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11 days after deciding, Gov. DeSantis announces appointment of Kristine Van Vorst to 8th Circuit bench

Alachua County Judge Kristine Van Vorst is bound for the 8th Judicial Circuit bench, courtesy of an appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Governor’s Office announced the move Tuesday, 11 days after informing Van Vorst of his decision and three days after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida dropped a lawsuit over the matter.

Van Vorst has served as an Alachua County Judge since 2017, when then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed her, according to her 8th Circuit bio. She previously worked in private practice and as a general magistrate and hearing officer for the 8th Judicial Circuit, which includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties.

Her soon-to-be former assignments with the County Court include the Criminal and Civil Traffic divisions, and the County Canvassing Board.

She holds a Juris Doctor and bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. The Florida Bar admitted her in 2002.

Van Vorst fills a vacancy on the 8th Judicial Circuit created by the April retirement of Judge Mark Moseley. She was one of five people who applied to succeed him. Others include Michael Lee Becker, Joy Leigh Lane Danne, Doreen T. Inkeles and Lorelie Papel Brannan, the wife of Macclenny Republican Rep. Chuck Brannan.

Ashley Moody honors Putnam County deputy for saving 1-year-old’s life

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody recognized a quick-thinking Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy for his part in saving the life of a 1-year-old boy in January.

Moody presented Deputy Colt Wade a “Florida’s Finest Award.” She called Wade a hero for his part in the episode.

“The quick and heroic action of Putnam County Deputy Colt Wade saved the life of an innocent child. Deputy Wade is the embodiment of courage, compassion and commitment, an example of unwavering dedication to the mission and safety of our communities, and undoubtedly one of Florida’s Finest. It was my honor to recognize his life-saving action,” Moody said during the ceremony.

In late January, Putnam County Sheriff’s officials got a 911 call in the Satsuma area that a 1-year-old was unresponsive at a home. WJXT-TV Channel 4 reported that a 33-year-old man brought the unconscious child to a Sheriff’s patrol car when Wade arrived.

Wade immediately provided aid to the boy until medical first responders arrived.

Record year for Burmese python program means fewer snakes, more hope for native wildlife

More than 20 tons of Burmese python have now been pulled from the wilds of Southwest Florida by one of the region’s most enduring and effective science teams.

In early June, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida announced it had removed more than 6,300 pounds of snakes during the most recent six-month season, pushing the program’s total haul past the 40,000-pound mark since its launch in 2013.

The numbers are astonishing. But they only begin to tell the story.

As Ian Bartoszek, the wildlife biologist who oversees the nonprofit's python program, is fond of asking "What do you think it took to make 40,000 pounds of Burmese python?"

The answer has been revealed on the snake lab’s black-topped table, where the captured pythons get post-mortem exams, called necropsies. “Most of what we're looking for is diet, so we look at the gut contents,” says intern-turned-Conservancy-biologist Ian Easterling.

Working with research collaborators at the University of Florida, the scientists have identified prey pieces including deer hooves, alligator scales, bobcat claws. To date, they’ve documented the snakes eating at least 85 species in Florida, including foxes, rabbits, raccoons, birds, reptiles, and wild hogs.

DeSantis Taps Collins for Lieutenant Governor

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed Sen. Jay Collins, a Tampa Republican and retired Army Green Beret, to the long-vacant position of lieutenant governor amid speculation that Collins could run for governor in 2026.

DeSantis said he selected Collins, who served 23 years in the military, based on recent actions such as assisting rescue workers in areas of the state hit by hurricanes and participating in efforts to rescue Floridians in Israel. DeSantis said Collins would be capable of serving as governor “if the need were ever to arise.”

“I think he’s been one of the most productive senators we have had in modern Florida history,” DeSantis said while making the announcement at the Tampa Green Beret Association’s Team House. “And on all the big issues, he not only was an ally of mine, he was standing up for you.”

DeSantis characterized Collins as “a warrior” and “not necessarily seeking the camera, but just seeking to make a difference.” That included supporting efforts on issues such as combatting illegal immigration and revamping election laws.

Collins, who was sworn in to the $135,000-a-year position by Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans, told DeSantis, who served in the Navy, “I have your back.”