Gov. DeSantis appoints new judges to the St. Lucie County, First Circuit, and Santa Rosa County courts
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced four judicial appointments November 7.
Lauren Sweet of Stuart to serve as judge on the St. Lucie County Court
Sweet has served as an assistant general counsel for the School Board of St. Lucie County since 2022. Previously, she served as an assistant state attorney in the 19th Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Sweet fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Kathryn Nelson.
Ryan Love of Pace to serve as judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court
Love has served as an assistant United States attorney in the Northern District of Florida since 2008. Previously, he served as an assistant state attorney in the First Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Love fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Kelvin Clyde Wells.
David Stevens of Niceville to serve as judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court
Stevens has served as the deputy chief assistant state attorney in the First Judicial Circuit since 2023. Previously, he was the owner of Stevens Law Firm, PLLC. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his juris doctor from Regent University School of Law. Stevens fills the judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
Matthew Gordon of Pensacola to serve as judge on the Santa Rosa County Court
Gordon has served as an assistant state attorney in the First Judicial Circuit since 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Gordon fills the judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
