Pinellas County residents can experience an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at the first-class services provided by their county government in this year’s Pinellas Citizen University.
Registration is now open for the six-week course scheduled for Thursday evenings from March 15 through April 19, with a bonus Saturday class. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at various Pinellas County operations each week and talk to the experts as they explore a wide range of county functions. Classes generally meet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
During this year’s six-week course, students will learn about the five goals of the county’s Strategic Plan with a focus on how our employees are Doing Things every day to serve the public, improving the quality of life of our citizens and making Pinellas an even better place to call home.
- Learn about the budget and better understand how the county manages funds, including the Penny for Pinellas.
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Pinellas County Jail and its facility operations.
- See what it takes to plan a hurricane evacuation in the face of an approaching storm and how to stay safe.
- Participate in a Touch-A-Truck demonstration of the Public Works equipment that is used to provide safe, effective transportation and faster travel routes.
- Tour the Waste-to-Energy Facility at Solid Waste and learn how it processes over 800,000 tons of waste per year, providing electricity to power 40,000 homes.
- Hear about opportunities to excel after graduation and how to get involved in county government.
These are just a few of the exciting experiences planned for this year’s session of Pinellas Citizen University. Enrollment applications are available online at www.pinellascounty.org/citizenu or by calling (727) 464-4600. The deadline to apply for this year’s session is Wednesday, March 7.
Upon completion, each graduate receives a diploma signed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and a class picture to commemorate the event.
Tuition is $35 and includes a class shirt, all course materials, the graduation ceremony and a diploma. Registration for the limited-enrollment class is on a first-come, first-served basis. First consideration will be given to citizens who have not previously participated in PCU. Upon acceptance, a packet will be emailed to all participants with instructions, meeting places, a list of classes and other session information.