Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced four judicial appointments on Thursday, filling vacancies across the state’s First and Nineteenth Judicial Circuits. The appointments include seasoned prosecutors and legal professionals who bring extensive experience to their new roles.
Lauren Sweet has been appointed to the St. Lucie County Court. Sweet, of Stuart, currently serves as an Assistant General Counsel for the School Board of St. Lucie County, a position she has held since 2022.
She previously worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Sweet holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. She will fill the vacancy left by Judge Nelson’s resignation.
READ: Gov. DeSantis Appoints Alexis A. Lambert As Secretary Of Florida DEP
Ryan Love has been appointed to the First Judicial Circuit Court. Love, from Pace, has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Florida since 2008.
His previous roles include 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 position left open by the resignation of Judge Wells.
David Stevens will also serve as a Judge in the First Judicial Circuit Court. Based in Niceville, Stevens has been the Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit since 2023.
Before joining the State Attorney’s Office, he was the owner of Stevens Law Firm, PLLC. Stevens holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a juris doctor from Regent University School of Law. His appointment fills a vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.