Opening for circuit judge in Polk County draws 13 applicants

The Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10^th Judicial Circuit has received 13 applications for a circuit judge vacancy.

The opening occurred with the retirement of Circuit Judge Larry Helms.

The applicants are Victoria J. Avalon, assistant state attorney for the 10^th Judicial Circuit; Kevin Kohl, a Polk County Court judge; Lakeisha Babers, a Winter Haven lawyer; Adam Patton, a Lakeland lawyer; G. Cory Chastang, a Bartow lawyer; Brandon Rafool, a Polk County Court judge; Allison Fox, assistant state attorney for the 10^th Judicial Circuit; Jennifer Steimle, a child support hearing officer in Bartow; Anne Gibson, a Bartow lawyer; John Waters, a Lakeland lawyer; Ruth Knight, assistant public defender for the 10^th Judicial Circuit; Tara Wheat, assistant public defender for the 10^th Judicial Circuit; and Rachelle Williamson, assistant state attorney for the 10^th Judicial Circuit.

Previously Helms' retirement creates opening on 10th Judicial Circuit Court

North Lakeland quadruple killings Attorneys argue over interviews with 11-year-old survivor

Interviews will be conducted on April 13 at Peterson & Myers, P.A., 225 E. Lemon St., in Lakeland.

The Nominating Commission consists of Julie Landrigan Ball, Walter E. Engle, III, Krista Mahalak, Benjamin W. Hardin, Jr., Frederick Murphy, Jr., Robert S. Swaine, Lydia Zbrzeznj, and Nicholas T. Zbrzeznj.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will make an appointment after receiving the recommendation of the committee.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Opening for circuit judge in Polk County draws 13 applications