Live Oak’s Fina named chief judge, 3rd Circuit

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June 29, 2009

Circuit Judge David W. Fina of Live Oak has been picked as the next chief judge of the Third Judicial Circuit. He was elected to the post by his fellow Third Circuit judges, and he will replace the current chief judge, Circuit Judge E. Vernon Douglas, when Douglas' 2-year term expires Tuesday. This will be Fina's first term as chief judge.

Fina was admitted to the Florida Bar in March 1984 and he spent more than 20 years as a Third Circuit assistant state attorney. In March 2005 he was appointed to the bench by Governor Jeb Bush to replace retiring Circuit Judge Thomas J. Kennon, Jr. His judicial assignments have included felony cases in Columbia County, felony and civil cases in Suwannee County and civil cases in Madison County.

As chief judge, Fina will be responsible for the administration and supervision of the courts and ensuring timely disposition of cases within the Circuit. Fina's office will remain in Live Oak at the Suwannee County Courthouse.

"It's a true privilege to serve the people of the Third Judicial Circuit as their next chief judge," said Fina. "I am honored to be selected by the judges of our county and circuit courts. We are facing challenging economic conditions combined with ever increasing court dockets. My goal is to ensure access to justice for our citizens and members of the (Florida) Bar. I look forward to working with the clerks of court and others in our judicial system in an effort to obtain the best, most efficient, and effective judicial branch of government."

The Third Judicial Circuit serves the people of Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties.