Manatee Veterans Court receives $150,000 in state funding

MANATEE -- A year ago, when it became public State Attorney Ed Brodsky and veterans advocates were looking into the feasibility of establishing a veterans court in Manatee County, a stumbling block appeared.

There was no additional funding for the new court.

Even though hopes were dashed in April 2015 for an anticipated $300,000 in state funding, the 12th Judicial Circuit found a way to make drug court in Manatee County a reality a few months later.

The first session opened Aug. 6, 2015, before Circuit Judge Andrew Owens Jr.

In the new state budget, there is an appropriation of $150,000 for veterans court.

"We are extremely pleased," Brodsky said Wednesday, noting Manatee and Sarasota counties each received $150,000 for veterans court this year.

A key factor in the state funding this year is advocacy from the area, and the desire for Florida to be the most veteran friendly state in the union, said state Sen. Bill Galvano,R-Bradenton.

Also receiving $150,000 each: Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

"A cookie-cutter approach doesn't work. It has to be an integrated approach that faces myriad issues," Galvano said.

Approximately 500 veterans wind up in the judicial system in Manatee and Sarasota annually. Veterans court is an attempt to help veterans facing lower-level charges get the treatment and assistance they need to blend back into society.

Issues contributing to veterans getting into an endless cycle of being arrested and going to jail are substance abuse as a way to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and sexual assault.

"The new funding will allow us to strengthen and expand services to veterans," Brodsky said.

Veterans court is also be

ing planned for Sarasota County.

"We expect to soon be up and running in Sarasota County," Brodsky said.

Manatee County became the 20th of Florida's 67 counties to establish a veterans court.

Shortly after the idea of establishing veterans court in Manatee County was floated, a citizens council formed to assist the program, and provide mentors for vets in the judicial system. The council continues to meet, work with vets, seek grants and train.

Last year, Lee Washington, veterans service officer for Manatee County, summed up the reasons for the strong support the proposal is receiving:

"Men and women coming back from combat now are dealing with a lot of issues. Often, the first we hear about them is when they are arrested. The vet deserves the opportunity, if they can benefit from the program."

James A. Jones Jr., Herald reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 11:28 PM with the headline "Manatee Veterans Court receives $150,000 in state funding ."