Citizens' Academy

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Welcome to the Hernando County Citizens' Academy

Are you curious about how your local government works? Would you like a behind-the-scenes look at the departments and services that keep Hernando County running? The Hernando County Citizens' Academy is your opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with your local government like never before.

This free, educational program is open to citizens that live or work in Hernando County who are 18 years or older. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the roles and responsibilities of various County departments such as the Tampa Bay-Brooksville Regional Airport all the way to the Department of Public Works. The class will participate through interactive sessions, department tours, and engaging presentations. Each session will be held in the afternoon (approximately 12:00pm - 5:00pm). Meeting locations for each session will be announced once the class is finalized.

Designed to foster transparency, understanding, and community involvement, the Citizens' Academy helps build a stronger, more informed partnership between the County and its citizens.

Class size is limited to just 15 participants, and we kindly ask that all sessions are attended in order to graduate. Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the academy for use in official county communications.

Dress will be business casual for all sessions. Jeans are allowed, but closed-toe shoes are required—this may include walking tours of County facilities. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing. Dress comfortably but professionally.

By participating in the Citizens' Academy, you consent to the use of photos and/or video taken during the program for official County communications and outreach.

Attending all sessions is strongly encouraged; participants who miss more than two class may not be eligible to complete the program.

Ready to step inside your local government?

When applications are live, please submit completed application to Amy Baldwin by emailing ABBaldwin@HernandoCounty.us or in-person to the Hernando County Administration Office located at 15470 Flight Path Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604.

Welcome to the Hernando County Citizens' Academy

Are you curious about how your local government works? Would you like a behind-the-scenes look at the departments and services that keep Hernando County running? The Hernando County Citizens' Academy is your opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with your local government like never before.

This free, educational program is open to citizens that live or work in Hernando County who are 18 years or older. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the roles and responsibilities of various County departments such as the Tampa Bay-Brooksville Regional Airport all the way to the Department of Public Works. The class will participate through interactive sessions, department tours, and engaging presentations. Each session will be held in the afternoon (approximately 12:00pm - 5:00pm). Meeting locations for each session will be announced once the class is finalized.

Designed to foster transparency, understanding, and community involvement, the Citizens' Academy helps build a stronger, more informed partnership between the County and its citizens.

Class size is limited to just 15 participants, and we kindly ask that all sessions are attended in order to graduate. Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the academy for use in official county communications.

Dress will be business casual for all sessions. Jeans are allowed, but closed-toe shoes are required—this may include walking tours of County facilities. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing. Dress comfortably but professionally.

By participating in the Citizens' Academy, you consent to the use of photos and/or video taken during the program for official County communications and outreach.

Attending all sessions is strongly encouraged; participants who miss more than two class may not be eligible to complete the program.

Ready to step inside your local government?

When applications are live, please submit completed application to Amy Baldwin by emailing ABBaldwin@HernandoCounty.us or in-person to the Hernando County Administration Office located at 15470 Flight Path Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604.

  • The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026

    Share The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026 on Facebook Share The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026 on X (formerly Twitter) Share The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026 on Linkedin Email The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026 link

    MEDIA RELEASE

    August 31, 2026

    The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026

    (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government will accept applications for the 2026/27 Citizens' Academy beginning tomorrow. This is an educational program designed to provide residents and local workers with a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of their county government.

    This free and engaging academy invites community members aged 18 and older who live or work in Hernando County to participate in a dynamic series of sessions aimed at fostering transparency, understanding, and community involvement. The Citizens’ Academy will provide participants with firsthand insight into the roles and responsibilities of various county departments, from learning about the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport to exploring efforts to protect the county’s natural resources.

    Citizens will learn more about the county through interactive presentations, guided tours, and in-depth discussions with county leaders.

    Applications will be accepted through Monday, September 14, 2026. Please submit your completed application to Amy Baldwin by emailing ABBaldwin@HernandoCounty.us or dropping it off in person at the Hernando County Administrative Building, located at 15740 Flight Path Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604.

    Key Program Details:

    • Eligibility: Open to Hernando County residents and workers aged 18 and older.
    • Cost: Free to participate.
    • Class Size: Limited to 15 participants.
    • Program Requirements: Attending all sessions is strongly encouraged. Participants who miss more than two classes may not be eligible to graduate.
    • Dress Code: Business casual; jeans are permitted, but closed-toe shoes are required. No athletic wear or flip-flops.
    • Media Notice: Photos and videos will be taken during sessions for official county use; by participating, attendees consent to this media usage.

    "The Citizens’ Academy is an exciting opportunity for individuals to learn how their local government works and how decisions are made,” said Amy Baldwin, Community Engagement Coordinator. “It’s about building informed partnerships with the people we serve.”

    For more information about the Hernando County Citizens’ Academy, visit www.EngageHernando.com/CitizensAcademy.

    ###

    MEDIA RELEASE

    August 31, 2026

    The 2026/27 Hernando County Citizens’ Academy Will Accept Applications Beginning Tomorrow, September 1, 2026

    (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government will accept applications for the 2026/27 Citizens' Academy beginning tomorrow. This is an educational program designed to provide residents and local workers with a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of their county government.

    This free and engaging academy invites community members aged 18 and older who live or work in Hernando County to participate in a dynamic series of sessions aimed at fostering transparency, understanding, and community involvement. The Citizens’ Academy will provide participants with firsthand insight into the roles and responsibilities of various county departments, from learning about the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport to exploring efforts to protect the county’s natural resources.

    Citizens will learn more about the county through interactive presentations, guided tours, and in-depth discussions with county leaders.

