Clerk of Court’s Office reduces operating hours

Photo by Norman Schimmel

As of July 1, the Sarasota County Clerk of Court’s Office has reduced its hours of operation, in the wake of the Florida Legislature’s $31 million cut in funding this year for the clerks’ offices across the state.

The new hours in Sarasota County are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Previously, the office was open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The new schedule applies both to the office in the historic courthouse, at 2000 Main St. in downtown Sarasota, and to the Venice branch, at 4000 S. Tamiami Trail.

Sarasota County Clerk of Court Karen Rushing said in a news release, “Clerks are continuing to work closely with the Florida Legislature to address the unfunded resource needs. We are hopeful that this matter will be addressed mid-July.”

Additionally, the news release points out that anyone wishing to file an injunction for protection outside the normal business hours of the office, including weekends, should continue to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office by phone (861-5800) or in person, at 2071 Ringling Blvd., in downtown Sarasota.