Center Court - The Newsletter of the Orange County Clerk of Courts
2018 Report to the Citizens of
Orange County

It’s that time of year! I am excited to unveil the Clerk’s 2018 Report to the Citizens of Orange County. We produce this report each and every year, so that citizens of Orange County can really see all the work we do to support the Court and provide services to our customers. For me and my staff, it’s an opportunity to look back at the work we have done and the many accomplishments during the past year.  

As in years past, the report contains important information on the budgetary health of this office, expansion of services, and our commitment to enhance customer service. 

A particular point of emphasis in this year’s report is our continuing efforts to increase access to justice, and our enhanced outreach to the community. In the report, you will also see details on our work to make all courtrooms file-less, expand our Self Help services to Apopka, and enhance our website which now enables customers to find information about an upcoming court date.  

Of course, all of our successes would not be possible without the dedicated staff who seemingly work around the clock on projects and initiatives that increase our efficiency and elevate our customer service. I hope you will take a moment to read our report, paying special attention to the deputy clerks who make it happen.  
Download Report
Passport Saturdays on April 14 and 28

Planning a family vacation? Excited for a study abroad program or mission trip? It all starts here at the Clerk’s Office. Visit us to apply for your passport and take the trip of your dreams.

Too busy with work or school during the week?  We’re opening on two separate Saturdays in April to help you and your family apply for your passports. 

Whether you live in Orange or any Central Florida County, join us for Passport Saturdays, April 14 and April 28. Our Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park locations will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., making it easier than ever to get a passport for you or your child. Please note that all other services that are normally offered at branch locations will also be available during Passport Saturdays.

Click below to watch me provide information about Passport Saturdays in my "Fast Break with Tiffany" video.

Restoration of Rights Workshop

If you have been convicted of a felony, you have lost your civil rights, which includes the right to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office, and obtain some occupational licenses. Before you can exercise these rights again, your civil rights must be restored. 

To help with this process, my office along with the Central Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials is hosting a FREE Restoration of Rights Workshop on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Orange County Courthouse Jury Room. Representatives from the following organizations and agencies will be on hand to take questions, and to see if you can get your rights restored.
  • The Central Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
  • Public Defender’s Office
  • State Attorney’s Office
  • Orange County Sheriff’s Office
  • Latino Justice
  • Paul C. Perkins Bar Association
  • Florida Restoration of Rights Coalition
Staff from my office will be on hand to provide free copies of the applicable documents of your case if it is an Orange County case. For more information, review the event flyer.
Download Flyer
Coming Soon: Clerk's Mental Health Awareness Event
I am looking forward to hosting a special event in May to recognize Mental Health Awareness month, alongside the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Orlando Health, the YMCA, and many others. “My Health Matters” Health and Wellness Lunch & Learn will include presentations from our partners, and their representatives will be on hand to answer all the health questions you may have. Hear useful information from keynote speaker Dr. Cavalleri who will provide insight on how to deal with trauma in his presentation "Reflections of Trauma." Expect more information to come soon. 

You can already save the date: Friday, May 25th, 2018 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. This free lunch event will be located at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse Jury Room. 
Clerks CARE Clothing Drive Results
You may remember that my office's service project for 2018 was a clothing and supply drive to benefit the homeless population in Orange County. We partnered with the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness to coordinate the collection and delivery of the clothing and supply drive items to those in need. 

I'm pleased to report that the clothing and supply drive was a great success! We collected 15 large boxes of clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, and other necessities. That's more than 1,500 pounds of items for those in need! My sincerest thanks to everyone who donated. You truly made a difference in the lives of homeless citizens in our community.

Click below to watch the presentation of donated items to local organizations fighting homelessness in Orange County.
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Tell Us How We're Doing
If you have recently conducted business with the Clerk’s Office, I’d like to hear from you. Customer service is at the core of what we do for the citizens of Orange County. 
Please take a moment to let us know what we did well as well as where we still have opportunities to improve.
Give Feedback
Did You Know?...
The Self Help Center in Apopka is now open! At the Apopka location, Self Help services are available one day a week on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
We also have a Self Help Center location at the downtown courthouse available Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Self Help Center assists with family law, small claims, and residential evictions. Services include attorney consultations, form completion assistance, and notary and copy services. 

Attorney consultations are available and may be scheduled in 15-minute sessions, for up to 1 hour per day, per person. The cost for an attorney consultation is $1 per minute. To schedule an appointment, click the button below.
Schedule an Appointment
April Star Performer
Congratulations to Mieshia Lawrence, our Star Performer for the month of April. Mieshia is one of our Trial Clerks. Teammates say she takes pride in her work, has high integrity, and shines in everything she does. She is known in her division as an expert who can provide help whenever it is needed.

"If you ask Mieshia a question, you know it will be accurate because she's so experienced, and you know it will be thorough because she's so knowledgeable. When Mieshia is out of court, she is always one of the first to reach out to help or respond to requests. She often takes the initiative without being asked. "
In the Community
Left: Staff attended the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Women Luncheon. Center: Clerk Russell was interviewed by Speak Out TV to promote Passport Saturdays. Right: Staff recently conducted a Focus Group regarding our upcoming Shopping Cart Project. 
Upcoming Events
  • Thursday, April 12th, 6 p.m.: IOA Corporate 5k at Lake Eola
  • Saturday, April 14th, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Passport Saturday (See Article)
  • Saturday, April 21st, 8 a.m.: Harbor House of Central Florida Paws for Peace Walk at Blue Jacket Park
  • Thursday, April 26th, 5p.m.: Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at the Apopka Community Center
  • Friday, April 27th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Restoration of Rights Workshop (See Article)
  • Saturday, April 28th, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Passport Saturday (See Article)
Save the Date
Your Health Matters: Orange County Clerk of Courts Health & Wellness Lunch & Learn
May 25, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Jury Room at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse

Tiffany Moore Russell
Orange County Clerk of Courts
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