Ron DeSantis Names Four New Judges

At the end of last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced four judicial appointments, one to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, one to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, one to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court, and one to the Okaloosa County Court.

Jason Nimeth, of Mount Dora, to serve as Judge on the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.

Nimeth has served as a Judge on the Lake County Court since his appointment by Governor DeSantis in 2019. Previously, he served as an Assistant State Attorney for eight years in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Barry University. Nimeth fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge S. Sue Robbins.

Brian Gnage, of Pinellas Park, to serve as Judge on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court.

Gnage has served as a Judge on the Pinellas County Court since January 2021 after his appointment by Governor DeSantis in 2020. Previously, he served as an Assistant State Attorney for ten years in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Stetson University. Gnage fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Linda R. Allan.

Kathryn Speicher, of Merritt Island, to serve as Judge on the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

Speicher has served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit since 2006. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Stetson University. Speicher fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey Mahl.

Jonathan “Jack” Schlechter, of Niceville, to serve as Judge on the Okaloosa County Court.

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Schlechter has worked as an attorney at AnchorsGordon, P.A. since 2019. Previously, he served as an Assistant State Attorney for 10 years in the First Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida Coastal. Schlechter fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Patricia Grinsted.