2010 Annual Report
&
Resource Guide
KAREN E. RUSHING Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller S A R A S O TA C O U N T Y
Karen E. Rushing
A Message from your Clerk
Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller Sarasota County, Florida FACC Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers 2009–2010 Chair, Legislative Committee 2008–2009 Chair, Strategic Planning Committee 2007–2008 President 2005, 2009 Clerk of the Year
GFOA Government Finance Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting Award (26th consecutive year,1984–present)
AMCP Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals 2009 Gold Winner, MarCom Award, Annual Report 2009 Honorable Mention, MarCom Award, Photography
FGCA Florida Government Communicator’s Association 2009 Crystal Award, Online Foreclosures 2008 Second Place Crystal, Annual Report 2007–2009 Special Judges Awards
Republican Party of Sarasota, Florida 2007 Statesman of the Year
United Way of Sarasota County Member, Board of Directors
University of South Florida 2002 Distinguished Alumni Award
Florida Supreme Court—Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC) 2003–present Member, Committee for Electronic Filing 2010 Member, FL Courts Technology Commission Member, Florida e-Filing Authority
United States Department of Commerce 2002–2007 Advisor, Commercial Law Department
To the citizens of Sarasota County, The year 2010 continued to be filled with doubt and speculation about the recovering economy, and how local and state governments will continue to meet their obligations despite shrinking revenues. The budgets for the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller are derived from various sources— user fees, state funds and local funds—and all sources have shown signs of varying degrees of stress. We continued to be challenged by enormous caseload volume in the area of mortgage foreclosure and the added controversy surrounding the documentation has made predicting the flow of new cases, which is directly tied to revenue, virtually impossible. Yet through much uncertainty, this office has continued to make service to the people its number one priority, and I am pleased to report that we have been rated by those who use our service as meeting their expectations.
2010 Annual Report
&
Resource Guide
The volatility of the financial market has made investing financial resources challenging, yet preservation of principal remains our goal. We continue to support Sarasota County and the Board of County Commissioners by providing Finance and Internal Audit services, as well as sound business processes. As Comptroller, I am proud to report that we have received the 2009 Certificate of Excellence in Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), as well as being nationally recognized in October 2010 as a national leader in producing timely audited financial statements. We are very proud to have received both forms of recognition on your behalf. You will find that this Annual Report not only delivers a snapshot of the state of the Clerk’s Office in fiscal year 2010 (October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010) but it offers you a resource guide—with FAQ’s, definitions and information on how to take advantage of the Clerk’s e-products and services. Created with our customers in mind, it is my way of offering you a look at the efficiencies, performance, accountability and transparency that is the cornerstone of my service as your Clerk. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve as your Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller.
Karen E. Rushing Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller KAREN E. RUSHING Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller S A R A S O TA C O U N T Y
The Clerk serves citizens at multiple locations throughout Sarasota County.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller derives its authority from the Florida State Constitution and Florida law. This elected official is commonly referred to as a Constitutional Officer. The Clerk has five major areas of responsibility:
Clerk of the Circuit and County Court County Recorder
Duties of the Clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
County Comptroller and Treasurer Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners County Auditor
Board of County Commissioners Chambers, Sarasota
The Clerk of the Circuit and County Court is responsible for aiding and promoting the judicial process. As an officer of the court, the Clerk attends each courtroom session. Service to our customers includes filing official documents, overseeing jury orientation, receiving payment for fines, processing domestic violence petitions, victim restitution, child support and alimony payments, conducting real property foreclosure sales, auditing accounting in guardianship matters, and issuing marriage licenses. As County Recorder, the Clerk is responsible for recording all mortgages, liens, deeds, and other documents having an effect on real estate—by assignment of a document instrument number—into the county’s Official Records. Each document is indexed so that future searches may be easily conducted. The County Recorder collects the documentary tax on behalf of the State of Florida.
