Winstead, 41, has been a Polk County Court judge since 2019. She will succeed Judge Steven Selph, who retired this year, and will serve in the felony division.
Winstead, an Illinois native, earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College in 2005 and then a law degree from Barry University. She served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 13th Judicial Circuit from 2008 to 2019. That circuit is based in Hillsborough County.
Winstead’s appointment creates a opening on the bench of the Polk County Court. The Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10th Circuit will advertise the position soon and begin seeking applicants, Court Administrator Nick Sudzina said.
“I am extremely honored that I have been given this opportunity to serve the citizens of the 10th Judicial Circuit,” Winstead said Tuesday. “It has been a great pleasure to be a county court judge for Polk County, and I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”
DeSantis chose Winstead over five other finalists: Victoria J. Avalon; Judge Kevin M. Kohl; Brandon J. Rafool; Brenda Ramirez; and John C. Waters.