ORANGE PARK – Richard Edwards’ luck ran out last June when he was stopped and charged for driving during the previous 18 months with a suspended license.

Fees and penalties made it more difficult for the Green Cove Springs man to pay his fine and get back on the road – legally.

Then he heard about Operation Green Light.

“I heard about it last year, but I never gave it much thought,” Edwards said after he made arrangements to settle his debt and get his license reinstated during last Saturday’s unique program at the Tax Collector’s Office on Park Avenue. “I decided to check it out this year.”

In the process, Edwards learned the county would drop more than $900 of his penalties. In about five minutes, he also discovered the clerks were willing to set up a payment plan to settle the original ticket.

“I couldn’t believe how it turned out,” Edwards said. “I realize if you don’t know something, all you have to do is ask. You know, a driver’s license isn’t a right. It’s a privilege. I know it now.

According to Chief Operations Officer Tracie McRae of the Clerk’s Office, a long line of Clay County drivers was in line more than an hour before the doors opened at 8 a.m.

The response was so overwhelming Clerk Tara Green decided to extend the forgiveness period to regular business hours all week at the Orange Park and Green Cove Springs offices.

“By 8:30 (a.m.), there was someone at every window, and people were still waiting in line,” McRae said.

Once outstanding balances were paid, more than 60 drivers had their licenses reinstated in both 2019 and 2020.

For more information, visit the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office website at clayclerk.com.