Q: What are some of the priority projects for the Clerk of Court’s office for 2022?
A: A key project for us in 2022 is implementing “taxpayer standards” across the office. Many times, government agencies, especially ones like us that have been in service for decades or even centuries, have procedures and processes in place that are completed a certain way “because that’s how it is always done.” This is what I consider “office standards” and are generally — though not always — outdated and inefficient with time and resources.
We are actively working to elevate the standards toward what taxpayers would demand. For example, strict financial accounting, modernizing processes and innovative, world-class consumer service. Our goal is to ensure the more than 1,000 functions we accomplish are done as if a resident is reviewing our work. And, as a resident of our great county and the elected clerk, I am your representative in office and ensure all of us do our best with the public in mind, every day.
Q: You recently updated your online veterans’ display. What can you tell us about the new exhibit?
A: Our new virtual exhibit showcases St. Johns County residents who responded to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks, in observance of its 80th anniversary on Dec. 7. Like millions of other Americans, our residents lined up to enlist and join the fight. Clerk Historian Dr. Susan Parker assembled county records, including World War II discharge documents and newspapers, for the online exhibit, called “The Greatest Generation,” showcasing the men and women of St. Johns County who served during that period. Among them is a farmer from Hastings who enlisted soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served the entire war, and a teacher of the hearing-impaired at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine who served on the anti-submarine patrol protecting the shores of the Americas. Each discharge document is a mini-story — that’s really fascinating to many of us. The virtual exhibit can be found online at stjohnsclerk.com/pearl-harbor-veterans.
Q: Does the Clerk’s office record many of these discharge documents?
A: Not as many as we would like, as St. Johns County has over 20,000 veterans. Recording separation documents, or DD 214s, with us is secure, free and quick, plus it ensures a copy is readily available in case the original is lost or destroyed. In addition, DD-214s are protected for privacy for 62 years past separation from the military, per the National Archives.
Q: Where can readers get more information about your office?
A: Our website, stjohnsclerk.com, offers a lot of information — from online payment of traffic tickets or court fees to court record searches and much more. To stay up to date on happenings, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. To talk to a clerk, call our main number at (904) 819-3600 and our top-notch customer service staff would be glad to help you or connect you with the right expert.
