Contact:  Jason Bartolone, Communications Specialist   941-928-3988    jason.bartolone@sarasotafl.gov

Sarasota, FL:  City of Sarasota residents, property owners and business owners interested in learning more about their local government are encouraged to register and participate in the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, an interactive, eight-week educational course. Most sessions will be held Thursday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m. beginning Jan. 23, 2020. Space is limited to 25 participants.

The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for participants to see how municipal government operates through interesting, interactive learning sessions, with different City departments featured each week. Participants will get a chance to see how our Utilities Department treats and maintains healthy drinking water; visit the Robert L. Taylor Community Center and learn what it takes to operate city parks; step on stage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and see how Broadway shows are brought to Sarasota; and get a hands-on demonstration of how the Sarasota Police Department protects our community.

“We are excited our Planning Department is once again able to offer this great course,” said City Manager Tom Barwin. “This is an excellent opportunity for our residents to become more engaged with their local government and experience all the ways the City of Sarasota is serving the community.”

There is no charge for the eight-week course, but participants are asked to commit to attending the eight sessions. City of Sarasota employees may also participate. A graduation ceremony will be held during the March 16 City Commission meeting.

View the full Citizens’ Academy schedule and complete an online application at sarasotafl.gov/government/planning/neighborhoods.

For more information, contact Neighborhood Planner Nancy Kelly at 941-263-6378 

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About the City of Sarasota:  Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as the 18^th Best Place to Live in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 55,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, a 45-hole municipal golf course at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles.  Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov