When someone walks into the Clerk’s Office with a traffic ticket, they usually aren’t having a great day.
Some are frustrated. Others are worried about what happens next. They may not understand their options or know whether they need to appear in court.
Lovinue has met plenty of those customers during her time in the Traffic division. And while she can’t make the ticket disappear, she can help someone understand what to do next. It’s an approach she has carried throughout her career in public service. No matter what her responsibilities have been, helping people has always been at the center of her work.
Finding Her Place in Traffic
Before joining the Clerk’s Office, Lovinue worked with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners. When the opportunity came to join the Clerk’s Office, she saw a chance to grow professionally and learn something new.
Despite her experience in county government, the court system was unfamiliar territory. In fact, her only previous visit to the courthouse had been to obtain her marriage license.
“Everything was completely new to me,” Lovinue says.
As she became familiar with the Office and its different court divisions, she wanted to learn more. That curiosity eventually led her to the Traffic division, where she started as a cashier helping customers at the counter.
Making a Difficult Day a Little Easier
For many people, receiving a traffic citation can be confusing. They may not know whether to pay the ticket, attend traffic school or request a court hearing. Lovinue remembers how often customers arrived frustrated, looking for someone who could explain their options.
“My goal is to help customers leave with a better understanding of their situation than when they arrived,” she says.
She understands that not everyone is comfortable researching their options online. Sometimes people need to speak with someone who can answer their questions and help them feel more confident about their next steps.
Although Deputy Clerks do not provide legal advice, they can explain available options and help customers understand the process.
“I think with Traffic, we try to make it as easy as possible for the defendant to take the best next step and move on,” she says. Not every scenario is the same.
Training and Mentorship
In her role as senior clerk in the Traffic Division, Lovinue has embraced another responsibility that she finds especially rewarding: training and supporting other Clerks.
She plays an important role in training new Traffic Clerks, keeping current Traffic Clerks informed of updated procedures and processes, and working with interns who are experiencing the court system for the first time. Most recently, the Traffic team has welcomed a student intern from St. Augustine High School, providing an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the court system.
“I enjoy working with interns,” Lovinue says.
She enjoys introducing students to a side of local government they may know very little about. The experience has become even more meaningful as she watches her own daughter explore potential career paths.
Lovinue’s daughter, Kinzlie, is a student at St. Augustine High School, where she participates in the Future Teachers Academy and volunteers at local schools. Seeing her daughter gain firsthand experience has given Lovinue a new appreciation for the opportunities the Clerk’s Office provides to student interns.
Lovinue also values the support, encouragement, and genuine friendships she has built with her coworkers, appreciating the positive connections and meaningful relationships they share. She describes her Traffic team as a group that keeps one another moving forward, especially when someone needs an extra push.
“They’re always there to give you that extra motivation and encouragement when you need it,” she says. “That’s exactly what you want in a team.”
Deep Roots in St. Johns County
Lovinue was born and raised here in St. Johns County, growing up in the Vilano Beach area. Outside the Office, much of Lovinue and her husband’s time revolves around their two children and their activities.
Her 14-year-old daughter, Kinzlie, has played softball since she was six. Now a travel ball pitcher with hopes of playing at the college level, she keeps the family busy traveling to games and tournaments.
“We’re constantly going” Lovinue says.
Her seven-year-old son, Sawyer, often comes along for the ride. Sawyer has interests of his own, including gaming, fishing, swimming and spending time outdoors. He’s also preparing for flag football this season. As a family, they enjoy nature, boat rides and being outside whenever their busy schedules allow.
“We try to find breaks where everyone can do something,” she says.
Helping People Move Forward
Lovinue came to the Clerk’s Office looking for an opportunity to grow and learn something new. Today, she’s helping others do the same. Whether she’s explaining options for handling a traffic citation to a customer or helping a new deputy clerk understand the process, Lovinue knows the difference a little guidance can make.
Sometimes, helping someone move forward starts with taking the time to explain what comes next.
