Created: 4/20/2009 6:09:16 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- As of April 1st, Duval County property owners who haven't paid their annual taxes are delinquent. And today, there are more than $72 million in unpaid taxes.
But at the taxpayer's office on Forsyth Street Monday, property owner Mildred Parker is all smiles. She just finished that all-important piece of business.
"I feel marvelous! I feel great!" said Parker. "Paying my taxes. My property taxes."
Parker is one of an estimated 350,000 Duval County property owners. But in a sluggish economy, there are nearly 37,000 property owners who are delinquent on their taxes.
The total of delinquent taxes owed is nearly $73 million!
And Parker knows it can be difficult for everyone to come up with the cash.
"That's hard. That's hard," she said.
For some people, it is a matter of keeping food on the table, or keeping the lights on rather than paying property taxes.
Then there are corporations and businesses that are delinquent.
According to the Duval County tax rolls, Zion Jacksonville Limited Partnership owes $612,789.72
Seminole Kraft owes $532,164.92
And LBH Realty owes the tax collector $441,507.36
The total for just these three property owners?
$1,586,462.00!
And for so many delinquent taxpayers struggling out there, Mildred Parker has a soft spot.
"Oh I feel sorry for them. And I will pray for 'em!"
