Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
After serving for 15 years as the Third Judicial Circuit Judge in Hamilton County, Kennith “Sonny” Scaff has decided to step down, forgoing his remaining two years of elected service. The Hamilton County soil and the Suwannee River both run deep through Scaff's veins, as he has spent his entire childhood and professional career in the county.
Scaff was born and raised in Hamilton County and graduated from Hamilton County High School in 1974 before attending Valdosta State University, where he graduated in 1977. His education continued north on I-75, as he attended Mercer University School of Law in Macon, Ga. He graduated with his law degree in 1984, taking and passing the Florida Bar in the same year.
He then returned to his home county, where he began to practice law. Not only would he serve as an attorney and a judge, but also as an eight-year member of the Hamilton County School Board. Scaff was elected Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit in Hamilton County in 2007, where he remained until his retirement, effective Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 4:30 p.m.
Scaff looks forward to spending his time with his wife, four children and his grandchildren. Many who know him suspect Scaff will also spend his time with them either raising or hunting deer.
“It has truly been a pleasure serving the citizens,” Scaff said in his retirement Letter to Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, Oct. 6. As he looks back on his career serving the citizens of Hamilton County with fondness. Congratulations on your retirement, Judge Scaff!