Historic Courthouse, Sarasota
Sarasota County Administration Center, Sarasota
Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, Venice
The Clerk’s responsibilities as County Comptroller and Treasurer include preparing and publishing the Sarasota County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and investing county funds. The Clerk is also responsible for other county financial documents, including the Consolidated Major Revenue and Debt Report and monthly investment reports. As Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk serves as the custodian of the Board’s records—the official minutes taker of Board meetings and other boards—as designated. As the custodian of records, the Clerk has custody of the official seal and administers it according to law. In the role of County Auditor, the Clerk establishes and tests compliance with internal controls so that citizens can have reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss or unauthorized use.
Board of County Commissioners Chambers, Venice
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Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota
sarasota county, Florida
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
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2010 Strategic Planning Committee
Strategic planning is used daily to direct the Clerk’s organization to meet the challenge of controlling costs, offering quality service through the innovative use of technology, and maintaining a high performance workforce. Our goal is to enhance the value and reputation of the office of the Clerk and Comptroller in the eyes of the community, and to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and efficiency in operations. An annually reviewed comprehensive strategic plan is the foundation of this effort. By adopting a three-year planning cycle, the strategic plan remains in alignment with the fiscal year budget development process, identifying major strategic goals, establishing measures of strategic success using the balanced scorecard measurement system, specifying major initiatives to achieve goals, and aligning resources to priorities through the deployment of formal departmental business plans. The Clerk uses a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) comprised of members of the organization’s leadership team, which represents each functional area of the organization—Operations, Court Services, Clerk Finance and Board Services, Finance, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Performance Management and Information Services. Working as a collective body, the SPC’s focus is not only on strategy and comprehensive strategic plan development, but also on addressing any challenges facing the plan and successful implementation thereof. Additionally, the group responds to the actual data gathered as the plan unfolds throughout the year, and identifies opportunities to refocus energies and resources as needed.
Eydie Peacher, SPHR Director of Human Resources Irene G. Plank, Attorney at Law Director of Court Services Janet C. Cantees Chief Operations Officer
Mark R. Simmons, CIA, CFE Director of Internal Audit
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(From left to right)
In 2010—even with the challenges associated with foreclosure filings, shrinking revenues, and continued statewide budget cuts—the results of our planning efforts proved effective. By controlling costs while focusing our resources on legal mandates and customer service levels, the Clerk’s team concentrated on the organization’s core values—Integrity, Making a Difference, Proficiency, Accountability, Commitment and Trustworthiness—as the foundation for serving clients and the community.
Karen E. Rushing Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller Peter H. Ramsden Director of Finance
Jeanette L. Phillips, CPA Director of Clerk Finance and Board Services
David Winiecki, PMP Director of Performance Management and Information Services
sarasota county, Florida
Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Strategic Direction Statement
Clerk’s Systematic Approach to Strategic Planning
While meeting the challenge of controlling costs, we will be recognized as a leader in quality service through the innovative use of technology and a high performance workforce. In doing so, we will enhance the value and reputation of the Clerk’s office in the eyes of the community.
For your convenience, we are pleased to present you with specific accomplishments on the following pages, demonstrating how our planning process resulted in improvements, efficiency, transparency, and ultimately better customer service.
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
accountability transparency efficiency
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Goals & Accomplishments GOAL 1
MAXIMIZE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Accomplishment Met 100% of state-mandated collection standards (nine out of nine) and consistently exceeded mandates in six case type categories.
Customer Benefits Ensures those who have been
GOAL 2
enhance service delivery
Accomplishment Expanded credit card choices. Customer Benefits Selecting a new credit card processing company offers added customer convenience and better protection against fraud.
sentenced comply with court sanctions.
GOAL 3
enhance value, reputation, and relationships with stakeholders
Accomplishment Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2009 (26th consecutive year). Customer Benefits Demonstrates the organization’s
Accomplishment Electronic code enforcement forms. Customer Benefits Eliminates delays, processing difficulties
pursuit of statutory compliance, best practices, cost efficiencies, and excellence in financial reporting.
Customer Benefits Collecting and remitting an
and errors associated with carbon-copy forms by replacing them with automated e-forms.
additional 4% over what was planned for provided additional funding to the state judicial system.
Accomplishment Recruited additional vendors for
Accomplishment Clerk was recognized in national research for outstanding speed in completing fiscal year end audits.
Accomplishment Remitted 104% of budgeted collections to the State Trust Fund.
participation in the direct deposit program.
