Steve Cordle
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Sept. 25, Governor Ron DeSantis moved Florida to enter Phase III of the COVID-19 reopening, which lifted just about all of the restrictions placed on businesses in the state. However, readers are reminded that there remains a state of emergency still in effect until Nov 3.
Most government services are restored to some level and the offices have reopened.
At the Jefferson County Tax Collector’s Office, residents of Jefferson County can obtain driver’s licenses, vehicle tags and registrations. The only thing that cannot be done in Jefferson County is the road test for a driver’s license. Anyone needing a road test will need to make an appointment with the Tallahassee Southside Service Center, located at 3477 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, Fla., 32301, by calling (850) 606-4700. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Jefferson County Property Appraiser’s Office never really shut down, according to Angela Gray, Jefferson County Property Appraiser. The office was briefly closed to the public while they came into compliance with CDC guidelines. Property owners are asked to wear masks when entering the lobby and provisions have been made for social distancing, including a table set outside that customers can use to transact business if they so choose.
The Public Defender’s Office for the Florida Second Judicial Circuit’s lobby is closed to the public, according to Chief Assistant Public Defender Davis Revell. Revell stated by phone that while the lobby is closed, the staff is still handling cases. Some of the staff are working from home, while others are periodically in the office and some are back in the office full-time. First appearances are being made via zoom.
The State Attorney’s Office according to Brian Fernandes, the Supreme Court of Florida has outlined a plan for reopening but is leaving discretion to the chief judges of each of the states 20 judicial circuits. For the Second Judicial Circuit (where Jefferson County is located), the lobby is closed to the public. However, the phones are being answered and some staff are working from home. Staff meetings are held weekly to assess the situation. No firm date is set to resume normal operations.
The Supervisor of Elections has been open since the governor cleared state offices to reopen. The supervisor’s office will have early voting available for those wishing to vote before Nov. 3. Early voting starts Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including Saturday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Voting will also be available on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Courts are holding sessions. Those entering the courthouse must use the south entrance and pass the COVID-19 screening questions. Court Clerk Kirk Reams said that the courthouse follows the guidelines laid down by the Florida Supreme Court, like the state attorney and public defender offices. The courtrooms are marked off for social distancing and sterilization takes place in real-time, to the point of wiping down lecterns between speakers. Further information may be obtained by calling the clerk’s office (850) 342-0218.