 3 hours to drive from Plantation Key to Key West, and can take much longer ifthere is an
accident or slow moving vehicles. Key West is closer to Cuba than Miami. Requiring residents and local law
enforcement personnel to work with officials in locations further away is effectively a denial of those rights.
Interchange of State Attorney personnel is very limited due to these geographical considerations as well. The Keys
have sustained many crises in the past, including hurricanes and disasters, and their survival eds to be ensured.
All of these differences impact the priorities and operations of the State Attorney in Mon

Sincerely, 4lt.

~---.
Dennis W. Ward
State Attorney, Monroe County

33 of 78
 HAROLD F. PRYOR
STATE ATTORNEY
SEVENTEENTH JUDIC ll\L. CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA

BROWARD COUNTY COURTHOUSE

201 S.E. SIXTH STREET, # 225

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33301-3360 PHONE (954) 831-6955

July 31, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

As State Attorney of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, I am honored to serve more than 1.96
million residents in Broward County. This is the second largest judicial circuit in Florida and one
of the largest in the nation. The county's population continues to grow rapidly and ranks as the
seventeenth most populous county in the United States.

Broward County is one of the most densely populated counties in Florida, with more than 1,616
people per square mile. It encompasses 1, 197 square miles and stretches from the 505,600 acres
of Everglades on the western side of the county to the 24 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach on the
eastern side. Our community is a major tourist destination, served by the nation's fastest growing
airport and a busy seaport that also hosts a thriving cruise industry. Our beaches and 266 miles of
waterways draw many visitors from the U.S. and overseas, and other major tourist draws include
the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Sawgrass Mills retail outlets, Inter Miami soccer
team at ORV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and the NHL Florida Panthers, as well as our
world class museums and restaurants.

Our population is very diverse in terms of age, race, faith, and income. There is a large Black and
Hispanic population, with a majority of residents identified as ethnic minorities. The Seminole
Tribe of Florida's headquarters is located on the tribal lands near Hollywood. We have a large
LGBTQ+ community.

Broward County is unique in terms of our diversity and our dynamic cultural environment. We
are proud of our commitment to the mission of making our community safer while also working
to ensure justice, equity and fairness for everyone who encounters our criminal justice system.
Law enforcement agencies in our jurisdiction presented more than 40,000 cases for review by
our office last year and our 200 prosecutors filed dispositions in more than 31,000 cases last year
(including felony, misdemeanor and traffic criminal cases). There are 31 municipalities in our
circuit, and our office works with 17 respective Municipal Police Depai1ments and the Broward
Sheriffs Office, which provides full-time law enforcement services to the remaining 14
municipalities. Our circuit is focused on public safety, justice and quality of life issues for our
residents. Our specialized units and our participation in regional task forces, including those
focused on human trafficking, hate crimes, and gun violence, are efficient and finely tuned to the

34 of 78
special needs of our county. We are grateful for the tremendous cooperation and teamwork that
is provided by our criminal justice partners in law enforcement, the clerk of courts office, the
judicial system, and local, county, state and federal government representatives and agencies, as
well as the many nonprofits and volunteers who support our efforts to provide a community that
is focused on safety and justice for all.
Our community faces unique challenges and our residents, elected and community leaders, and
criminal justice partners have developed exemplary programs and policies that serve the
constituents of this thriving circuit. We believe it is a model for this nation's criminal justice
system.

s~
·ncerely,

v .
HA LD F. PR"'-'-JS.oo"""
State Attorney
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

35 of 78
 OFFICE OF THE STATE A'ITORNEY
EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
BREVARD ANO SEMINOLE COUNTIES
Brevard County Office Seminole County Office
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way 101 Eslinger Way
Bldg.D PHIL ARCHER P.O. Box 8006
Viera, FL 3294CMi605 STATE ATTORNEY Senford,FL32772-8006
(321) 617-7510 (407) 665-6000
.'

July 31, 2023

• I
The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman
Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber,

It is with great honor and pleasure that I write to you as the State Attorney for the
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. The 18th is comprised of Brevard and Seminole Counties and was
created in 1967. With a current combined population of over I. I million citizens, it is a large
district in population and in geographic size. And our population is increasing every year.

Brevard County is over 72 miles long which creates certain logistical issues alone. The
county is comprised of over 1557 square miles of which 34.8% of that is water, including the
world famous and unique Indian River Lagoon. With the presence of the Kennedy Space Center,
Patrick Air Force Base, Space Force and all the various aerospace industry giants, the county has
long been shaped by the civilian/military complex with the emphasis on space. The combination
of protecting a precious natural resource like the lagoon while ensuring the safety and success of
the military/space industry is something we have always taken very seriously. The focus on
these issues has been ingrained in all the partnerships that have been established in both law
enforcement and non-law enforcement circles as part of the history of this county.

