Citrus County Bar Association

08/14/2026

We had an amazing August kick-off meeting for CCBA in honor of the wonderful Judge Trish Thomas. May she RIP. This event is just the fun thing she loved to do! We collected donations in her honor for her favorite causes. It was a great evening to gather and celebrate the new bar year and honor her memory. And we enjoyed duckpin bowling!! Very fun!!!

07/15/2026

Celebration of Life for Judge Patricia "Trish" Thomas

https://chasdavis.com/wordpress/2026/07/12/the-honorable-judge-patricia-trish-v-thomas-ret/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTErFpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE1cUJwc0o1Q3pyYTNKNVVNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHj6jH7jeMz1CgwaWPAd48RQ5LgSxP1yhlrq_-12PJxRJ7o2tK4yNma7jm97q_aem_0mqJaVX5yeYuqvLVV3y-Lw

The Honorable Judge Patricia “Trish” V. Thomas (Ret.) July 12, 2026 628 1 The Honorable Judge Patricia “Trish” V. Thomas (Ret.) of Hernando passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026. She was born December 31, 1951, to Robert and Charleton Galloway Butler in Gainesville, and grew up in Florida,...

07/13/2026

👟 HEY CITRUS COUNTY…
WE NEED SHOES! ❤️

Every day, middle and high school students in Citrus County walk into school wearing shoes that are worn out, too small, or simply not appropriate for school.

You can help change that.

We’re collecting new and gently used shoes in all youth and adult sizes to help local students step into the school year with confidence, comfort, and dignity.

📍 Drop-off Locations:
Crystal River Middle School
344 NE Crystal St., Crystal River

Crystal River Foursquare Church
7081 W. Sara Ln., Crystal River

Your donation may seem like just a pair of shoes—but to a student, it can mean confidence, belonging, and the opportunity to succeed.

❤️ Help us make a difference for Citrus County students. Please donate, share this post, and invite others to join us!

07/12/2026

Waking up to the sad news that Judge Patricia "Trish" Thomas passed away early this morning. She was an amazing Judge and great friend. She gave so much back to our community. Trish had a huge heart, a wonderful sense of humor and her smile lit up the room. She will be so missed. Much love and many prayers to her family. 💔😰🙏🏻🙏🏻

07/12/2026

Waking up to the sad news that Judge Patricia "Trish" Thomas passed away. She was an amazing Judge and great friend. She gave so much back to our community. Trish had a huge heart, a wonderful sense of humor and her smile lit up the room. She will be so missed. Much love and many prayers to her family. 💔😰🙏🏻🙏🏻

At Trish Thomas' surprise retirement party in 2018, retired Judge Barbara Gurrola recalled the assignment she didn't want.

04/14/2026

Now's the time....

04/09/2026

❤️💙❤️💙 this was a well-deserved honor that we were happy to bestow on Captain Troy Hess.

Thank you to the Citrus County Bar Association for recognizing the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s very own 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝘀𝘀 during this year’s ceremony, where he was presented with the prestigious Liberty Bell Award.

The Liberty Bell Award is one of the 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙣𝙤𝙣‑𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙮𝙚𝙧. It is reserved for individuals whose service strengthens our community by promoting civic responsibility, respect for the rule of law, and a deeper understanding of our constitutional principles.

Captain Hess embodies those values every day. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service continue to make a lasting impact on Citrus County, both within our agency and throughout the community he serves.


(1836)

04/09/2026

Law Day 2026 is in the books!!! It was a wonderful gathering. ❤️❤️Thank you to Traci Perry, Citrus County Clerk of Court for leading the Pledge of Allegiance dedicated to Judge Richard "Ric" Howard. Thank you to Pastor Doug Alexander for the blessing of Law Day and our meal. We are very thankful for the 5th DCA Judges who came to Citrus County and conducted oral arguments for our Citrus County Students. We had a moment of silence for Judge Richard "Ric" Howard...may he Rest in Peace. President Melisa Militello awards Captain Troy Hess of CCSO the Liberty Bell Award. Well deserved and definitely a surprise to him. We were honored to acknowledge all Troy has done for Citrus County, the Sheriff's Office, the legal community and the Judicial System. We are blessed to have a man like him looking out for us all. It was a nice time to see everyone and catch up. Thank you to Judge Carol Falvey, Kathy Rector, Court Administrator and Linda Holm for always being so helpful and supportive to CCBA! Thank you to Judge Spaight and Joan Gaither for ALWAYS giving a a helping hand with whatever needs doing. You are all the bestest! Have a great weekend everyone!! Melisa

12/05/2025

We dropped off the big haul and $560.00
this morning at The Family Resource Center. Thank you to all our members that participated!! Merry Christmas ❤️💚🎄💚❤️
Very thankful for our team at Melisa L. Militello, P.A. The 10th annual Toy Party collection for the Citrus County Family Resource Center was a great success. I soo appreciate all the hard work everyone in my office puts into this event. You all are the best!! Every year my office sponsors a toy and money collection patty on behalf of the Citrus County Bar Association. It is well attended by local attorneys, Judges, clerks and courthouse personnel who all donate toys and/ or $$. We had an amazing night. Music by Mark Smythe Gypsy Sparrow. Wonderful time. Thank you Oscar Penn's Jason Counsil, Ron Dillon, 9 State Brewery, Angelottis, Stumpknockers, Rosario from La Pergola, and Yanira Colón for preparing delicious food!!
❤️💚🎄💚❤️

12/05/2025

Very thankful for Melisa L. Militello, P.A. 10th annual Toy Party collection for the Citrus County Family Resource Center. Every year Melisa sponsors a toy and money collection party on behalf of the Citrus County Bar Association. It is well attended by local attorneys, Judges, clerks and courthouse personnel who all donate toys and/ or $$.

From Melisa: We had an amazing night. Music by Mark Smythe Gypsy Sparrow. Wonderful time. Very thankful for our team at Melisa L. Militello, P.A. The 10th annual Toy Party collection for the Citrus County Family Resource Center was a great success. I soo appreciate all the hard work everyone in my office puts into this event. You all are the best!! Music by Mark Smythe Gypsy Sparrow. Thank you Oscar Penn's Jason Counsil, Ron Dillon, 9 State Brewery, Angelottis, Stumpknockers, Rosario from La Pergola, and Yanira Colón for preparing delicious food!!
❤️💚🎄💚❤️