by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
While high turnover and frequent lateral career moves seem to be a norm in today’s job market, it would seem unlikely for anyone to stay at a job for any more than five, or maybe 10, years. Delores Battinelli and Sylvia Blythe have been employed at the Duval County Courthouse for nearly 37 years. In June, their extended run will come to an end when the sisters retire.
“They have been here for so many years,” said Clerk of Courts Jim Fuller. “And having been in every department, they know how everything works. When I came here, they made the transition very smooth and I appreciated that. They’ll be missed.”
So why leave now?
“I think I’m ready,” said Blythe, Fuller’s executive assistant. “I’ve enjoyed almost every minute, but there comes a time when you just have to let go.”
Battinelli agreed.
“I only hope I won’t miss working too much because I love it here,” the chief assistant clerk said. “But you have to do it some time.”
While most people may not understand the roles of the clerk’s office, that hasn’t deterred Blythe and Battinelli from channeling of all their energies into their work.
“We really do impact your life whether you realize it or not,” said Battinelli. “Whether you adopt a baby or inherit money from your uncle, that’s us.”
The two sisters originally came to the courts in 1966. It was Battinelli who first took a civil service exam while studying at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, which was then known as Florida Junior College.
“After I had taken the test, I was offered a job at the circuit civil department of the courts,” said Battinelli. “When I started, I was doing all the docketing by hand.”
Within a few months, a position in the recording department became available. Battinelli recommended her sister, who was subsequently hired.
“She was instrumental in getting me a job here,” said Blythe. “It’s funny. I remember that when I first got here the courts had gotten their first electric typewriter. We’ve come so far since then. There is a PC on every desk now.”
Advanced technology is one of the first things the sisters will mention when asked about how the courts have changed over the past 30 years. Most notably, computers have reduced the amount of time, and especially elbow grease, required from court employees.
“It’s really amazing,” said Blythe. “Where it would have taken hours to locate certain documents and records years ago, you can find them in minutes now.”
As far as working “within shouting distance” of each other, the sisters say that it has never been a problem.
“We’re very close,” said Battinelli. “You’d be surprised at how well you can get along with a sibling. We both consider it to be something special to be able to work together.”
“Absolutely,” said Blythe. “We are close but it’s not like we don’t have our differences. If we ever have a problem, we can easily go into an office and air out any grievances privately. It’s been a very workable situation.”
And what will they miss the most?
“I’ll definitely miss the people,” said Battinelli. “The hustle and bustle of the courts have made it easy for me to want to come to work all these years. It has also been interesting to see the young attorneys, who were here when I started, mature with their careers. I’ve also seen the judiciary grow from nine to 44.”
Blythe, who has had the pleasure of issuing marriage licenses to thousands of people including Jacksonville Jaguars Fred Taylor and Jeff Lageman, agreed.
“It has been great getting to work so many interesting people,” she said. “The law is fascinating.”
With June right around the corner, the sisters are giving serious thought to what is next for them.
“There are so many things that I want to do,” said Battinelli. “My husband and I are looking for a new home. I may even take an interior design class so I can decorate it myself. I want to travel, too.”
“We promised to take our granddaughters to Paris,” said Blythe. “I’m really looking forward to playing with them.”
And what about the new county courthouse that will become a reality in just a few years?
“Well,” said Blythe, “it’s a little bittersweet but at least a lot of things that we need will come to fruition. The people who will be going to the new courthouse will be able to take advantage of those things.”
Battinelli has no regrets either.
“I just feel very fortunate to have been here for so long,” she said. “I’ve been here through three clerks and they have all been very good to me. I’ve enjoyed almost every day. The parking may be bad, but next to my family, this is the most important thing in my life.”