Governor makes seven judicial appointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces seven judicial appointments late February 27, including:Kimberly Bocelli of Ft. Myers to serve as judge on the 20th Judicial Circuit Court
Bocelli has served as a Lee County judge since she was appointed by Gov. DeSantis in 2023. Previously, she served as a general magistrate for the 20th Judicial Circuit. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Florida. Bocelli fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mary Evans.
Turner Rouse of Punta Gorda to serve as judge on the Charlotte County Court
Rouse has worked as the owner of The Rouse Law Firm since 2020. Previously, he was an assistant state attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and his juris doctor from Southern Illinois University. Rouse fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John Burns.
Shanae Pickens of Ocala to serve as judge on the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court
Pickens has served as an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 2022. Previously, she worked as an associate at Absolute Law Group. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Radford University and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Pickens fills a judicial vacancy created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508.
Benjamine Boylston of Leesburg to serve as judge on the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court
Boylston has worked as the owner of The Law Offices of Ben Boylston since 2016. Previously, he worked as a partner at Stuart, Mount, Beasly, & Boylston. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Boylston fills a judicial vacancy created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508.
Jason Smith of Spring Hill to serve as judge on the Hernando County Court
Smith has worked as a partner at Smith Cors Law since 2020. Previously, he was the owner of Jason Smith Legal. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Flagler College and his juris doctor from Regent University. Smith fills a judicial vacancy created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508.
Nicole Saunders of Fleming Island to serve as judge on the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court
Saunders has served as an administrative law judge for the Division of Administrative Hearings since 2023. Previously, she served as a deputy general counsel for the Florida Department of Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University and her juris doctor from the University of Florida. Saunders fills a judicial vacancy created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508.
Sarah Bell of Fernandina Beach to serve as judge on the Nassau County Court
Bell has served as an assistant attorney general for the Florida Attorney General’s Office since 2022. Previously, she served as an assistant state attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Canisius College and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Bell fills a judicial vacancy created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508.
