Hundreds receive help with legal issues thanks to the Self-Help Center
Since the Clerk's office began partnering with the Legal Aid Society to offer free legal consultations, we've been able to help hundreds of citizens get help with legal disputes. They get free legal advice for a variety of matters, including child support, landlord/tenant rights, even immigration issues. A special
thanks to Andrew Banyai and Lee County Legal Aid for making this successful Pro Bono program possible. Read the full story on page 26 in Res Gestae magazine to learn more about our partnership.
If you are planning on traveling abroad this summer, now is the time to apply for your passport. To make it easier for your family to apply for passports, we're extending our hours until 6 p.m. from April 22-26. We'll also be open for passport services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. For requirements and forms, visit our Passports page.
L-R: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Karen Christensen, Lee Clerk Recording Manager Sharon Smith; Lee Clerk Recording Supervisor Vanessa Sowers; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services Rachel Arndt
Lee Clerk receives national award by U.S. Department of State
The Lee County Clerk of Court was honored last month for its passports program by the U.S. Department of State. The prestigious Special Recognition Award was given at the ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Clerk's office was the only passport acceptance facility in Florida to be honored at the ceremony.
Save the Date: Learn how to be your own investigator
Learn the techniques used to uncover criminal records, property history or even a marriage status. Mark your calendars and join Clerk Doggett at the "Be Your Own Investigator" seminar on Oct. 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lakes Regional Library in Fort Myers.
Clerk Doggett will teach attendees how to search LeeClerk.org and view Lee County's civil and criminal court documents and public records for free
. You will learn how to view mortgages, property deeds, marriage licenses, and other official documents recorded in Lee County.
Deputy Clerk Debby Schaefer named Volunteer of the Year
The Gulfshore Mustang Club of Southwest Florida recognized its board member Debby Schaefer as Volunteer of the Year. Debby was instrumental in helping raise $5,000 for their charity, Builders Care of Lee County. She was surprised by the club with a plaque honoring her for her dedication to the club's efforts. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Debbie.
Deputy Clerk Toni Bleiweiss organizes 300 volunteers at annual Inasmuch United Fort Myers Day.
Congratulations to our very own Toni Bleiweiss for helping spearhead the 7th annual Inasmuch United Fort Myers Day. Toni was instrumental in recruiting and managing more than 300 volunteers for 26 different projects designed to help our community. Among the many projects this year, the volunteers combined and distributed:
250 Bags of Hope for at-risk children
$2,800 in quarters to underwrite laundry service at area laundromats
100 Blessing Bags for the homeless community
450 memory pages for children in foster care
3 playgrounds in Fort Myers were mulched, including Lions Park