Accomplishment Developed a case life cycle model intended to identify the cost and timeline requirements of each case type created in the court system. Customer Benefits Provides assurance that resources are allocated based upon volume.
Accomplishment Reduced expenses by using
Customer Benefits With over 45,000 vendor invoices pre-audited and processed yearly on behalf of Sarasota County, both vendors and Clerk staff found direct deposit transactions fast, reliable, and safe. Checks no longer run the risk of being lost or stolen, and sending vendor payments electronically is a cost savings measure.
temporary employees.
Accomplishment Introduced electronic Value Adjustment
Customer Benefits Provides assurance that resources
Board (VAB) filing for the 2010 Tax Assessment season.
are targeted based upon volume and immediate need.
Customer Benefits Web-based access to filing a VAB petition offers convenience and greater access to information. Accomplishment Identified and secured a vendor for a new Case Management System (CMS).
Mission Statement: To Meet the Needs And Exceed the Expectations of Those We Serve, in Fulfilling Our Constitutional Obligations.
Customer Benefits By using a competitive process, the Clerk selected a vendor to implement a new web-based CMS that will establish enhanced functionality—a benefit to the judiciary and other stakeholders—by using the latest software solutions and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, cost control and staff productivity.
Customer Benefits Providing timely and efficient reports to our customers provides confidence in knowledge of the financial market and demonstrates expertise.
Accomplishment Recognized with Sustainability Awareness Award by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Commuter Services Program.
GOAL 4
create a unified, engaged and productive culture
Accomplishment Increased student and adult volunteer hours by 150 percent.
Customer Benefits By providing volunteer opportunities (825 hours in 2010), the Clerk reduces costs while supporting students and those seeking community service. Volunteer hours are applicable towards requirements established by the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Accomplishment Created “One Stop” Student Volunteer Program.
Customer Benefits Students benefit when they can meet all their volunteer requirements at a single location. Graduates of the program who clock 75 hours receive a certificate of recognition; those who meet or exceed 100 hours receive a recognition letter from the Clerk, of value to students completing scholarship or college applications.
Customer Benefits The commuter program raised
Accomplishment Expanded the scope of internship
awareness of alternative modes of transportation such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, biking and walking to encourage healthier lifestyles and support Sarasota County’s sustainability efforts.
opportunities within the Clerk’s organization.
Customer Benefits Added options to the existing Internship Program by identifying new projects and offering a total of 1980 hours of internship opportunities in 2010.
Accomplishment Implemented auto-redaction technology
Certificate of Completion
while processing Official Records, to help identify text that may qualify for redaction—concealing personal data from an official document—allowing staff to protect confidential information more efficiently.
Dedicated Volunteers… An important piece of the puzzle!
This certifies that
Customer Benefits Provides a higher degree of accuracy
Jane L. Smith
in protecting confidential and sensitive data.
in dedicated volunteerism and service, has contributed
112 hours to the Sarasota County Clerk’s Office, our judicial system, and to the community. Thank you for your efforts!
Karen E. Rushing
Your contribution is appreciated.
way to Looking for a your give back to community?
Karen E. Rushing, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
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Make a difference. Volunteer at the Clerk’s office. Earn community service hours by volunteering for Karen E. Rushing, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller for Sarasota County. The Clerk’s office is more than just the place where you go to pay traffic tickets. By volunteering, not only will you be gaining experience in your area of social interest, you will be helping local government better serve its citizens. Whether it’s learning the Clerk’s role in transparency in government, accuracy in records keeping, financial accountability, or providing technological efficiencies that save the taxpayers money, the Clerk’s office strives to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of the people, while fulfilling constitutional, legislative and judicial obligations.
