Meet the Clerk

For those of you who don’t know me, I am Barbara Higginbotham. I am the daughter of Johnny and Martha Foster and grew up as a Navy brat, moving around every few years until my dad retired in 1983 and moved us to Dixie County to live near my grandparents. I am a proud 1985 graduate of Dixie County High School.

My husband and I (Daryle, aka “30”) have owned and operated a local home cooking restaurant, Taste of Dixie Diner, since 2011. We have 8 children, 18 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. My family is my pride and joy. Most of our time is spent hunting, fishing, and camping! We love the outdoors.

Work History

I began working at the age of 16 at our local TG&Y for Terry Dembo after school and on weekends, and that is where I learned the importance of customer service. All my adult life, I continued in the retail business.

I worked at Piggly Wiggly for Jerry Fulford and then managed a convenience store for several years before going into the banking world.

In 2002, I went to work for the Gilchrist County Clerk of Court and Comptroller under Joe Gilliam and later Todd Newton, where I spent 18 ½ years as a deputy clerk.

I was always told that it’s not a job when you love what you do, and I truly did.

Becoming the Clerk

I was approached in late 2019 about running for Dixie County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, and after careful consideration and prayers, I decided to do just that.

It was not something I took lightly, but I believed I could make a difference if elected. I ran a campaign during COVID-19, which made things difficult. I made the best of it, though. I masked up and went door to door to as many houses as I could over an 11-month period. I have never been a public speaker; it terrified me, but I did it! I can honestly say I’ve never worked harder at anything in my life. I was blessed to be elected in November of 2020. I took office on January 5, 2021. I gathered my team together and told them what I expected of them:

Transparency, Accountability, Efficiency, and above all else, Customer Service!

My team and I worked hard those first 4 years getting the office up to speed with the help of several other Clerk’s offices (Citrus, Gilchrist, Levy, and Martin), and we are proud of all we accomplished. We continue to work hard for you every day! We are Public Servants!

The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court envisions earning the public trust through leadership in its diverse role as Clerk to the Courts, Guardian of Public Records, and Auditor of the Public Resources and Systems. The Clerk’s Office will be an advocate for people in need of access to public resources and records. We will provide an efficient, friendly, and professional workforce prepared to meet changing customer needs. The Clerk’s Office will safeguard and enhance resources through strong internal audits and effective investment strategies.