Public Defender Julianne Holt To Be Presented Good Government Award

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners will present the 2022 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award to Julianne M. Holt, public defender of the 13th Judicial Circuit.

The presentation is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 6.

The award’s past winners include local leaders such as Judge E.J. Salcines, former Gov. Bob Martinez, former Sheriff David Gee, the late Hillsborough County Commissioner Jan K. Platt and former County Commissioner Lesley “Les” Miller Jr.

A longtime resident of Hillsborough County and a graduate of the University of South Florida and South Texas College of Law, Holt became a special court-appointed public defender in 1987 before her election as public defender of the 13th Judicial Circuit in 1992.

Serving in that capacity for nearly 30 years, she is responsible for more than 200 attorneys and support personnel who provide legal representation to residents in need who cannot afford private counsel.

Her office handles between 40,000 and 45,000 cases each year.

Under her leadership, the Public Defender’s Office has been recognized with numerous awards including the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation and the Equal Opportunity Council Equal Opportunity Employer Award.

In 1996, the county commission established the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award, presented annually to an individual or group of individuals who played a significant role in improving government through leadership and vision.

The award was established in honor of Simmons, a respected government and civic leader who served 21 years on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Through his leadership and guidance, new institutions and communities were created in Hillsborough County, including the University of South Florida and Sun City Center.

He also helped spearhead the construction of Tampa International Airport, the founding of University Community Hospital and the expansion of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

For more information, visit the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award web page.