Leon County News and Events
Honorable Judge James Charles Hankinson Courtroom Dedication
Join us for the dedication of Courtroom 3A in honor of Judge James C. Hankinson on Friday, June 28 at 3 p.m. in the Leon County Courthouse.
Judge Hankinson, appointed to the bench in 2002 by Governor Jeb Bush, exemplified unwavering dedication and innovation throughout his tenure. As a circuit judge, he presided over some of the most serious and complicated criminal trials in Leon County. Notably, Judge Hankinson was instrumental in establishing the Second Judicial Circuit’s animal therapy program, which allows therapy dogs to comfort children testifying in criminal court. This program has now been expanded to dependency and delinquency proceedings, and even includes adults in certain cases. This program was the first in the State of Florida and serves as the model for the rest of the State and courts throughout the country.
Judge Hankinson was also a frequent instructor at the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges and the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies. Judge Hankinson retired in 2020 and passed away on July 6, 2023.
Leon County Supports Big Bend Crime Solvers
For 40 years, Big Bend Crime Solvers has empowered our community to report crime safely and anonymously. Submit tips through their 24/7 hotline at (850) 574-TIPS, the P3 mobile app for deaf and hard-of-hearing, or their website at BBCrimeSolvers.org. With rewards of $500-$5,000, your tip can prevent a crime or lead to an arrest. Check your tip’s status online and claim your cash reward discreetly.
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