Seminole County enjoys a unique setting as well. Known as Florida's natural choice
because of its abundant natural beauty while still being accessible to all that Central Florida has
to offer. The emphasis on attracting vibrant new businesses while still protecting the natural
beauty that makes it a great place to work, Jive and raise a family has always been important.
And part of the attraction is keeping crime rates low and preventing issues from surrounding
areas coming over to Seminole County.

I am proud of the work my office has done to keep those crime rates Iow in our Circuit.
We are at 50-year lows! That does not happen by chance. It happens due to the hard work of my
staff and the incredible relationships that we have established with our criminal justice partners
and relationships with our non-law enforcement partners as well. The reputation and standards
for success that we have established within this Circuit was not built overnight. It is crucial that
we maintain the integrity of our Circuit.

Please don't hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any of these matters
further.

..
........
. . · ·~ry 1
36 of 78 . •:·-
 OfFICE OF THE

$5tate J\ffnrneu 41 1 South Second Street

NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA Fort Pierce. Florida 34950
THOMAS R. BAKKEDAHL SERVING INDIAN RIVER. MARTIN, OKEECHOBEE (772) 465-3000
STATE ATIOR:-.'EY AND ST. LUCIE COUNTIES Fax:(772) 462-1214

July 31, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber and Distinguished Committee Members:

It is my honor to represent the citizens of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit as their State Attorney.
The Nineteenth Circuit is a diverse and widely dispersed circuit consisting of four contiguous
counties covering approximately 2950 square miles on the east coast of the State. The
Nineteenth Circuit has experienced explosive growth averaging 20 percent between the 20 l 0
census and 2022. 1 Despite this tremendous growth and thanks to joint modernization efforts with
our criminal justice partners we have added only one Assistant State Attorney (ASA) to our staff
since 2010. This is an irrefutable testament to our fiscal conservatism and our agency's work
ethic and efficiency.

While the Nineteenth Circuit is one of the smaller circuits in the State (as measured by the
number of ASAs in each circuit)t we regularly out punch our weight class. In terms of jury trial
output, as recently as 2 1122 my Assistants tried more cases than thirteen circuits in the State, and
when considering trials per attorney only one circuit averaged more jury trials per attorney than
our circuit. More importantly my attorneys are ensuring that public safety remains a top priority.
The 2021 FDLE uniform crime report reflects that the crime rate per 100,000 population for the
Nineteenth Circuit was the second lowest in the State of Florida. 2 Year over year we have
regularly maintained one of the lowest crime rates in the State. You may ask to what is our
success due? The simple answer is relationships.

For over 32 years I have watched this circuit grow exponentially and I have had the opportunity
to see how a State Attorney should interact with his or her constituents, elected officials, and
criminal justice partners. For thirty of those years, I watched my predecessor, Bruce Colton,
develop working and mutually beneficial relationships with our community partners. None more
important than the relationships fonned with our law enforcement partners. I can say without
fear of contradiction that because of Mr. Colton •s efforts the Nineteenth Circuit's relationship
with our local law enforcement agencies is second to none in the State of Florida. As State
Attorney, I have modeled my interactions with law enforcement on his example.

1 United States Census Bureau- population estimates July 1, 2022

2 FDLE 2021 Annual Summary Uniform Crime Reports· Judicial Circuit Offense Report-https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJAB/UCR/Annual·Reports.
(Most recent report)

37 of 78
In the Nineteenth Circuit, we have an on-call ASA in each county 24/7 to address legal questions
and assist law enforcement with such things as the drafting of search warrants. We also have a
major on-call ASA available to respond circuit-wide to homicides, law enforcement involved
shootings and other major crime events. The major crime on-call ASAs may be called to any of
our four counties and they often remain on scene for hours and into the wee hours of the morning
only to report to court in the morning, and they do so without compensation because it is their
desire to ensure that law enforcement provides this office and the citizens of the Nineteenth
Circuit with the best possible work product thereby ensuring justice and securing the public's
safety. The concierge service we provide to law enforcement and the local relationships we have
developed would simply be unascertainable were the Nineteenth Circuit to be engrafted onto
another judicial circuit. Consolidation of our circuit would only serve to dilute the quality and
positive impact of these hard-won relationships.

This exercise brings to mind the old adage '·if it ain't broke don't fix it." The bargain the citizens
of the State of Florida receive from their twenty State Attorneys stands in sharp contrast to the
majority of States that do much less with significantly more elected prosecuting attorneys. The
State of Florida is in the middle of a five-decade low in the crime rate, and this is unquestionably
due in large part to your twenty State Attorneys.

In conclusion, I would respectfully ask that this committee refrain from recommending any
adjustments to the present composition of the State's twenty judicial circuits.

Th , as Bakkedahl
S teAttomey
I
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Fl.

