Hurricane Helene recently wreaked havoc on Florida’s Gulf Coast and affected several of our communities. We have proven time and time again our resilience in the face of disasters. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were impacted along Hurricane Helene’s path as well as the first responders and linemen working through recovery efforts.
Following natural disasters like this, we see increased risks for malicious cyber activity. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends exercising caution in handling emails with hurricane-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks. In addition, be wary of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations relating to severe weather events. This warning is as relevant to your work as it is to your personal life. Feel free to share this warning with family and friends so that they might also avoid being the next victim of the scammers.
Last month, our Clerk’s Office underwent significant changes in our leadership structure. Former Courts Director Jill Lennon has taken on a new position as the Director of Court Strategy and Legislation. She will serve an important role in driving change and creating new legislation that will help Clerks with funding and procedural alignment amongst all offices in Florida. Recording Director Michael Netti will transition into the role of Director of Court Operations and Recording. This change will help drive future operational initiatives and continued personnel development within the Courts Department while enhancing both Courts and Recording functions. These shifts highlight exciting changes for the future that will help create resources to carry out the Office’s multiyear strategic plan. This plan aims to drive positive initiatives and personnel development to ensure the continued success of the Collier County Clerk’s Office. I am grateful that both Jill and Michael agreed to take on these new missions. They bring great experience to their new roles.
Since the start of the year, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed over 180 bills from the 2024 Legislative Session into law that went into effect on July 1, 2024. Some notable laws include allowing patriotic organizations in schools, HOA fine limits and transparency, and changes in eviction laws. In addition to these, 34 new laws have been set into effect starting October 1, 2024. These laws range from fiscal policies, governmental oversight and accountability, judiciary, regulated industries, vehicles, and more. We highlighted 10 of these new laws that are related to the services and roles of the Clerk and Comptroller’s office.
I also wanted to share a guest commentary from Judge Janeice Martin in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Drug Court. Our office, along with notable judges, government officials, and graduates of the program, was honored to join the celebration last Tuesday, September 17, at the Collier County Courthouse. Judge Martin described how the Drug Court works and its impact on overcoming substance abuse and addiction and changing people’s lives for the better. It is a very insightful piece that I hope you can share with people who will greatly benefit from this program and show that there is still an opportunity to turn their lives around.
Many Clerk services remain available online at our website, including paying fines, civil procedure forms and instructions, civil small claim forms, criminal forms, family law forms, foreclosure forms, recording requests, and more. Several ‘How To’ videos are also available to help guide you in accessing the Clerk’s online services at CollierClerk.com.
Please take care, stay safe and we can all weather the storms!
Read and download the full October 2024 Newsletter here.
