Alachua County Citizens Academy

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is uncertain when the next Alachua County Citizens Academy will be scheduled.  To stay informed with this and other community events, please consider subscribing to the Alachua County Facebook page or other Alachua County social media accounts, or register for Alachua County Community Update Newsletters or Alachua County Press Releases at the following site:​

Alachua County Communications Office : Sign Up to Stay in Touch​.
  • Tour of Waste Management Facilities 2015
  • Commissioner Chestnut 2015
  • Michelle Lieberman, County Attorney 2015
  • Animal Services Equipment Demo 2016
  • Environmental Protection Surface Waters Demo 2016
  • Fire Rescue Demo 2016
  • Sheriff Presentation 2016
  • Budget Activity with Participants 2016
  • Commissioner Hutchinson 2016
  • Citizens Academy Class Photo 2016
  • Citizens Academy Graduation 2016
  • Chair Hutchinson welcomes Alachua County Citizens Academy 2016
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  • Alachua County Citizens Academy Welcome Message

    ​Dear Alachua County Citizens:

    Whether you are new to our community, or are a life-long resident, we strongly encourage you, your colleagues, family, friends and neighbors to participate in a future Alachua County Citizens Academy program.  This free program usually begins in April of each year and spans eight weeks.  
     
    The Citizens Academy offers Alachua County residents an opportunity to participate in behind-the-scenes tours, hear lectures and interact with Alachua County officials from the Board of County Commissioners, Constitutional Offices, Judiciary, Library District, Health Department, and School Board.
     
    Thank you for your interest in the Alachua County Citizens Academy program and we look forward to meeting you in a future Citizens Academy class!
     
    Sincerely,
     
    The Alachua County Leadership Team
     
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  • Sample Schedule

    ​Below is a sample schedule of the sessions and presentations typically conducted during the Alachua County Citizens Academy program.
  • Sample Session 1
    Location:
    Josiah T Walls Building – Downtown Gainesville
    Presenters:
    • County Manager
    • County Attorney
    • Budget and Fiscal Services
    • Supervisor of Elections
  • Sample Session 2
    Location:
    Emergency Operations Center or Sheriff's Office Squad Room
    Presenters:
    • Fire/Rescue
    • Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
    • ACSO Headquarters & Communications
  • Sample Session 3
    Location:
    Criminal Courthouse - Jury Room
    Presenters:
    • Eighth Judicial Circuit
    • Public Defender
    • State Attorney
    • Clerk of the Court
  • Sample Session 4
    Location:
    Work Release Facility
    Presenters:
    • Sheriff - Department of the Jail
    • Paws on Parole Demo
    • Court Services
  • Sample Session 5
    Location:
    Thomas Coward Auditorium - Alachua County Health Department
    Presenters:
    • Alachua County Health Department
    • Community Support Services
    • Environmental Protection
  • Sample Session 6
    Location:
    Alachua County Library District Headquarters
    Presenters:
    • Property Appraiser
    • Tax Collector
    • Communications & Legislative Affairs
    • Library District
  • Sample Session 7
    Location:
    Veteran's Memorial Park - Freedom Center
    Presenters:
    • Alachua County Public Schools
    • Community and Administrative Services
    • Economic Development
    • Growth Management
  • Sample Session 8
    Location:
    Public Works Compound - Hague
    Presenters:
    • Public Works
    • Animal Services
    • Solid Waste & Resource Recovery
    • Parks 
    • Conservation Lands
    • IFAS/Ag Extension Office
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If you have any questions regarding the Citizens Academy,
please call 352-374-5262.

  • You must be 18 or older to participate.
  • You are responsible for transportation to/from each meeting site.
  • Photos may be taken during the Alachua County Citizens Academy sessions, which could be used by Alachua County for marketing, promotion, and/or informational content in print and/or digital media.
  • Alachua County Citizens Academy program seating is limited to 45. If registration capacity is reached, a wait list will be generated.
  • If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352)374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).​
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