State Reps Tour SJC Medical Examiner’s Office to Assess Regional Needs
On Dec. 6, St. Johns County hosted a media tour featuring Florida House Representatives Sam Greco and Kim Kendall, along with Danielle Curbow, Legislative Aid for Florida Senator Tom Leek. Representatives for the State Attorney’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office were also in attendance. The tour highlighted the vital work and pressing needs of the District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office, which serves St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties. The District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office is requesting State appropriations for the design and engineering of a new facility built to meet the needs of the region. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs captured the tour on video.
The event began with a presentation by Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, District 23 Medical Examiner, at the County Administration Building. Dr. Sneed provided a comprehensive overview of the office’s role in serving a population of over half a million across three counties.
“We’re like a well-kept secret,” Dr. Sneed said, emphasizing the often-overlooked yet critical functions of her office.
Following the presentation, attendees visited the District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office facility to gain a firsthand understanding of its operations and challenges. Dr. Sneed highlighted the increasing caseload and the limitations posed by the office’s current 5,200-square-foot space.
“We are bursting at the seams,” she said. “The County is growing, the cases are increasing, and eventually, we will need to bring on more personnel. But we simply don’t have the space to accommodate them.”
One of the office’s most pressing needs is a dedicated radiographic room.
“The amount of effort that goes into X-raying the cases we receive is incredible,” Dr. Sneed said. “Having a dedicated space would enhance efficiency and allow us to fully X-ray every case, improving the quality of our work.”
The facility is also in need of comprehensive technological upgrades as well as improved ventilation.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Sneed praised her team’s dedication.
“My staff is committed to bringing the best to St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties,” she said. However, she emphasized the need for a facility that can support the projected regional population growth to 700,000 by 2050 and beyond.
The tour underscored the importance of state and local collaboration to address these challenges and ensure the Medical Examiner’s Office is equipped to serve the growing community.
In addition to her work as District 23 Medical Examiner, Dr. Sneed is a member of the National Association of Medical Examiners, the Florida Association of Medical Examiners, and a dedicated educator. She continues to provide educational seminars on the dangers of opiates and other drugs throughout the region and across the country, reinforcing her commitment to public health and safety.