DeSantis Appoints Three Judges to Twelfth Judicial Circuit Covering Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of three new judges to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, expanding the bench that serves Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

The appointments include Hillary Ellis of Lakewood Ranch, Guy Flowers of Port Charlotte and Andrea Johnson of Bradenton. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit handles a wide range of cases across the three-county region, including criminal, civil, family and probate matters, and the new judges are expected to help manage caseload demands in one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing areas.

Ellis will serve as a judge on the Manatee County Court. She has been working as an attorney with The Law Place since 2023 and brings prior legal experience in private practice. Her appointment fills a need at the county court level, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions and smaller civil disputes.

Flowers, who has served as a county judge in DeSoto County since 2022, will transition into his new role within the circuit. His judicial experience provides continuity and familiarity with the region’s court system, particularly in handling county-level cases and courtroom administration.

Johnson, a Bradenton resident, has been serving as a partner and chair at the law firm Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea & Johnson P.L.L.C. since 2025. Her background in complex civil litigation and leadership within the firm positions her for responsibilities at the circuit level, where cases often involve higher stakes and more intricate legal issues.

Judicial appointments in Florida are made by the governor from a list of candidates recommended by a judicial nominating commission. Judges selected in this way must stand for election in subsequent cycles to retain their seats.

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit continues to see increasing demand due to population growth across Manatee and Sarasota counties, making judicial appointments a key component in maintaining timely access to the courts.