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To learn more about this unique volunteer opportunity, contact Clerk Rushing’s Human Resources Department at 941. 861.7608 or
[email protected]. www.SarasotaClerk.com
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sarasota county, Florida
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
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e-Products and Services E-products New for 2010: Value Adjustment Board petition e-Filing The Clerk now offers taxpayers a convenient, easy option for petitioning the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) should they choose to dispute their property tax assessment: Online filing. Use any Internet connection to complete the online form and make your payment. Once your e-petition is filed, you can follow its progress, electronically upload evidence and review Property Appraiser’s evidence from the convenience of your office, home or the road. Judicial and attorney access to electronic case files ClerkNet 2.1, a web-based application, offers attorneys who file documents electronically (as authorized by law) access to case information 24/7 from any Internet based device. New security and user enhancements rolled out in 2010 offer expanded search criteria, a message center, enhanced security and easier site navigation. Online foreclosure sales When changes to Florida statutes allowed Clerks of Court to move foreclosure sales “off the courthouse steps” to the Internet, the Clerk took advantage of this technological opportunity. Auctions are no longer limited to those bidders who can physically be present at the sale, opening up the viewing and bidding process to interested parties in surrounding Florida counties, as well as seasonal residents and out-of-state bidders. Electronic filing In an effort to position the office to use less paper, provide quicker access to public information and greater efficiencies in processing information on a statewide basis, e-Filing continues to be enhanced and offered to more stakeholders. e-Filing and electronic signatures The practice of e-Filing has become a widely accepted alternative
to traditional paper filing, and embraced by attorneys and other members of court services. When the Supreme Court approved an alternative method for signing documents electronically, the Clerk began to allow electronic signatures on documents e-filed by attorneys, working with members of the legal community and the courts to implement this solution. Judge’s electronic signatures Voluminous amounts of documents are prepared by the Clerk’s office and presented to the court for signature. JudgeSign offers judges an electronic method of receiving and signing documents. This automated e-product reduces costs associated with manually preparing and transporting documents from one facility to another. Electronic court dockets In an effort to minimize the cost of assembling and transporting paper files, the Clerk offers electronic delivery of all cases set for a court event. Benefits are realized when judges, courtroom staff, attorneys, and citizens can access real-time electronic case files in the courtroom, alleviating delays and the cost of processing and transferring paper from one facility to another. e-Marriage applications Citizens using computer stations with self-directed prompts have easy access to electronic forms, instructions, and payment choices for marriage license applications. Finance electronic imaging system New technology allows finance departments to scan and digitize documents, including Sarasota County invoices, for more efficient tracking and processing. In addition to facilitating compliance with the Prompt Payment Act, Finance’s OnBase 9.2 system greatly improves processing time and reduces the consumption of paper.
Services
In 2010, Sarasota County’s Historic Courthouse tower underwent a six-month restoration for both cosmetic and structural preservation. The project included re-tiling the signature azure and gold dome, reinforcing the tower structure, replacing inner stairs, repairing terra-cotta tile roofing and recoating the colonnade floor. With the project complete, Clerk Karen Rushing, Commissioner Joseph Barbetta and John McCarthy, Parks and Recreation, had the rare opportunity to climb the tower and admire the view. The landmark, built in 1926, was added to the National Historic Register in 1984.
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sarasota county, Florida
Clerks in the Sunshine Florida’s Sunshine Laws are among the strongest in the nation, giving every citizen access to information necessary for participating in the democratic process. The Clerk fully supports and embraces these laws, and in doing so added a feature to www. SarasotaClerk.com called Clerks in the Sunshine – Ensuring Access to Information. Clerks in the Sunshine compiles all financial information, budgets and performance standards into one easy-to find-section on the Clerk’s website. Passport photo services As a convenience to our customers, the Clerk offers passport photo services in addition to being an acceptance agent. No appointment is necessary, and photos taken at the Clerk’s office meet all the requirements established by the Department of State.
Board minutes online and on demand The automation of online access to Sarasota County Board of County Commissioner’s meetings is achieved by merging video and recorded official minutes. This offers citizens enhanced search capabilities, multi-media presentation and on demand access. Public access to records Computer stations in the Clerk’s two Public Access offices allow citizens to search databases of public records, log on to the online foreclosure sales application, and access partner websites such as the County Property Appraiser or the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
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year in review 2010
year in review 2010
Civil Law
Criminal Law
Civil Law cases are governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Family Law Rules of Procedure, Probate Rules and Small Claims Rules. The Circuit Court is responsible for family, probate and other matters exceeding $15,000. This chart is an illustration of the caseload for the year.
