BRADENTON, Fla. — The office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller recently received its Certificate of Superior Achievement and a perfect score from the U.S Department of State – Miami Passport Agency.
Nearly 300 facilities are assessed and audited annually, and the Manatee County Clerk of Court is a part of a small group of Passport Application Acceptance Facilities throughout Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to receive a perfect score. Manatee County Clerk of Court also received this designation in 2015.
During this process, an assessment visit is conducted, which includes one-on-one interviews with the supervisor of the division, an inspection of the space and security and real-time observations of the acceptance agents working with customers and executing the applications.
“I am so proud of our passport division team who handles and executes applications for this office,” said Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Angel Colonneso. “They undergo certification through on-the-job and online training to serve this office and the community. We are honored to have been recognized again for the service we provide to our residents.”
The Certificate of Achievement recognizes those offices that have demonstrated exemplary service to the community and the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, through the conscientious execution of passport applications, excellence in customer service and commitment to measures that ensure the integrity of the U.S. passport.
For the fiscal year 2016-17, the Manatee County Clerk of Court processed 6,252 passport applications, which was one of its largest years due to an influx of applications between January and June. During 2015-16, the office processed 5,447 applications.
About the Manatee County Clerk’s Office
The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as a public trustee, independently elected to protect public funds and public records while executing the functions of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Comptroller, Treasurer and Auditor, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners and County Recorder. The Clerk oversees a staff of more than 275 people, responsible for performing nearly 1,000 constitutional or statutory functions or duties, representing the broadest and most diverse mantle of responsibility of any locally elected official. The citizens of Manatee County elect the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller to a four-year term. Currently, Angelina M. Colonneso serves as the Clerk of the Court. For more information, call 941-749-1800 or visit www.ManateeClerk.com.