History of the Clerk's Office

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of our newly updated history page on our website: The History of the Clerk’s Office .

This unique project is a celebration of our past, a reflection of our present, and an inspiration for our future. 

We invite you to explore and immerse yourself in our office’s past, which dates to before the turn of the century, when Tampa was a small, frontier outpost known as the U.S. Army’s Fort Brooke.

Black and white photos, inked, cursive, signatures, and hand-drawn seals of Hillsborough County’s past Clerks took 16 months to source and compile. The search led our employees to the living rooms of past Clerk’s relatives, a local Elk’s Lodge where a hard-to-find, framed photo hung on the tavern wall, and even to famous, local cemetery where many Tampa pioneers were laid to rest.      

The journey to bring this project to fruition was a collaborative effort involving numerous staff members, historians, and collaborative partners. We received invaluable photos and guidance from the City of Tampa, the families of past clerks, the Tampa Bay History Center, and various libraries across Hillsborough County. Their contributions were instrumental in piecing together the historical narrative of our office. 

The project was initiated by our previous Clerk, Cindy Stuart, who recognized the importance of preserving and showcasing the rich history of our office. 

We extend special thanks to Professor Canter Brown from Pasco-Hernando State College, whose extensive research on Tampa's history provided a solid foundation for our project. His expertise and dedication were crucial in ensuring the accuracy and depth of the historical content we have compiled. 

We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the family members of the Clerks who played a significant role in this project. Their support and willingness to share personal stories and memorabilia have enriched our historical records, making them more personal and engaging. 

Our updated history page is not just a collection of dates and names; it is a tribute to the legacy of those who have served our community with dedication and integrity. The project is also a testament to the evolution of our office and to our enduring commitment to public service, passed down since 1834.

Thank you to all who contributed to this worthy endeavor. Through your dedication, we have safeguarded a vital chapter of our community’s heritage, ensuring that future generations may study, appreciate, and learn from it.