Citizens Academy

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When does Citizens Academy take place?

Who can participate?

What happens in a session?

Department subject matter experts present, guide tours, & give hands-on experiences of key topics & daily tasks necessary to keep our county running effectively & efficiently.

Here's our 2026 schedule:

Date	Department(s)
March 5	Human Resources, Procurement Services, & Public Relations
March 12	Solid Waste
March 19	Building Safety & Growth Services
March 26	UF/IFAS Extension Service & Veterans Services
April 2	Parks & Recreation, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, & X35 (airport)
April 9	Office of the County Engineer
April 16	Facilities Management & Tourism Development (OMCVCB)
April 23	Community Services & Public Library System
April 30	911 Management, Information Technology, & Public Safety Communications
May 7	Utilities
May 14	Fire Rescue & Fleet Management
May 21	Municipal Services & Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)
May 28	Animal Services
June 4	Administration wrap-up session
June 16	Recognition & graduation!

This schedule is subject to change & includes field trips to facilities otherwise closed to the public.

What's the cost to participate?

How do I find out more?

What's next for grads?

Alumni Academy is an educational program that provides previous Citizens Academy graduates the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Marion County & the services offered to citizens.

This program expands throughout all of Marion County & helps graduates understand what our elected officials do & offer our county.

Alumni Academy participants visit our five constitutional offices & the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership.

Alumni Academy consists of eight sessions that begin March 4, 2025. The program occurs once a week for eight weeks, & graduation occurs a month later at a county commission meeting.

We encourage everyone who has graduated our Citizens Academy to attend Alumni Academy!

Here's the 2025 schedule:

Session	Date/Time	Office	Location
1	March 4 9 a.m. - noon	Florida Department of Health in Marion County	1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala
2	March 11 9 a.m. - noon	Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller	110 NW First Ave., Building 1, Ocala
3	March 18 9 a.m. - noon	Supervisor of Elections	981 NE 16th St., Ocala
4	March 25 9 a.m. - noon	Tax Collector's Office	503 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
5	April 1 9 a.m. - noon	School District Office (to be confirmed)	1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala
6	April 8 9 a.m. - noon	Sheriff's Office	692 NW 30th Ave., Ocala
7	April 15 9 a.m. - noon	Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership	310 SE Third St., Ocala
8	April 22 9 a.m. - noon	Property Appraiser's Office	503 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
9	April 29 9 a.m. - noon	Supervisor of Elections	981 NE 16th Street, Ocala
10	T BD	Recognition & graduation at a county commission meeting	TBD

Why Citizens Academy?

Citizens Academy class photo

Do wastewater treatment plants help water conservation & waste management?
How does the trash in Marion County landfills help produce energy?
What does HazMat equipment look like up close, & how does it protect county workers?
Want to understand the ins & outs of the county budget?

Citizens Academy at a glance...

Our Citizens Academy is a comprehensive course that:

Covers the challenges & issues facing our community
Encourages participation in the government process
Familiarizes participants with the operations & services of Marion County government (not including constitutional officers).

Presenters serve as experts in their fields on behalf of the county commission.

Learn more about the program below!

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Marion County, FL

Citizens Academy

Why Citizens Academy?