Six nominees named to fill Florida's Fifth Circuit Court vacancy

August 18, 2010

Florida: After interviewing 18 applicants for the position, the Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announced the six candidates chosen to replace retiring judge Jack Springstead. The position will become available November 30, 2010 and Governor Charlie Crist has 60 days to announced his appointment.

The candidates selected by the commission are:

• Donald Scaglione, judge of the Hernando County Court, Florida;

• John Napolitano and Stephen A. Toner, both lawyers based in Hernando;

• Heidi Davis, a lawyer from Tavares;

• Mark Burnette, lawyer with the Florida Department of Children and Families; and

• Anthony Tatti, Assistant State Attorney.

Once appointed, the new judge will serve until the next general election (more than one year after taking office) before facing an election.