A great deal of important work happens behind the scenes before County meetings and decisions become part of the public record. For Crystal in the Minutes and Records Division, accuracy, organization, and teamwork ensure critical documents and information are processed correctly.
Now approaching eight years with the Clerk’s Office, Crystal has become an integral part in helping support some of the County’s most important processes every day.
A Move to the East Coast
Before joining the Clerk’s Office, Crystal held a variety of roles which shaped the customer service and organizational skills she uses today.
After moving from Florida’s west coast, she worked at a veterinary office for two and a half years, balancing reception duties with animal care responsibilities.
“We actually moved here the weekend after we got married,” Crystal recalls, reminiscing on several major life changes all at once.
Although relocating to the area brought a lot of change, she says St. Augustine had always felt like home.
“Even before moving here, we always came over to St. Augustine for weekends or day trips,” she says. “It always felt like home.”
Finding the Right Fit
Initially, Crystal interviewed for positions in both Criminal and Minutes and Records. At the time, she did not have a strong preference.
“I would have taken either one,” she says with a laugh. “I know I talked a lot during the interview because I love Law & Order: SVU, so I thought Criminal would be kind of neat.”
Instead, her skills and typing ability helped lead her toward Minutes and Records. Looking back, Crystal believes the decision worked out exactly as it should have.
“I feel like I was chosen for the right place,” she says. “Minutes and Records was perfect for me.”
A Role That Keeps Evolving
When Crystal first joined the Clerk’s Office, her work centered largely on typing minutes and processing agendas for County meetings. Over time, her responsibilities expanded significantly.
Today, her work includes processing resolutions, ordinances, emergency orders, contracts, liens, deeds, easements, warranty documents, and many other records.
As staffing and division structures evolved, responsibilities shifted as well. Team members now rotate between meeting support and document processing.
The change brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to build flexibility across the team.
Growing Comfortable in the Spotlight
While much of her work happens behind the scenes, Crystal keeps minutes in a public setting during official County meetings. For someone who describes herself as naturally shy, the adjustment took time.
“When I first started, I was nervous,” Crystal says. “Having my voice heard—it took me a little while.”
Calling roll during meetings and speaking in front of large groups initially felt intimidating. But after years of experience, confidence gradually replaced nervousness.
Working closely with departments throughout the County also helped build familiarity and relationships across the organization.
“You learn about everybody in the County,” she says.
Life Outside the Office
Outside of work, Crystal and her husband enjoy spending time together around St. Augustine with their seven-year-old daughter. Trips downtown, visits to the beach, boating, and paddleboarding are among their favorite activities.
“We’re all either on the boat, at the beach, or paddleboarding,” she says.
Animal lovers at heart, the family also keeps a busy household filled with pets, including two dogs, a fish, a gecko, and a hamster.
“At one point I thought, ‘OK, I can’t have a zoo,’” she says with a laugh.
A Team Effort Behind the Scenes
Teamwork remains one of the most important parts of her job and cross-training has become increasingly valuable.
Team members regularly step in to help one another when workloads increase or when someone is out of the office.
“We are wonderful as a team,” Crystal says. “With a kid and life, things happen.”
The support provides reassurance not only professionally, but personally as well. Crystal says the ability to rely on coworkers creates stability and allows the team to continue moving forward even during busy periods.
“I couldn’t do it without them,” she says.
Through changing responsibilities, new challenges, and years of growth, she has found more than just a job. What began as an opportunity became a place where teamwork, support, and purpose have created something lasting for Crystal.