    Applications will be accepted through Monday, September 14, 2026. Please submit your completed application to Amy Baldwin by emailing ABBaldwin@HernandoCounty.us or dropping it off in person at the Hernando County Administrative Building, located at 15740 Flight Path Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604.

    Key Program Details:

    • Eligibility: Open to Hernando County residents and workers aged 18 and older.
    • Cost: Free to participate.
    • Class Size: Limited to 15 participants.
    • Program Requirements: Attending all sessions is strongly encouraged. Participants who miss more than two classes may not be eligible to graduate.
    • Dress Code: Business casual; jeans are permitted, but closed-toe shoes are required. No athletic wear or flip-flops.
    • Media Notice: Photos and videos will be taken during sessions for official county use; by participating, attendees consent to this media usage.

    "The Citizens’ Academy is an exciting opportunity for individuals to learn how their local government works and how decisions are made,” said Amy Baldwin, Community Engagement Coordinator. “It’s about building informed partnerships with the people we serve.”

    For more information about the Hernando County Citizens’ Academy, visit www.EngageHernando.com/CitizensAcademy.

    ###

  • Hernando County Launches Citizens Academy

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    CLOSED: The 2025 Citizens' Academy session has concluded.

    Hernando County Launches Inaugural Citizens' Academy
    Now Accepting Applications

    (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Hernando County Citizens' Academy, a brand-new educational program designed to provide residents and local workers with a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of their county government.

    This free and engaging academy invites community members aged 18 and older who live or work in Hernando County to participate in a dynamic series of sessions aimed at fostering transparency, understanding, and community involvement. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the roles and responsibilities of various County departments such as learning how to submit a permit through Development Services all the way to protecting our natural resources. Citizens will learn more about the county through interactive presentations, guided tours, and in-depth discussions with county leaders.

    “The Citizens’ Academy is an exciting opportunity for individuals to learn how their local government works and how decisions are made,” said Amy Baldwin, Community Engagement Coordinator. “It’s about building informed partnerships with the people we serve.”

    Key Program Details:

    • Eligibility: Open to Hernando County residents and workers aged 18 and older
    • Cost: Free to participate
    • Class Size: Limited to 15 participants
    • Program Requirements: Attending all sessions is strongly encouraged. Participants who miss more than one class may not be eligible to graduate.
    • Dress Code: Business casual; jeans are permitted, but closed-toe shoes are required. No athletic wear or flip-flops.
    • Media Notice: Photos and videos will be taken during sessions for official county use; by participating, attendees’ consent to this media usage.

    Applications are now open for the inaugural 2025 class. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience and connect with your community in a whole new way.

    Apply today and take your first step inside local government.

    For more information on class sessions or to apply, please visit www.EngageHernando.com/CitizensAcademy or contact Amy Baldwin by emailing ABBaldwin@HernandoCounty.us.

    ###

    Hernando County, FL was established in 1843 and named in honor of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Also known as Florida's Adventure Coast, over 206,000 residents live amongst a vast array of freshwater rivers and springs, state forests, preserves and Gulf waters, calling it home. Just north of Tampa and west of Orlando, Hernando County’s economic impact in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, distribution and logistical industries foster a strong workplace for business growth and prosperity. Businesses, residents, and tourists are drawn to this location because of the affordability, accessibility and abundant space to relocate or expand. Learn more about Hernando County by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us and get the latest updates by liking Hernando County Government’s Facebook page @HernandoCoGov.

    Hernando County Launches Inaugural Citizens' Academy
    Now Accepting Applications

    (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Hernando County Citizens' Academy, a brand-new educational program designed to provide residents and local workers with a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of their county government.

    This free and engaging academy invites community members aged 18 and older who live or work in Hernando County to participate in a dynamic series of sessions aimed at fostering transparency, understanding, and community involvement. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the roles and responsibilities of various County departments such as learning how to submit a permit through Development Services all the way to protecting our natural resources. Citizens will learn more about the county through interactive presentations, guided tours, and in-depth discussions with county leaders.

    “The Citizens’ Academy is an exciting opportunity for individuals to learn how their local government works and how decisions are made,” said Amy Baldwin, Community Engagement Coordinator. “It’s about building informed partnerships with the people we serve.”

    Key Program Details:

    • Eligibility: Open to Hernando County residents and workers aged 18 and older
    • Cost: Free to participate
    • Class Size: Limited to 15 participants
    • Program Requirements: Attending all sessions is strongly encouraged. Participants who miss more than one class may not be eligible to graduate.
    • Dress Code: Business casual; jeans are permitted, but closed-toe shoes are required. No athletic wear or flip-flops.
    • Media Notice: Photos and videos will be taken during sessions for official county use; by participating, attendees’ consent to this media usage.

    Applications are now open for the inaugural 2025 class. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience and connect with your community in a whole new way.

    Apply today and take your first step inside local government.

    For more information on class sessions or to apply, please visit www.EngageHernando.com/CitizensAcademy or contact Amy Baldwin by emailing ABBaldwin@HernandoCounty.us.

    ###

    Hernando County, FL was established in 1843 and named in honor of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Also known as Florida's Adventure Coast, over 206,000 residents live amongst a vast array of freshwater rivers and springs, state forests, preserves and Gulf waters, calling it home. Just north of Tampa and west of Orlando, Hernando County’s economic impact in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, distribution and logistical industries foster a strong workplace for business growth and prosperity. Businesses, residents, and tourists are drawn to this location because of the affordability, accessibility and abundant space to relocate or expand. Learn more about Hernando County by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us and get the latest updates by liking Hernando County Government’s Facebook page @HernandoCoGov.

Page last updated: 01 Sep 2026, 01:00 PM