ORLANDO, Fla. – A pioneer in the implementation of Teen Courts across Florida, Kathleen “Katie” Self of Sarasota has been selected to receive The Florida Bar Foundation’s 2011 Medal of Honor Award for a non-lawyer.

Self began serving as the executive director of Florida’s first Teen Court in 1989 when it was still a fledgling project of the Junior League of Sarasota. Self essentially volunteered her services during the Teen Court of Sarasota’s start-up years. Since that time she has overseen the program’s growth from 60 delinquency referrals that first year to a current caseload of 500 at-risk youth and more than 250 student volunteers annually. In its 22 years…

Gulf Coast Builders Exchange Board Chairman Jeff Charlotte & Executive Director Mary Dougherty-Slapp coordinated GCBX members on August 8th at Knight Trail Park to build a new obstacle course at Knight Trail Park. Helping the GCBX members was Sheriff Tom Knight and members of Boy Scout Troop 50. This community service project will benefit area youth that have been referred to Sarasota County’s Teen Court. Many of the youth, ages 10-17, are charged with the possession of illegal substances or have tested positive during their initial assessment in the Teen Court office. To reduce further crime among that most at-risk population, a sanction was developed to provide these at-risk youth a hands-on opportunity to learn both the negative impact that bad choices have on their lives and their families…