Tampabay: 2 area judges make list for appellate job

2 area judges make list for appellate job

The Pasco-Pinellas and Hillsborough judges are nominees for an opening on the 2nd District Court of Appeal.

By CANDACE RONDEAUX, Times Staff Writer

A list of candidates sent to Gov. Jeb Bush for an opening on the 2nd District Court of Appeal includes judges from the Hillsborough and Pasco-Pinellas circuits.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Debra K. Behnke and Pasco-Pinellas Judge Craig C. Villanti, who sits on the criminal bench in New Port Richey, were among six candidates submitted to Bush Friday by the Judicial Nominating Commission.

Behnke began as a county judge in 1988 and moved to the circuit bench in 1992. She ran unsuccessfully for chief circuit judge against F. Dennis Alvarez in 2001. If selected, she will become the third woman appointed to the 2nd DCA by Bush.

This is the second time the commission has submitted Villanti's name for consideration for a seat on the appellate bench. Villanti, who was elected to the bench in 1992, was also selected in August as a possible finalist to replace Judge Oliver L. Green.

Instead, the governor gave that spot to his former general counsel, Charles T. Canady, in November.

The commission interviewed 31 applicants during its search to replace the appellate court's current chief judge, John R. Blue.

Blue, 69, will retire Jan. 31.

Polk County Judge Michael E. Raiden, who served as a staff attorney for the 2nd DCA from 1984 to 1994, and Lee Circuit Judge James Hall Seals are the other judges named for consideration.

Brandon lawyer Alan E. DeSerio and Bradenton lawyer Douglas A. Wallace are also nominees.