Clerks to restore office hours

SARASOTA — On Sept. 4, the Sarasota County Clerk will return to normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the 2000 Main St., Sarasota office and the 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice location, according to a news release.

In March, the Legislature cut the budget for county clerks statewide by $31 million, causing layoffs and a reduction of service hours in offices across Florida. The funds were cut because of reduced collection of court fees by clerks and a tough budget year for the Legislature, according to the release.

The Florida Legislative Budget Commission restored $29.5 million earlier this month, which returned clerks to last year's level of spending.