Panel seeks new judge

BRADENTON — The 12th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission, for which Florida Gov. Rick Scott recently appointed three new members, is primed to fill a vacancy.

Chaired by local homebuilder Pat Neal, the commission seeks a replacement for longtime Manatee County Judge George Brown Jr., who recently announced he would retire Feb. 28, citing some health and medical issues.

Brown's term isn't over, so Scott will replace the judge. The nine-member commission will submit three to six candidates to the governor. The commission will judge the candidates on a list of qualifications, from legal system knowledge to judicial experience to professional conduct. The commission recently announced it plans to hold several meetings in November to discuss the vacancy and meet with candidates.