ORLANDO – The Honorable Scott D. Polodna, who began his service as a judge in 2006, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, after losing his battle with cancer. He was 51.
“Judge Polodna’s death is a great loss to his family, his friends, and to the citizens of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, especially in Osceola County,” stated Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten. “He was a dedicated colleague, and a dignified, compassionate person and jurist. He helped many people improve and change their lives.”
Judge Polodna has served the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for over 10 years as a circuit judge in Osceola County in the criminal division, and in the civil division specializing in probate, guardianship, and mental health issues.
Born in Chicago, IL, Judge Polodna moved to Florida 40 years ago. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a law degree from the University of Florida. Judge Polodna taught criminal evidence at Valencia College, and served as an assistant public defender for 10 years in the Orange-Osceola Public Defender’s Office and as an assistant county attorney in Osceola. Judge Polodna’s commitments to the community included board service with Community Vision and the Osceola Education Foundation. He was a 2002 graduate of Leadership Osceola, leading a project aimed at protecting and preserving environmentally sensitive lands.
In commemoration of Judge Polodna’s passing, Chief Lauten has entered an administrative order cancelling court proceedings in Orange and Osceola Counties on Monday, December 12, 2016, between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. This is to allow judges, staff, court deputies, and members of the legal community to attend the funeral service for Judge Polodna, scheduled for 11:00 am on Monday, December 12, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Kissimmee.
For additional information or questions, please contact Karen Levey at 407-836-2047 or via email at ctadkl1@ocnjcc.org.