38 of 78
 OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
Charlotte County
TWENTIETH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Hendry County
350 E. Marion A,·enue I 045 Pratt Boule' ard
Punta Gorda. FL 33950 LaBelle. FL 33935
{941 ) 63 7-2 104 (863)612-4920

Collier County Lee County

3315 E. Tamiami Trail. Suite 602 2000 Main Street, 6th Floor
Naples, FL 34112 Fort Myers. FL 33901
(239) 252-8470 (239) 533-1000
AMIRA D. FOX
Glades County Mailing Address
500 A\"enuc J SW STATE ATTORNEY PO Box 399
Moore Maven. FL 33471 Fon Myers. FL 33902
(863 ) 946-0077 Proudly Serving the Citizens of Southwest Florida

July 26, 2023

The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman

Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee

Dear Chairman Gerber:

When the Florida Legislature created the 20th Judicial Circuit, Governor Claude Kirk appointed Joseph P.
D' Alessandro to serve as its first State Attorney in I 969. The circuit encompasses Charlotte, Collier,
Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties and covers over 5,400 square miles - making it the largest geographic
circuit in the state and roughly the size of Connecticut. As of2022, the population of the circuit stood
over 1.44 million residents. Since 2012, the 2o•h Judicial Circuit has experienced a population increase of
22.06%, eclipsing the Florida average of 16.79% during this period.i It is important to note that our
circuit experienced two devastating Jandfalling hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic during this time.
Through the pandemic, our circuit followed all protocols and maintained exemplary contact with all
stakeholders. Since September 14, 2020, when the courts reopened, my office has tried 963 criminal
trials, both jury and bench, to verdict.

Mr. D' Alessandro served as State Attorney for 33 years. His successor, Stephen B. Russell, was elected in
September 2002 and assumed office in January 2003. Mr. Russell served as the circuit's second State
Attorney for 16 years, running unopposed for re-election on three separate occasions. He retired in
December 2018.

Amira D. Fox is the third State Attorney and the first female State Attorney in the history of the circuit.
The office has grown to over 120 Assistant State Attorneys, a total staff of approximately 300 employees,
and an annual operating budget estimated at $34.4 million.

The 20th Circuit is unique, containing five (5) extremely diverse counties, rural, urban, and suburban,
with a range of economic demographics. The 2021 median household income per county was: Charlotte,
$57,887.00; Collier, $75,543.00; Glades, $38,088.00; Hendry, $38,843.00; and Lee, $63,235.00.;,

The SAO has five (5) offices, one located in each of our counties and housed inside each courthouse
except for Hendry County where our office is five minutes from the courthouse. The administrative
offices are in Lee County. The specialty units of homicide, economic crimes, and post-conviction are
centrally located in Lee County. This enables our expert ASAs to travel throughout the circuit and handle
cases without staffing separate specialty units in each office.

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Please visit our website www.sao20.org
 July 26, 2023
The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Chairman
Page 2

The SAO intakes arrest and warrant cases from 14 local law enforcement agencies: Cape Coral Police
Department, Charlotte County Sheriff' s Onice, Clewiston Police Department, Collier County Sheriff's
Office, florida Gulf Coast University Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Glades County
Sheriff's Office, I fendry County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Port Authority Police, Lee County Sheriff's
Office, Marco Island Police Department, Naples Police Department, Punta Gorda Police Department, and
Sanibel Police Department. The State Attorney enjoys a close working relationship with each of these
agencies which has been greatly beneficial to the citizens of Southwest Florida, enjoying the lowest crime
rate in the State for the last I 0 years.';' In 2022, my office received 49,208 referrals from law enforcement,
and which encompassed arrests, warrant requests, and misdemeanor summons requests.

The circuit has a narcotics enforcement task force (NETFORCE) headed by the State Attorney which
boasts all the previously listed agencies as members. This task force is extraordinarily successful
demonstrating how a unified five-county area working together with local, state, and federal law
enforcement can cripple large scale narcotics trafficking organizations. It is the perfect size to be
manageable and effective.

Although the circuit is large ii is still drivable for the Slate Attorney and Chief Assistant to get to two or
three offices in one day. Also, it allows for Assistant State Attorneys to live outside of their assigned
county if they wish. This creates more opportunities for hiring and retention. The most difficult drive in
the circuit is between Collier County and 1lendry, Glades, or Charlotte Counties, especially during the
winter season where it can take well over an hour. Though currently practicable, it would not be so if the
geographic area grew larger.

With its unique mix of demographics and topography, 5,400 square miles is an ideal snapshot of
Southwest Florida. It remains manageable even with the steadily increasing population. It is small
enough to still maintain excellent working relationships with all court stakeholders, law enforcement,
elected officials and the community, but large enough to offer great work and lifestyle opportunities for
Assistant State Attorneys and staff.

Very truly yours,

OJ=t?/<
Amira D. Fox
State Attorney of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit

' Source: US Census Bureau and University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research,
2022
"Source: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Community Health Assessment, 2021
"' Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Annual State Summary Crime Data Reports
2012~202 1

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