Gov. Scott appoints 4 to area judgeships

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday the appointment of John Guy and Steven Whittington to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Clay, Duval and Nassau counties, and Elizabeth  Blackburn and Mary Jolley to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, which covers St. Johns, Putnam and Volusia counties.

Guy, 51, of Jacksonville, has served as an assistant state attorney since 1993 and is the managing director of the office. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Guy fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mallory D. Cooper.

Recommended Videos



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 received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and law degree from Florida State University. Whittington fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Lawrence Page Haddock Jr.

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 received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas and her law degree from Stetson University. Blackburn 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 received her bachelor’s degree from Marymount University and law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Jolley fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge C. McFerrin Smith III.

“John and Steven have both exhibited the qualities needed to fairly serve Florida families on the Fourth Circuit bench. I am confident they will do a great job," Scott said in a statement. “I am confident that Elizabeth and Mary will be great additions to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. Both have shown their commitment to serving Florida families during their many years of service in our state.”