Phil Ammann
With the end of 2015 less than two weeks away, Gov. Rick Scott announced a wave of seven statewide judicial appointments.
Scott began by naming John Guy and Steven Whittington to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.
Guy, 51, of Jacksonville, has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit since 1993 and is the Managing Director of the office. He fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mallory D. Cooper.
Whittington, 48, of Orange Park, is a partner with Whittington & Culbert, P.A. He began his legal career with the Robert Augustus Harper Law Firm, P.A. in 1995. Whittington fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Lawrence Page Haddock, Jr.
“John and Steven have both exhibited the qualities needed to fairly serve Florida families on the Fourth Circuit bench,” Scott said in a statement. “I am confident they will do a great job.”
Scott then announced the appointment of Jennifer Bass to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, which served citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.
Bass, 41, of Ocala, has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial State Attorney’s Office since 2009. Previously, she was a law clerk to the Honorable Gary Jones of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. Bass fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Hale R. Stancil.
“In her role over the past six years as the assistant state attorney, Jennifer has demonstrated her dedication to serving Florida families with integrity and honor,” Scott said. “I am proud to appoint Jennifer to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.”
Next, the governor appointed Declan Mansfield to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Pasco and Pinellas county.
Mansfield, 64, of Bayonet Point, is a partner with Bianco & Mansfield, P.A. where he has practiced since 1991. He previously practiced with Carter and Charnock and also served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Circuit from 1987-1991. Mansfield served as the Assistant District Attorney in New York for the Westchester County District Attorney from 1979-1987. He began his legal career as an attorney with the Carvel Corporation in 1977. He fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge William R. Webb.
“Declan has many years of experience in the courtroom and demonstrates a clear understanding of the law,” Scott said. “I’m confident in his ability to serve Florida families on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court bench.”
Seventh Judicial Circuit Court
Scott also named Elizabeth Blackburn and Mary Jolley to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Flagler, Putnam, St. John’s and Volusia County.
Blackburn, 55, of Daytona Beach, is a partner with Cobb Cole, P.A. and previously practiced with Revis & Blackburn, P.A. from 1997-2015. Blackburn began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit in 1988. She fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge William A. Parsons.
Jolley, 46, of New Smyrna, has served as an Assistant County Attorney for Volusia County since 2010. Previously, she served as an Assistant Attorney General from 1996-2010. Jolley fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge C. McFerrin Smith, III.
“I am confident that Elizabeth and Mary will be great additions to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court,” Scott said. “Both have shown their commitment to serving Florida families during their many years of service in our state.”
Scott’s final judicial appointment in the series was Daryl Isenhower to the St. Lucie County Court.
Isenhower, 44, of Port St. Lucie, has served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Major Crimes Division for the 19th Judicial Circuit since 1996. He fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Cliff Barnes.
“With almost a decade of service on the 19th Judicial Circuit, Daryl has proven his commitment to serving Florida families with fairness,” Scott said. “I am confident he will continue to serve honorably on the St. Lucie County Court bench.”
