DeSantis names new Hillsborough judges
September 25, 2019 - Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Alissa Ellison of Tampa and Jared Smith of Lutz to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Hillsborough County. Ellison has served as a Hillsborough County judge since April 2018 and previously served as a shareholder at GrayRobinson. She fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Chet Tharpe. Smith has served as a Hillsborough County judge since March 2017. He previously served as a partner at Rumberger Kirk and Caldwell as well as a captain in the Air Force. He fills the vacancy created by the confirmation of Judge Tom Barber.