Alachua County Citizens Academy

  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
  • Citizens Academy
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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 members, friends, and neighbors to participate in the Alachua County Citizens Academy.

    Our Citizens Academy offers you 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.

    Throughout the nine-week program, you will better understand the variety of discretionary and mandated services provided to you through your local government and learn how those services impact your quality of life. In order to graduate, participants are expected to attend at least seven of the nine sessions.

    Thank you for your interest in the Alachua County Citizens Academy!

    Sincerely,
    The Alachua County Leadership Team

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  • 2026 Alachua County Citizens Academy Schedule (Subject to Change)

    Each session showcases specific County Departments, Constitutional and Judicial Offices, and Special Taxing Districts within Alachua County.  All sessions are Thursdays from 9:00am to 12:30pm, with the exception of May 28, 2026 which is scheduled from 8:00am to 3:00pm.  Attendance at all sessions is recommended, however, you must attend at least seven (7) of the nine (9) sessions to receive a certificate of completion.  (Schedule is subject to change.)​
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Read our Citizens Academy feature story

  • Session 1:
    April 02, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Fire Rescue Training Facility - 5801 NW 34th Blvd
    Presenters:
    • County Manager
    • County Attorney
    • Budget & Fiscal Services
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  • Session 2:
    April 09, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Fire Rescue Headquarters & Emergency Operations Center - 1101 NE 8th Avenue
    Presenters:
    • Fire/Rescue
    • Emergency Management
    • Communications
  • Session 3:
    April 16, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Sheriff's Office - 2621 SE Hawthorne Road
    Presenters:

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    • Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
    • Combined Communications Center / 911 Call Center​


  • Session 4:
    April 23, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Stephan P Mickle Criminal Courthouse - Jury Room
    Presenters:
    • Eighth Judicial Circuit
    • Public Defender
    • State Attorney
    • Code Administration​
    • Clerk of the Court
  • Session 5:
    April 30, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Health Department Conference Room
    Presenters:
    • Alachua County Health Department
    • Community Support Services
    • Environmental Protection
  • Session 6:
    May 07, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Library District Headquarters
    Presenters:
    • Alachua County Public Schools
    • Supervisor of Elections
    • Alachua County Library District    
  • Session 7:
    May 14, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Freedom Center at Veteran's Memorial Park
    Presenters:
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    • Alachua County Property Appraiser's Office
    • Growth Management
    • Alachua County Tax Collector's Office
  • Session 8:
    May 21, 2026 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Location:
    Alachua County Jail
    Presenters:
    • Alachua County Sheriff's Office - Department of Jail
    • Court Services Department
  • Session 9:
    May 28, 2026 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location:
    Chartered Bus Tour - starting location Alachua County Public Works - Hague
    Presenters:
    • Public Works
    • Animal Services
    • Solid Waste & Resource Recovery
    • Parks
    • Conservation Lands
    • IFAS/Ag Extension Office​
    • Alachua County Sports & Events Center


I​f you have questions on the Alachua County Citizens Academy or would like to join the wait list for next year’s program, please email shahn@alachuacounty.us or& call 352-264-6916.

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  • You must be at least 18 years of age 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 50. 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 3 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).​
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