Tampa, FL. – In an afternoon ceremony Victor D. Crist took the Oath as Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller for Hillsborough County, FL.

An official swearing-in took place earlier in the day. After the Official Swearing-In Ceremony, Clerk & Comptroller Crist re-deputized the first of three groups of Deputy Clerks.

Clerk Crist spoke about his goals for the office and his vision to provide faster, more efficient service for the citizens of Hillsborough County. He mentioned that he would build on the improvements made by his predecessors and looks forward to fostering strong relationships between the Clerk's office, the 13th Judicial Circuit, and other Hillsborough County elected officials. He expressed gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career, including his time serving in the Florida Legislature and as a Hillsborough County Commissioner.

"I intend to bring strong, competent, collaborative, and experienced leadership to the Clerk's office by improving our services delivery system to our local courts, county government, and citizens. I will bring innovative solutions to expedite workflow, prevent delays, and improve productivity. As we all know, justice delayed is justice denied," said Clerk and Comptroller Crist.

Crist reiterated his campaign priorities to expand on his plans for the efficiency of the Clerk's office.

• Improve clerking support of our court systems so that Judges can reduce backlogs and handle their caseloads more efficiently.
• Reduce costs to taxpayers by trimming or cutting functions that do not fit the office's constitutional and statutory requirements.
• Update technology promptly to speed up performance and improve the accuracy of the office's vital court processes, public recordkeeping, and financial functions.
• Reduce service delays and improve customer satisfaction by promoting teamwork, career progression, and workforce retention through better communication, enhanced training, and cross-training.

Family, friends, and Hillsborough County Clerk of Court's office employees attended the swearing-in ceremony at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa. Local and state dignitaries, including First District Court of Appeals Judge Bradford Thomas and Senior Staff Director of the Senate Appropriations Committee Tim Sadberry, were also in attendance.

Crist’s wife, Angela Severino-Crist, stood at his side as he took the oath of office on a bible held by his daughter, Sophia. He was sworn in by First District Court of Appeals Judge Bradford Thomas, who said, “I witnessed first-hand Representative and Senator Victor Crist‘s impactful work in the Legislature to improve the administration of justice in Florida. He will bring that same dedication to performing the critical constitutional duties as Clerk of Hillsborough County.”

“We look forward to working with Victor Crist, a longtime friend of the Courts of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, as we continue to build on our strong partnership with the Clerk of Court in serving the citizens of Hillsborough County,” Chief Judge Sabella.