Criminal Law cases are governed by the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Constitution states the Circuit Court shall have jurisdiction over all felony cases and misdemeanor charges arising out of the same circumstances, such as a felony, as well as juvenile matters. County Courts have original jurisdiction over all criminal misdemeanor cases not known by the Circuit Court and all violations of municipal and county ordinances.
Fines & Forfeitures Fines & Forfeitures Fines & Forfeitures Fines & Forfeitures
4,730 7,642
Fines and Forfeitures Fund
Recorder of Official Records
The Constitution of the State of Florida authorizes the Clerk
The State Constitution and Florida Statutes provide that the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall be the recorder of all instruments that are required or authorized to be recorded in one general series of books called “Official Records.” The chart below reflects changes in the volume of documents recorded by type and the fees collected in 2010 as compared to previous years. Of the 161,452 documents recorded, and from the total fees collected, over $35.5 million was paid to the Florida Department of Revenue, $1 million was distributed to Sarasota County, and $30,826 was distributed to the Florida Association of Court Clerks to utilize for Court Technology.
of the Circuit Court to collect all fines and forfeitures arising Fines & Forfeitures
Fines &
from offenses tried in the courts or assessed by the various law enforcement agencies, as directed by the Court. The total fines, forfeitures, court costs, and service charge collections in fiscal year 2010 was $13,388,692. Forfeitures
Fines & Forfeitures
Fines & Forfeitures
4,979
$9,978,515 $9,978,515
State of Florida
14,701
$2,736,998 $9,978,515
Probate
4,730
Circuit
14,701
County
7,642
Total
27,073
Civil Law 2010 • Circuit Civil includes 202 juvenile dependency cases • Probate includes probate, guardianship and mental health cases
2005
$9,978,515
11,432
$9,978,515 $204,041
$9,978,515 Circuit
4,979
County
11,432
Total
16,411
$2,736,998 $9,978,515 $169,410
$9,978,515
$169,410 Sheriff
$154,034 $204,041
$2,736,998 $2,736,998
$2,736,998
$2,736,998
$169,410 $49,353
$2,736,998 Law 2010 Criminal
• Circuit Criminal includes 1,157 juvenile delinquency cases
$169,410
$169,410
$169,410 $49,353
$169,410 $49,353 $49,353
$49,353 Venice
$49,353
$204,041 $154,034 $204,041 $154,034 $92,823 $154,034 $92,823 $154,034 $3,517 $92,823 $3,517 $92,823 $3,517
$49,353 $49,353
$92,823
2004 $204,041 City of Sarasota
2006 2007
$154,034 Teen Court
2008
$92,823 North Port
$154,034 $3,517 $204,041
State of Florida
Teen Court
$92,823 Board of County Commissioners
City of North Port
City of Sarasota $154,034
City of Venice
Sheriff
Longboat Key
$3,517
155.9
259.3
135.3
2005 2006
248.4 226.6
106.5
191.7
91.6 86.4
167.9
2010 157.1 161.4 Documents Recorded
(in thousands)
2004 2003 2007
2008 52.7 2009 35.8
2009
$3,517
Longboat Key
$204,041 $204,041
$169,410
2003
$2,736,998 Board of County Commissioners
285.6
2010 35.5
Recorder of Deeds 2010
FY Fees Collected
(in millions)
Recorder of Deeds FY 2010
$92,823 $3,517
Fines and Forfeitures Fund FY 2010
$3,517
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sarasota county, Florida
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
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By the Numbers 16 Judges supported in court
5 Hearing Officers and Magistrates supported in court 44,277 Jurors summoned for trials 600 Jurors summoned for Grand Jury 167 Jury trials (not including Grand Jury trials) 8,409 Criminal Citations filed in Sarasota County in 2010 62,263 Traffic infractions (60,875) and parking tickets (1,388) processed in 2010
1,975 Marriage licenses issued 522 Wedding ceremonies performed 2,053 Number of new e-file and ClerkNet accounts established 1,812,552 Public records microfilmed and official records imaged 161,452 Documents recorded, indexed and verified into the Official Records of Sarasota County, including mortgages, liens, and court documents
6,066 Foreclosures filed in 2010 24,290,905 Dollars accounted for in child support payments 45,900 Invoices pre-audited and paid on behalf of Sarasota County
65,020 Payroll direct deposits prepared and checks processed by the Finance Department on behalf of Sarasota County entities (Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections and Board of County Commissioners)
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64 Board of County Commissioners meetings attended and
Audit projects performed recorded
This historic courtroom, located in the east wing of the 1920’s Courthouse, features vintage tile work and pecky cypress ceiling beams.
