Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA, has been appointed by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz to serve on the Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee.
As described in a release from the Supreme Court, "The Court acknowledges the need for a thorough evaluation and study of the potential consolidation of Florida's judicial circuits. To facilitate this process, we are appointing an assessment committee that will carefully assess the necessity of consolidation, considering the criteria outlined in rule 2.241. Through meaningful consultations with key stakeholders, including chief judges, court budget commissions, The Florida Bar, and the public, we aim to make well-informed decisions that preserve the efficiency, integrity, and public confidence in our judicial system."
“It is an honor to be appointed to serve on this workgroup,” Clerk Butterfield said. “It is good business practice and good government to periodically review operations to ensure full efficiency and effectiveness. I look forward to contributing to the group’s work and providing thoughtful consideration and study of what will best serve our state.”
In Administrative Order No. AOSC23-35, Chief Justice Muñiz directs the Committee to fulfill specific responsibilities regarding the evaluation of the potential consolidation of Florida's judicial circuits. The committee is instructed to limit its findings and recommendations to the need for consolidation, focusing on reducing the number of judicial circuits. It is further directed to assume that the boundaries of the district court of appeals will remain unchanged throughout its assessment. Additionally, the Committee is required to adhere to the criteria established in rule 2.241, which outlines detailed factors for consideration. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, the Committee must engage in consultations with chief judges, court budget commissions, The Florida Bar, and the public, as well as other justice system entities deemed relevant. Chief Justice Muñiz's directive underscores the significance of the Committee's role in informing the Court's decision-making process and upholding the quality, efficiency, and public confidence in the judicial system. The Committee's findings and recommendations are expected by Dec. 1.
The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber serves as Chair of the Committee.
Additional members include:
- The Honorable Keith A. Carsten, Circuit Court Judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Shawn Crane, Chief Judge-Elect, Sixth Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Jonathan D. Gerber, Appellate Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeal
- Mr. W. Braxton Gillam, IV, Attorney at Law, Jacksonville
- The Honorable Glenn Kelley, Chief Judge, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Christopher Kelly, Circuit Court Judge, Seventh Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Robert W. Lee, County Court Judge, Broward County
- Mr. Laird A. Lile, Attorney at Law, Naples
- The Honorable Carlos J. Martinez, Public Defender, Eleventh Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Diana L. Moreland, Chief Judge-Elect, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Melissa W. Nelson, State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Linda L. Nobles, Circuit Court Judge, First Judicial Circuit
- The Honorable Margaret O. Steinbeck, Circuit Court Judge, Twentieth Judicial Circuit
The full details about the Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee are available in the Court News section of www.flcourts.org.