Movers and Shakers: Manatee

Manatee County Building Official C.J. Dupre’ has been selected among 477 building officials as Florida Building Official of the Year by the Building Officials Association of Florida.

Manatee Building and Development Services Director John Barnott said Dupre’ is a driving reason Manatee’s Building Department has earned a reputation for

C.J Dupre' (Manatee County Government Photo)

stellar customer service in recent years. The distinction comes two years after Dupre’ was named Building Official of the Year by the Gulf Coast Chapter.

This year residential building permits for new construction have spiked 50 percent over last year.

“C.J. is a value to our customers and community,” said Manatee Building and Development Services Director John Barnott. “He is the epitome of all of the great qualities needed for his position. He provides excellent customer service and provides staff with guidance in the values of being the best. He’s a great model for others to follow.”

Dupre’ was hired by the County in 2001 and has served as Building Official since 2008. He regularly attends meetings of the Manatee County Homebuilders Association and has worked with Sarasota County to bring consistency and predictability to building departments in both counties. Dupre’ says he’s never been one to revel in awards. He just loves what he does for a living.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Manatee County as their Building Official,” Dupre’ said. “It’s a great honor to be selected as number one among them.”

In an e-mail announcing the award, the Association’s Awards Committee chair and City of Tampa Inspectional Services Division manager John Barrios wrote, “Your outstanding leadership and service to our profession and Association has set the bar very high for all to follow.”

“Mr. Dupre’ is a building official whose contribution to the code enforcement profession is meritorious and worthy of recognition,” Barrios says. “He has demonstrated professional abilities throughout his career and is recognized as a leader in the code enforcement profession. Throughout his career Mr. Dupre’ has championed and advanced the cause for safety in the built environment within both his jurisdiction and state.”

For more information on Manatee County’s Building and Development Services Department, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 749-3047. For more information on the Building Officials Association of Florida, visit www.boaf.net.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at MyManatee.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl on Twitter, @ManateeGov or call (941) 748-4501.