by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“All rise! Court is now in session.”
Those are the seven words that begin each proceeding in the courtrooms of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. But before those words can be spoken and the judge takes his seat at the bench, there is a multitude of details that must be completed.
That’s the responsibility of Court Administrator H. Britt Beasley and his staff of more than 100 people.
Beasley has held the position for 18 years and has worked in the same office on the second floor of the County Courthouse for the past 15 of those years.
As soon as you approach the door, you know the occupant of the office is a Florida State fan and that’s appropriate. Beasley’s public school, secondary and college education took place in the state capital. After graduating from Tallahassee Leon High, he attended Florida State University where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his post-graduate degree in Organizational Communication.
After college, Beasley said he liked Tallahassee so much, he got a job in the State Legislature and worked for the majority leader in the House of Representatives. Then he spent more than 10 years as the Director of Judicial Relations for the Florida Supreme Court before coming to Jacksonville and the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
In addition to the things he needs to keep the courts running smoothly, Beasley has collected quite a few personal mementos and souvenirs over the years. Not surprisingly, each category – family photos, his Seminoles icons and his collection of golf memorabilia – is highly organized with a place for everything and everything in its place.
Beasley said his office is decorated with the same philosophy he and his staff live and work by every day.
“It’s all about organizing and communicating,” said Beasley.