I had explained the cremation process in Pinellas County in a prior post, here it is from the county medical examiner’s website:

http://www.co.pinellas.fl.us/forensics/policy/policystatement.htm#CA

Note sections 5, 7, and 11.

Section 11 is the current hold up in Jim’s cremation. According to A Life Tribute, they have been waiting on the info from the doctor (this is what they told me again today. According to the doctor, they had already sent the “CREMATION APPROVAL FORM” to A Life Tribute, only to have it returned as ‘not properly filled out’. Dr’s office said they have contacted the funereal home and couldn’t get an answer on what needed to be changed. I was then further advised by Dr. Fana’s office supervisor that the doctor would be in tomorrow (1/16/2013) and if she couldn’t get it taken care of, the doctor himself will take care of it tomorrow. Dr. Fana’s office number is 727.384.0192. Feel free to call them, I already have several times.

Note: a death certificate is necessary for the county to approve a pending cremation.

To see if a death certificate has been issued, go here:

https://public.co.pinellas.fl.us/login/loginx.jsp?goto=/mainmenux.jsp

Click “Guest Login”,

then click “Official records Search”  (first link under “Official Records”)

fill in TAYLOR in name box

chose “Death Certificate” from drop down labeled “Instrument Select”

enter begin date (12/29/2013) and end date (end with current date)

hit “Submit”

You will see when/if the death certificate has been issued.

Or you might be able to call here:

http://www.pinellashealth.com/BirthDeath_Certificates.asp

The number for the District 6 (Pinellas/Pasco) Medical examiner’s office is 727.582.6800. I assume they could tell you if Jim has been cleared for cremation. http://www.pinellascounty.org/forensics/default.htm

I hope this clears up any confusion about what is going on.