Pinellas County Citizen University Begins Next Month

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Pinellas County residents once again will have a chance to learn how their county operates and have a behind-the-scenes look at its day-to-day operations.

Registration is now open for the Pinellas Citizen University. The six-week course is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday evenings from April 13 through May 17, with a bonus class on May 20. Classes usually meet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Participants in Pinellas Citizen University will have a chance to talk to experts at the county’s various operations and explore a wide range of county functions. Students will learn about the five goals of the county’s Strategic Plan with a focus on how its employees serve the public.

During the course participants will:

• Learn about the budget and better understand how the county manages funds, including the Penny for Pinellas
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at Pinellas County Jail and its facility operations
• See what it takes to plan a hurricane evacuation in the face of an approaching storm
• Participate in a Touch-A-Truck demonstration of the Public Works equipment
• Tour the Waste-to-Energy Facility at Solid Waste and learn how it processes more than 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

Upon completion, each graduate receives a diploma signed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and a class picture.

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 serve basis. First consideration will be given to residents who have not previously participated in PCU.

Upon acceptance, a packet will be e-mailed to all participants with instructions, meeting places, a list of classes and other session information.

Enrollment applications and a complete course schedule are available online at www.pinellascounty.org/citizenu or by calling (727) 464-4600.

Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department