Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made judicial appointments, met with sheriffs, and awarded the state’s best teachers this week.
On Monday, DeSantis appointed Adam Lee, of Gainesville, to serve as Judge on the Alachua County Court, and Deborah Cunningham, of Naples, to serve as Judge on the Collier County Court
According to a release from DeSantis’ office, Lee is a Managing Member at Adam Lee Law PLLC. He has worked at the firm since 2016. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate from the University of Florida. Lee fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jaworski.
Cunningham served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit since 2000. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and her juris doctorate from the University of Florida. Cunningham fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Brown.
Earlier today, DeSantis addressed the Florida Sheriffs Association to reaffirm Florida’s support for law enforcement. During his speech, DeSantis noted that crime remains at a 50-year low in the state.
“As long as I am Governor, Florida will support our law enforcement officers and ensure they have the resources they need,” DeSantis said. “Florida is the national model of a law-and-order state.”
DeSantis has been touting Florida’s Law Enforcement Recruitment Program, which provides bonuses of $5,000 after taxes to new recruits and officers who relocate to Florida from other states. Accorind to DeSantis’ office as well as Attorney General Ashley Moody, more than 5,400 new recruits have taken advantage of the program and moved to the Sunshine State, and the state has rewarded more than $36 million bonuses, to date.
“For a state and its residents to feel safe, strong leadership is essential, and in Florida, we have a Governor who not only believes in law and order but also shows action to implement his belief,” Florida Sheriffs Association President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “The sheriffs want to thank Governor DeSantis for joining us at the Summer Conference to discuss important matters, including the harms of the legalization of marijuana, which will greatly impact the public safety and health of families in the near future.”
DeSantis recognized the five Florida 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists. Governor DeSantis presented each finalist with a $20,000 check. The winner, who will be announced at the annual Teacher of the Year gala on Thursday, July 25, will receive additional awards, bringing his or her total award amount to $50,000.
Below are the five finalists for the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year:
- Samantha Nelson, Florida State University School
- Jennifer Brown, Marion County
- Jaime Suarez, Hernando County
- Dr. Clayton Nylund, Hillsborough County
- Heather Stewart, Walton County
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