Q. November is a time when our attention turns to our veterans. Is the Clerk’s office involved in any special veteran services?
A. Specifically for November and in recognition of Veterans Day, we are honoring veterans, active-duty military, reservists and their dependents by providing complimentary passport photos and notary services. They can take advantage of these free services 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday — Friday through Nov. 30 at our courthouse location. Please present your DD 214, military ID, military dependent ID or show your driver license with the veteran designation to demonstrate eligibility. Waiving these fees during November is a small gesture of our appreciation and gratitude to our nation’s heroes.
Q. Speaking of DD 214s, you’ve encouraged fellow veterans to record their discharge documents with the Clerk of Courts — why is that important?
A. Yes, veterans may file their separation records, called DD 214s, for free with the Clerk of Courts for safekeeping and easy future access. By recording your DD 214 with the Clerk’s office, an official copy is readily available to you in case the original is lost or destroyed. Your record stays private — military separation documents don’t become public record for 62 years after separation, per the National Archives. We will be recording DD 214s at the annual Veterans Council of St. Johns County event on the morning of Nov. 11 at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1659 A1A South, or come by the courthouse Monday — Friday year-round.
Q. Nov. 13-19 is International Fraud Awareness Week. Are you still promoting free Property Fraud Alerts for St. Johns County property owners?
Definitely — protecting yourself from mortgage or property fraud through your trusted county Clerk of Courts should be an easy decision for a homeowner or business owner. We recently launched a partnership with fellow northeast Florida Clerks to urge property owners in St. Johns, Baker, Clay, Duval and Putnam counties to proactively protect themselves against scammers who would steal their homes, vacant land or business property through fraudulent deeds or other official records. When a subscriber’s official records are changed, they are prompted to review the record and to report potentially fraudulent activity to law enforcement. The service is free and safe, and it’s easy to sign up at stjohnsclerk.com/recording-activity/.
Q. How can people get in touch with you?
A. Please email me at bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com or call my cell phone at (904) 599-8688.
