Florida’s growth has been robust over the past four decades, far exceeding the national average. Our region’s governments are very aware of the opportunities and problems that population growth can create. Because of the complex pattern of our local governments, citizen involvement is fundamental to the health of our community and our quality of life. For this reason, several counties have developed programs to inform and connect citizens with their communities. These programs provide interested private citizens and/or the business community with an insider’s look at the complex system that makes up each county government, and offer them the chance to give feedback on what they learn.

• Kissimmee’s award-winning School of Government program was created in 2000 and is managed by the City's Public Information Office. The 11-week program is conducted once a year and includes one three-hour evening class hosted by each of the City departments. Each class includes dinner, tours, presentations and exciting hands-on opportunities. Students learn everything from how to interpret the City's budget to how to operate a sanitation truck. Upon graduation, students are encouraged to use their new knowledge in volunteer roles in the community or by serving on city boards. Of the 87 graduates, 39 have been appointed by the City Commission to advisory boards or volunteer committees.
  
  The program was featured by the Florida League of Cities' Quality Cities magazine and has earned numerous awards, including City-County Communications & Marketing Association’s Third Place SAAVY Award, the Florida Government Communicators Association’s First Place Crystal Award and the Orlando Area Chapter Florida Public Relations Association’s Award of Distinction. The program has been so successful that Osceola County is expecting to start a similar program next Spring. For more information, log on to the City's School of Government page at www.kissimmee.org.
  
  
• Brevard County just held the inaugural session of the Brevard County Citizens Academy as a service to the community to persons 18 years older. Four academies will be offered a year. For information, you may contact marea.assante@countygovt.brevard.fl.us.
  
  
• Seminole County’s Law Enforcement Academy is designed to educate its citizens on the concepts and procedures of law enforcement. The group meets once a week for 14 weeks, and there are no physical requirements. The classes are taught by members of the Command Staff, Deputy Sheriffs, and staff from the Sheriff’s office. For additional information, please call Pete Robinson at 407.665.6741.
  
  
• Lake County’s Citizens Academy meets once a week for 10 weeks and includes visits to various facilities throughout the county. These classes are aimed toward teaching citizens to understand Lake County operations, how to do business with the county, and to provide an awareness of different programs. To register, you may contact Patti Michel, Public Information Officer, at 352.343.9853.
  
  
• The Volusia County Government Citizens Academy is a 10-week curriculum that offers a wide range of seminars and workshops featuring the "inner-workings" of county government. Topics include elections, growth management, community services, public protection, appraisals, assessments, budgets and much more. Citizens ride with EVAC, trek through the scrub habitat at the Lyonia Preserve and shadow a County official for a hands-on look at the county organization. For more information, please contact Dona DeMarsh 386.736.5920.
  
  
• The Orange County Citizens Academy is a learning forum provided by representatives of county divisions, departments and services. Classes meet weekly for eight weeks at various Orange County facilities and locations. Field trips to other locations may be scheduled. To learn more about the Citizens Academy, contact Carmen Mudalier at 407.836.5471 or email to carmen.mudalier@ocfl.net.
  

All these programs are free and open to the public. If you want to get inside information on how your county government works and how you can best utilize the services available, sign up for one of these Citizens Academies today.