Culverhouse donates $25,000 to Sarasota Teen Court

Prominent Sarasota businessman and philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr., a former practicing attorney, has donated $25,000 to Teen Court of Sarasota, a nonprofit youth diversion program that gives juvenile offenders an opportunity to avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal record.

During the past six years, Teen Court has served more than 3,900 local youth, with participation increasing by more than 110% since 2020. In 2024, 829 teens went through the program, diverting them from traditional prosecution while saving Sarasota County an estimated $4.2 million in juvenile justice costs.

“Teen Court offers not just a second chance, but an opportunity for these young people to grow, reflect and build a better future without the lifelong burden of a criminal record,” said Culverhouse, who early in his career served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida, in a news release.

Culverhouse is CEO and owner of Palmer Ranch Holdings.

Serving youth ages 8-18, Teen Court of Sarasota is a voluntary program that allows participants to admit responsibility and receive constructive sentencing from a jury of their peers. Sentences often include community service, counseling, restitution and jury duty in future cases, supporting personal accountability and civic awareness.

In addition to his support for Teen Court, in 2023, he donated $150,000 to sustain Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Treatment Court, a jail diversion program that provides treatment and support for non-violent offenders with serious mental illness. 

Last year, following cuts to Sarasota County’s legal aid budget, Culverhouse donated $100,000 to Legal Aid of Manasota, helping to provide free legal assistance to thousands of residents including veterans, survivors of domestic violence, low-income families and elderly clients.

Teen Court of Sarasota will host its inaugural fundraiser, dubbed Justice & Jammies Gala, at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Art Ovation Hotel in downtown Sarasota. The event will highlight the program’s impact, recognize key community partners and raise funds to expand youth diversion and development services. 

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available. For more information or to make a donation, visit SarasotaTeenCourt.org.