TALLAHASSEE, FL - On May 7, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announces two judicial appointments: 

Lauren Blocker, of Ponte Vedra, to serve as Judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court

Blocker has served as a County Court Judge for St. Johns County since 2021. Previously, she was Corporate Counsel for Fidelity Information Services, LLC. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Blocker fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Foxman.  

Michele Simonsen, of New Smyrna Beach, to serve as Judge on the Volusia County Court

Simonsen has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit since 1998. Previously, she served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Federal Public Defender’s Office. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and her juris doctor from the University of Florida. Simonsen fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Miller.