October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Last year, there were 3,108 reports of domestic violence, include 13 murders and 59 rapes. Each one of these incidents translates to a person permanently impacted. As a community, it is critical that we take a stand against domestic violence, especially this October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

At the Clerk's office, we're committed to ending domestic violence. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, please report it. You can file a restraining order at the Clerk's office. For information, call 239-533-2884. For immediate assistance, may also call the Domestic Violence hotline at  800-500-1119.
New payment system gives customers more flexibility, enhanced service

The Clerk's office is committed to bringing you the latest technologies to improve your customer experience. This month, we launched nCourt, a new payment processing system that allows you to pay court fees and traffic tickets from the convenience of your home or phone. 

The new system accepts partial payments and eliminates the 29-day rule. Customers are also provided with phone support on weekends, holidays, and extended business hours. Probation and pre-trial supervision fees are also accepted. 
Kevin Karnes promoted to Chief Officer of Courts Department

Congratulations to Kevin Karnes, who was recently promoted to Chief Officer of our Courts Department. Kevin has dedicated nearly 11 years of service to the Clerk's office  and has held several Court Department positions. He has a bachelor's and a master's degree in Legal Studies and completed the Certified Public Manager's program from the Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University.
 
As the primary function of the Clerk's office, court functions are highly complex and regulated by hundreds of laws, court rules, administrative orders, and county ordinances. Kevin now oversees operational duties for 160 positions and five  divisions. 

Clerk partners with colleges for passport services, career fair

The Clerk's office is proud to partner with Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida Southwestern State College to educate their students about our office and provide passport services. This month, representatives from our Recording Department  attended their study abroad fair and provided students with applications, information, and other materials needed to obtain a passport.  
 
We also also held passport day at FGCU, processing passports directly on campus for the community and eliminating the need to travel to the Clerk's Fort Myers office.

The Clerk's office also joined 75 other local companies at CareerSource Southwest Florida's first fall hiring event on the FSW campus. More than 200 students visited the Clerk's booth.
IN THE NEWS

UPCOMING LEGAL CLINICS & COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Free legal clinics presented by Florida Rural Legal Services will be held in the coming weeks. For more information, email Rita Miller at RMiller@LeeClerk.org.
  • Small Claims Court Seminar - Nov. 6, 10 a.m., Clerk's office
     
  • Understanding the Foreclosure and Tax Deed Sale Process - Nov. 14, 3:30 p.m., Fort Myers Regional Library
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