5 Essential Services And Major 2025 Updates From The Manatee Clerk Of Courts

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as one of the most vital constitutional offices in the region, acting as the keeper of the public record, an auditor of county finances, and the administrative arm of the local court system. As of December 17, 2025, the office, led by Clerk Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, continues to modernize its services and issue important public announcements, including the highly anticipated 2025 Operation Green Light initiative.

The role is a dual one, combining the responsibilities of the Clerk of the Circuit Court—managing all court-related documents and processes—with the duties of the Comptroller, which involves significant financial oversight for the Board of County Commissioners. Understanding this office is key to navigating the legal and financial landscape of Manatee County, Florida.

Meet the Clerk: Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, Esq.

Angelina "Angel" M. Colonneso is an elected official who holds the distinction of being the first female Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Manatee County history. Her deep roots in the community and extensive legal background have shaped her tenure, focusing on transparency, efficiency, and public service.

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Key biographical and professional highlights:

• Lifelong Resident: Ms. Colonneso is a lifelong resident of Manatee County, Florida.
• Early Career: She began her work life at a young age, including employment at Bealls Department Store throughout her high school and college years.
• Sworn In: She was officially sworn in as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in September 2015, following the passing of the longest-serving clerk in county history.
• Legal Standing: She holds the title of Esq. (Esquire), indicating her legal training and professional status.
• National Recognition: A significant career achievement includes being sworn into the prestigious U.S. Supreme Court Bar.
• Current Role: She currently serves as the elected Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Manatee County, overseeing all operational and financial duties of the office.

The 2025 Update: Operation Green Light and Public Warnings

Staying informed about the latest initiatives and warnings from the Clerk’s office is crucial for Manatee County residents. The office consistently hosts events and issues alerts to protect the public from fraud and help citizens resolve legal issues.

Critical 2025 Event: Operation Green Light

One of the most impactful public service events hosted by the Clerk's office is Operation Green Light. This is a highly anticipated annual event designed to help citizens who have suspended driver's licenses due to unpaid traffic tickets or court fines.

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• Event Date: The 2025 Operation Green Light is scheduled for April 5, 2025.
• Time and Location: The in-person event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller's office, located in downtown Bradenton.
• The Goal: The primary purpose is to allow individuals to pay overdue court obligations, often with the possibility of a payment plan, to get their driver's licenses reinstated.
• Benefit: This initiative directly impacts hundreds of residents by restoring their legal ability to drive, which is essential for employment and daily life.

Evolving Jury Duty Scam Warning

The Clerk's office regularly issues warnings about sophisticated scams targeting residents. A recent and persistent threat is the Jury Duty Scam. Residents should be aware that the Clerk’s office will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone to clear a warrant for missing jury duty. Any calls demanding payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency should be immediately reported to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The Dual Role: Clerk of the Court and County Comptroller

The Manatee Clerk of Courts is not just a court administrator; the office is a constitutionally mandated entity with a dual set of responsibilities that span the judicial and financial arms of the county government. This dual function is what gives the office its immense topical authority.

1. Judicial and Court Services

As the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the office is the official record keeper for the entire 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County. This involves managing every aspect of the court process, from filing to final judgment.

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• Court Records Maintenance: The Clerk maintains the integrity and accessibility of all court records, including Civil, Criminal, and Family Law cases.
• Case Divisions: Specific departments handle different types of cases, ensuring specialized service:
  • Criminal Division: Manages all court files for arrestable offenses.
  • Traffic Division: Assists the public with options for resolving traffic citations, collecting fines, and distributing proceeds according to Florida Law.
  • Probate and Guardianship: Handles court matters related to estates (Probate), incapacity, and minors (Guardianship).
  • Appeals Department: Processes cases moving to a higher court.
  • Child Support Depository: Manages the financial distribution of child support payments.
• Jury Management: The Clerk is responsible for summoning and excusing jurors for the various court proceedings.

2. Comptroller and Financial Oversight

The Comptroller role is the Manatee County government's chief financial officer, providing essential checks and balances to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

• Chief Financial Officer: The Finance Department, under the Clerk's direction, carries out the duties of the county’s chief financial officer.
• Auditing and Oversight: The Comptroller audits all county expenditures and ensures that public funds are spent legally and efficiently. This provides a critical, independent review of county finances.
• Board Records: The office is responsible for recording and maintaining the official minutes, resolutions, and ordinances of the Board of County Commissioners.

Accessing Essential Manatee County Public Records and Services

The Manatee Clerk of Courts is the central hub for numerous public services that go beyond the courtroom. The office has heavily invested in Online Services to make public records and payments more accessible to the community.

Official Records and Public Access

The Clerk is the official records keeper for Manatee County's Official Records. These are documents that primarily relate to property and land transactions, but also include other vital public documents.

• Official Records Search: Citizens can search for deeds, mortgages, judgments, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents online.
• Property Alerts: The office offers a free service, Property Alerts, that notifies a user via email whenever a document is recorded against a specified name or property, helping to prevent property fraud.
• Plat Records: Records related to land subdivision and mapping are also maintained by the Clerk’s office.

Marriage Licenses and Passports

For personal services, the Clerk’s office is the first stop for many life events:

• Marriage Licenses: Residents can initiate a marriage license application online and complete the process in person.
• Passport Services: The office is a designated Passport Acceptance Facility, offering convenience for citizens applying for new or renewal passports.

Online Convenience and Payments

Modernization has been a key focus, allowing citizens to conduct most routine business remotely. This includes searching court case information and making online payments for traffic fines, court fees, and other obligations. The Public Records Hub on the official website is the central access point for all these digital services.

The Manatee Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, under the leadership of Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, remains a cornerstone of the county's governmental structure. By leveraging technology for public access and proactively addressing community needs through events like Operation Green Light, the office ensures that the judicial and financial records of Manatee County are maintained with integrity and made available to all citizens.