by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
County Court Judge Tyrie Boyer said he will pursue one of three vacant Circuit Court seats up for election in the fall.
Boyer’s term on the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s County Court expires Jan. 1, 2007. He said he will qualify for the Group 34 Circuit Court seat created by the Florida Legislature during the last session.
“My plan, at this stage, is to run for the Group 34 seat,” Boyer said Thursday. “I’m just working out all the details, all the legal logistics, required of a sitting judge. I want to make sure I do it correctly.”
The Florida Division of Elections currently lists Terri McCaulie, wife of Circuit Court Judge Gregg McCaulie, as a candidate for the Group 34 seat. But people familiar with the matter said McCaulie will seek the Group 35 seat. Attorney Daniel Wilensky will also run in Group 35.
In Group 33, the last of three vacancies created by the Legislature, so far attorney Jeff Morrow will run against Elizabeth Senterfitt, an attorney for the State Attorney’s Office.
The qualifying period for the seats closes July 21 at noon. Even if a competitor emerges, Judge Boyer said the campaign wouldn’t distract from his duties on the County Court.
“I wouldn’t let any kind of campaign interfere with my job,” said Boyer. “It’s going to have no impact.”
What kind of impact Boyer’s departure will have on his current seat isn’t known. The Duval County Supervisor of Elections office hasn’t been told whether Boyer’s replacement will be elected or appointed. Supervisor spokesperson Cindy Warner said she expects that answer in the next two weeks.
State election laws require Boyer to withdraw from the election for his current County Court seat. He was running unopposed in that election.
Boyer said he looks at the Circuit Court as an “elevation” from his County Court seat. He also said the Circuit Court will provide him with more opportunities to preside over trials.