After over a decade, Hernando County welcomes a new tax collector, Amy Blackburn. Last month, the Sun interviewed Blackburn’s predecessor, Sally Daniel, as she readied to hand over the reins after a commendable time at the helm. In this edition, we will be taking a closer look at Ms. Blackburn’s background and what she brings to the position.
With her father having served in the United States Marine Corps for 23 years, Blackburn was raised in a military household. Once gaining enrollment at the University of Florida, she graduated with a degree in business and a specialty in marketing.
This led Blackburn to entering the field of respiratory care where she provided oxygen and other such aid to patients for 18 years. It was during this time that Blackburn met her husband and best friend, Freddy. Hernando’s newest tax collector recounted a funny moment with her oldest child that played a part in her taking the current position.
Roughly a decade earlier, when her daughter, Sarah, was only two and a half, “she thanked me for visiting one day because I had spent 15 years on the road travelling for this company […] That’s a moment I will never forget because it changed the course of where I am today,” she added.
Afterward, Amy took a step back and realized that perhaps another line of work would be more conducive. She feels that God often speaks to her through her daughter, and this appeared to be one of those times.
Blackburn was fortunate to find a position with the Hernando Board of County Commissioners. Blackburn served there for two and a half years working in the budget department primarily regarding enterprise funds.
It was then that she found her way into the tax collector’s office as a finance director. She applied for the position, and thanks to her background, Daniel herself hired Ms. Blackburn for the position. Amy was effusive in her praise for her predecessor on Friday.
“She has been amazing […] She’s an inspiration, really. From the time I started, she asked for my feedback, she asked for my ideas, just brought me along, showed me what she does day in and day out and how she has enjoyed working for the citizens of Hernando. I love that about her.”
Fast forward to early 2023, and the former tax collector promoted her soon-to-be successor to Deputy of Finance Administration. Alongside the new title, Ms. Daniel began to mentor Blackburn in preparation for the former’s retirement.
Soon after, in December of 2023, Amy started her campaign for tax collector. She would then be elected after running unopposed for much of the race. This culminated with Blackburn’s swearing in by Clerk of the Court Doug Chorvat on November 1.
The University of Florida graduate is extremely passionate and noted on Friday that she coaches Hernando Youth League softball as well. She plans to coach in the 12u division since one of her daughters is on the team. Blackburn enjoys instructing that age group because they are “starting to learn and develop their skills […] I love to be a part of that process.”
“I hope to bring that [passion] to the county,” she said. Blackburn is especially excited for the new tax collector’s office on Forest Oaks Boulevard to be completed next year so her crew can provide greater service to Hernando.
The most important aspect of Ms. Blackburn’s life is her family. She is thankful for the support of her two daughters, and she was happy to have celebrated her 14th anniversary with her husband in October.
Our new tax collector looks forward to serving the people of this county by distributing titles, licenses, and registrations in addition to collecting taxes. “I just hope to carry on in [Daniel’s] footsteps and provide the same level of service as I possibly can to the citizens of Hernando.”