85 Ordinances processed 289 Resolutions processed 595 Contracts processed 33 Advisory Committee meetings attended and recorded 253 Code Enforcement cases processed 914 Value Adjustment Board petitions processed 776 Value Adjustment Board hearings scheduled and
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sarasota county, Florida
Every day, members of the Clerk’s team are focused on improving the way we work to better serve our community. The Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller understands that in our changing world, improvements and efficiencies, as well as technological advances, must continue to be coupled with dedicated customer service to meet our citizens’ needs, and to exceed your expectations. This year, the Clerk and her staff continued to focus on transparency, effectiveness and accountability as we supported our local government and citizens in a variety of ways.
coordinated
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
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Frequently Asked Questions PUBLIC RECORDS
jury duty
What is the definition of a public record?
How does jury selection work?
Public records are defined by Florida law as all documents, papers, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance, or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency, per Florida Statute, Chapter 119.011(11)
Prospective jurors are randomly selected from a list comprised of licensed drivers over the age of 18 residing in Sarasota County, and those citizens who have asked to be included in the potential juror pool. Jury service is limited to one day or one trial.
What is the law regarding access to public records? Unlike other states, Florida has a unique and very open public records law which provides that all state, county, and municipal records be open for personal inspection and available for copying by any person upon request. Providing access to public records is the duty of each government agency. As each agency increases its use of and dependence on electronic record keeping, they must also provide reasonable public access to records that are electronically maintained, while ensuring exempt or confidential records are not disclosed (except as otherwise permitted by law). Therefore, in the electronic world, automation of public records shall not erode the right of access to public records.
Why did I get called for jury duty but was not chosen for a trial? The rules governing the selection process require that a sufficient number of jurors be summonsed, so that there are enough jurors at the completion of the selection process.
Why did I get called for jury duty in Sarasota when I live closer to the Venice court? The Sarasota County judiciary is served by two courthouses: Sarasota’s Silvertooth Judicial Center, and the Anderson Center in Venice. Eliminating citizens from jury service at the Sarasota courthouse unduly restricted the pool of available jurors. As a result, the Chief Judge determined that neither north nor south county residents summonsed for jury duty will be guaranteed to report to the location nearest their residences.
What does redaction mean? Redaction means to conceal that portion of the record containing information that is exempt—by law—from public viewing. Some general examples of redacted information may be may be social security, credit card or bank account numbers, or other confidential information. The Clerk can redact information both from a copy of an original public record, and from any electronic image that is available for public viewing.
A newly restored tower, rising 110 feet in the air overlooking the Historic Courthouse courtyard garden on Main Street, shows off stunning Mediterranean-style stucco details uncovered during an extensive renovation completed in 2010.
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sarasota county, Florida
R. L. Anderson Administration Center, Venice karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota
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Where to Find Us
Visit our website at www.SarasotaClerk.com
SARASOTA
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SARASOTA COUNTY
efficiency through financial, budget and performance reporting.
VENICE
941.861.7400
accountability, transparency and
Historic Courthouse 2000 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34237 Robert L. Anderson Administration Center 4000 South Tamiami Trail Venice, Florida 34293 Sarasota County Administration Center 1660 Ringling Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34236 Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center 2002 Ringling Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34237
karen e. rushing | clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller
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sarasota county, Florida
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Created under the supervision of Karen E. Rushing Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller Janet C. Cantees, Chief Operations Officer Alicia C. Accardi, Communications Manager Design and printing by Serbin Printing Inc. Principal photography by Lori Sax, Photographer
KAREN E. RUSHING Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller S A R A S O TA C O U N T Y
2000 Main Street ı Sarasota, Florida 34237 www.SarasotaClerk.com ı 941- 861-7400