TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – After more than two decades of service, longtime Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey in Florida\u2019s Second Judicial Circuit has announced she is stepping down.<\/p>\n
Judge Demsey submitted her formal resignation in a letter dated April 14 to the Governor\u2019s Office. In the letter, Dempsey wrote that her resignation will take effect December 28.<\/p>\n
She has served as circuit judge since 2005, calling her time on the bench \u201can honor and a privilege\u201d in the resignation letter.<\/p>\n
In a statement obtained by WCTV Friday morning, the circuit judge revealed that her decision to step down comes as she prioritizes caring for her mother, who is dealing with \u201ca serious, degenerative medical condition.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHer condition has worsened recently and my help is needed now more than ever. This was not an easy decision, but after careful consideration and reflection, I have decided that the needs of my family must come before my own.\u201d<\/p>\n
The resignation announcement comes as Dempsey says she was looking forward to campaigning to retain her seat as circuit judge but ultimately chose to step away due to her family\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI trust the citizens of the Second Judicial Circuit will understand and respect my decision and my family\u2019s privacy,\u201d she said. \u201cIt has been the honor of my life to serve as your circuit judge since 2005.\u201d<\/p>\n
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