Devin’s Story: Trading City Rush for Coastal Rhythm - St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller

Devin’s Story: Trading City Rush for Coastal Rhythm Most people would not guess Devin came from the fast-paced city of Philadelphia. Described by Criminal division supervisor Trinisha Austin as a “quiet professional who shows up each day ready to do his job well, and support the division in any way needed,” Devin’s dedication is apparent at the Clerk’s Office. Today, he moves through life along quieter streets, with steady work and a growing sense of purpose. It started with a decision to move to Florida. Devin was born and raised in Philly, but over time, he felt stuck. Work was not leading anywhere. The future felt unclear. His first stop was Boca Raton. It did not last long. “It was just too expensive,” Devin says. Soon after, Devin made his way back up the coast to St. Augustine. This time, something clicked. St. Johns County offered a different pace. Less crowded. More relaxed. Safer. “Coming from a busy city, I was used to always being on alert,” Devin says. “Here, things feel calmer. I can go out without feeling packed in with people.” Devin and his girlfriend Megan stay active, checking out local events, farmers markets, and live music whenever they can. It is a different kind of energy. Finding Direction Through Experience Before landing in his current role, Devin worked a range of jobs. He worked in food service, T-shirt printing and even electrical work. Like many people early in their careers, Devin was figuring things out as he went. Then came an unexpected opportunity. Megan suggested he apply for a job at the Clerk’s Office. It would be his first office job. A completely new environment. “I never did office work before,” Devin says. “But I figured I’d give it a shot.” He joined the Criminal Court division. At first, it was overwhelming. There was a lot to learn. New systems. New procedures. A constant flow of cases. But over time, that pressure became something else. Thriving in a Fast Pace Today, Devin enjoys the intensity of his work. “I like the action-packed dynamic,” Devin says. Each day brings something different. New cases. New challenges. No routine feels the same. The work has also changed how he sees the world around him. “There’s so much crime,” Devin says. “You don’t realize it until you see it every day.” It is eye-opening. But it also keeps him engaged. A Team That Makes the Difference What helped Devin succeed was the team around him. From the start, coworkers stepped in to help. Training, guidance, and support came from all directions. “They’ve all had my back,” Devin says. The environment is collaborative. If Kayla, his coworker, sees that he needs help, she steps in. No hesitation. “We’re like a family,” Devin says. That sense of teamwork stands out. Especially compared to past jobs where the focus was simply getting through the day. “Devin may not seek recognition,” said his supervisor, Trinisha Austin. “But his consistent hard work and reliability truly exemplify what it means to go above and beyond.” Building Toward the Future He’s already planning ahead. Devin is currently studying business administration and working toward his degree. The structure of his job helps. A steady schedule. Weekends off. Time to focus on school and long-term goals. Outside of work, Devin enjoys what Florida has to offer. Fishing is at the top of the list. Not just from the shore. He prefers deep sea fishing trips, often heading out of Daytona. “I’ve been on boats since I was a kid,” Devin says. He also enjoys music, local events, and exploring new places around town. Crescent Beach is one of his favorites. It is a simple lifestyle. But one that feels earned. Devin did not have a clear plan when he left Philadelphia. But he found a place where he feels comfortable. A job that challenges him and a team that supports him. “I feel like I’m fitting in here,” Devin said with a smile. Sometimes, a fresh start is all it takes.