Consolidation of 14th Judicial Circuit Under Consideration

Panama City, FL– A public survey is open on a proposal to consolidate the 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Bay County, into the Tallahassee or Pensacola circuits.

The 14th Judicial Circuit is currently made up of Bay, Gulf, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, and Calhoun counties. The Tallahassee Circuit is made up of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties. The Pensacola Circuit is made up of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.

Proponents of the redistricting say it would save money by reducing the number of judges and court staff. They also say it would make it easier to share resources and expertise between circuits.

However, opponents of the redistricting say it would have a negative impact on victims of crime and the ability of local residents to have a say in their judicial system.

One of the concerns is that victims of crime would have to travel further to meet with their prosecutors or defense attorneys. This could be especially difficult for victims who are already struggling to cope with the emotional and financial impact of crime.

Another concern is that the consolidation would dilute the power of local voters in judicial elections. Under the current system, voters in the 14th Judicial Circuit elect their own state attorney and public defender. If the circuit were consolidated, voters in Bay County would have to vote for the state attorney and public defender for the entire consolidated circuit. This could make it more difficult for local residents to hold their elected officials accountable.

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, there are other potential impacts of the redistricting that should be considered. For example, the consolidation could lead to longer wait times for trials, as there would be fewer judges to hear cases. It could also make it more difficult for defendants to find qualified lawyers, as there would be fewer lawyers practicing in the consolidated circuit.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consolidate the 14th Judicial Circuit is a complex one that should be made after careful consideration of all the potential impacts. The public survey is an important opportunity for residents of the 14th Judicial Circuit to share their thoughts on the proposal.

The survey is open until September 15. You can take the survey online or by calling 850-747-7165.

The Florida Supreme Court will make the final decision on whether to consolidate the 14th Judicial Circuit.