5 August Pinellas Clerk Reappointed to Supreme Court Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity August 5, 2020 By General Supreme Court, Standing Committee, Fairness, Diversity, Reappointment 0 Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, has been once again reappointed to the Florida Supreme Court Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity. Since his initial appointment to the Standing Committee in 2012, Clerk Burke has been reappointed every two years when the term expires. Clerk Burke is set to rejoin a distinguished group of individuals, encompassing a diverse range of legal and judicial leaders, which have been appointed or reappointed to serve on the Standing Committee for a term expiring on June 30, 2022. The committee was created to help advance the State Court’s efforts to eliminate biases from court operations based on race, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, financial status, or any characteristic that is without legal relevance. Given the many changes that have arisen due to COVID-19, the committee’s purpose is more relevant and impactful than ever. During the new two year term, the committee is set to focus on several goals including providing oversight so that the administration of justice and execution of judicial duties are done without bias or prejudice, enhancing the understanding of the purposes, roles, and responsibilities of the judicial branch through education and outreach, and promoting public trust and confidence by maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. “It is an honor to receive a reappointment to such an active committee and I know the Standing Committee will continue to work hard to ensure citizens receive the fairness and diversity they deserve from their judicial system,” stated Clerk Burke. “Many strides have been taken thanks to the efforts of this committee in the past and the next two years will continue to build on that momentum.” Related Articles Pinellas Clerk’s Office Cleared many Court Fines and Fees due to Generous Payments from Florida Rights and Restoration Coalition and Free Our Vote Two organizations worked closely with the office of Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, to pay off fines and costs of people who had a record of felony convictions. Pinellas Clerk Permanently Closing Tyrone Branch Office On New Year’s Day 2019 Effective Tuesday, January 1, 2019, the Tyrone Branch Traffic Court and Tyrone Branch Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office located at 1800 66th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL, will be permanently closed due to the Courts Consolidation Project. The Clerk’s Tyrone office closure does not impact other agencies located at the branch, such as the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector, which will remain open. Voting Rights: Felony Conviction Amounts Due to the Pinellas Clerk’s Office A recent Federal Court decision affirmed the Florida Statutes requiring an individual with a felony conviction to complete all terms of a felony sentence, including payment of all court fines, fees, and restitution, in order for that individual’s voting rights to be restored. Although the administration of voting eligibility and registration is under the purview of the Supervisor of Elections and the Secretary of State, Clerks play a role in providing individuals with felony convictions with the information needed to satisfy the amounts due under their sentences. A Big Move: Clerk's Self Help Center Now Located Inside Clearwater Courthouse The Clerk's Self Help Center is now located inside the Clearwater Courthouse at 315 Court Street, Room 114, across from the information desk. Pinellas Clerk Announces New Inspector General After 15 years with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Division of Inspector General (IG), Hector Collazo Jr. officially retired on June 30th, after building the IG to be a benchmark for other Offices of Inspectors General in the State of Florida. Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, announced the promotion of Melissa Dondero to Inspector General/Chief Audit Executive, effective July 5, 2020. Registration Now Open for Pinellas Clerk’s 16th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony On Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14, in the picturesque Florida Botanical Gardens, the Clerk will officiate up to thirty weddings and twenty vow renewals in a romantic and memorable group ceremony. Couples must register online no later than Tuesday, February 1, 2022 by visiting https://pinellasclerkvalentineswedding.eventbrite.com. Registration will be limited and on a first-come first-served basis. Comments are closed.
