After 2nd suspension of a state attorney, fears grow over GOP plan to consolidate districts
Some prosecutors oppose plan to reduce Fla.'s judicial circuits
Gov. Ron DeSantis ouster of Central Florida prosecutor Monique Worrell is enflaming concerns about a broader effort to revamp Floridas judicial circuits, fearing it is aimed at further consolidating power under the state's Republican leadership.
Worrells suspension Wednesday by DeSantis followed his removal last year of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, a twice-elected Democrat. Only four state attorneys who ran for election as Democrats now remain across Floridas 20 judicial circuits.
Worrell was state attorney for Orange and Osceola Counties and the only Black woman serving as an elected Florida prosecutor.
A review underway could be a prelude to the GOP-controlled Legislature changing and consolidating Floridas judicial boundaries, a move viewed by critics as intended to enhance the party's control of the court system.
It is nothing short of an attempt to gerrymander, allowing Republicans to place voters where they want them and in the specific areas they want them to be in, said state Rep. Ashely Gantt, a Miami Democrat.
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/08/10/effort-to-consolidate-floridas-judicial-circuits-brings-backlash/70557250007/