Senator Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg and Representative Chris Sprowls of Clearwater have been honored by Florida’s Court Clerks and Comptrollers (FCCC) for their partnership on good public policy to innovate, strengthen and improve Florida’s criminal justice system. The ceremony was held at the Pinellas County Justice Center on September 17.
“Florida’s Clerks and Comptrollers are proud to stand with two great leaders of our state, Sen. Brandes and Rep. Sprowls, on initiatives that support the needs of our shared constituents,” said Ken Burke, the Pinellas County Court Clerk and Comptroller. “Clerks look forward to continuing to be strong local partners with the Florida Legislature in good public policy and sound fiscal management, as well as working together to bring greater stability to the critical core services Clerks and Comptrollers offer to people throughout our state.”
“The strong partnership between legislative leaders Sen. Brandes and Rep. Sprowls, and our Clerks of Court on SB 1392 during the 2018 legislative session ensured a clear understanding of the needs of local communities as the legislation was developed,” said FCCC CEO Chris Hart IV. “A strong connection between the constitutional officers our association represents and statewide officials helps Florida’s leaders collectively determine priorities that benefit all the people of our state.”
During the 2018 Legislative Session, Sen. Brandes sponsored SB 1392, which established a groundbreaking criminal justice data reporting and transparency initiative. Rep. Sprowls, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, supported the initiative as a top priority. The bill’s passage established Florida as a national leader in data transparency.
Clerk Partnership Award ceremony participants included:
- The Honorable Ken Burke, CPA, Pinellas County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, FCCC Board Member and Past President, who presented the awards;
- The Honorable Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA, Polk County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, and FCCC President Elect;
- The Honorable Angela Vick, Citrus County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, and FCCC Board Member;
- The Honorable Paula S. O’Neil, Ph.D., Pasco County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, and FCCC Past President;
- FCCC CEO Chris Hart IV; and,
- FCCC Legislative & Public Affairs Director Jason Harrell.
FCCC is a statewide nonprofit member association composed of Florida’s clerks of the circuit court and comptrollers. In most counties, the clerk of the circuit court also serves as the county treasurer, recorder, auditor, finance officer, and ex-officio clerk of the county commission. FCCC provides technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association, as well as local government support services. For more information, visit flclerks.com.
