ALUMNI PROFILE
2022 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Frances Werner-Watkins
At the annual Student Life and Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony , held at the Instructional Performing Arts Center this past spring , Frances Werner- Watkins was honored as PHSC ’ s 2022 Distinguished Alumna of the Year .
Frances Werner-Watkins comes from a family that has been and is still engaged in the building of Pasco County from its inception . Her family is one of Florida ’ s Pioneer families , recognized by the State of Florida for being here for over 100 years . Her ancestry includes a long line of politicians , builders , developers and policy makers in the community . The Werner- Boyce Salt Springs Run State Park , over 3,200 acres located along the Gulf of Mexico in West Pasco , is named after her father and his partner , who were both contributors to the establishment of the county . Growing up immersed in the history and politics of Pasco County , Frances has a unique sense of community and is keenly committed to the youth of this county .
As a criminal defense attorney , dealing mainly with juvenile law , she represents juveniles in misdemeanor and felony cases . In her role as an Assistant State Attorney , she was the first prosecutor placed directly into the Pasco County School system in 2001 . In that role , she provided county-wide educational presentations on Juvenile Law , Bullying and Harassment on School Campuses to over 20,000 students , educators , members of law enforcement , parents and other interested groups . She helped to implement many programs , among them : the Truancy Intervention Program and the Judges in Schools . Additionally , she was instrumental in the production of teaching videos used in Pinellas and Pasco County schools : “ Not Free ” and “ It Never Goes Away ,” both focusing on the effects of juvenile crime . Her focus has always been prevention through education . The Board of County Commissioners appointed Frances to the Children ’ s Steering Advisory Committee in 2002 . She was a trainer for the Teen Court Program for six years and continues to volunteer throughout the county , sharing her passion of positively influencing the youth within our community .
After graduating with an Associate in Arts from PHSC in 1991 , Frances earned her bachelor ’ s degree in 1994 from the University of South Florida . In 1998 , she graduated with her law degree from Nova Southeastern University
Shepard Broad Law Center . Frances was an active member of the Moot Court competition teams and was privileged to argue before the
1st District Court of Appeals as a secondyear law student . Frances later became an officer within the organization to help lower-classmen participate in statewide competitions .
In 1998 , Frances was admitted to the Florida Bar and has practiced law in Pasco County ever since . Frances continues to practice in the areas of juvenile and criminal law and is expanding her practice to include personal injury and wrongful death cases with Laporte , Mulligan & Werner-Watkins , P . A .
Frances is involved within the school system ’ s community and in the larger community as a member of various organizations . She is a graduate of Leadership Pasco Class of 2011 that raised money to build a kennel and facility for the Pasco County Sheriff ’ s Office K-9 unit . As an attorney with LMW Attorneys , Frances ’ ongoing passion is ensuring that the citizens in our community have the opportunity to enjoy the best that Pasco County has to offer .
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