Latest Civics 101 graduates earn recognition from County Commission

Classes provide insights into how county government operates

(From left) Miranda Lansdale of Sarasota County Neighborhood Services; Civics 101 graduates Joan Styles, Juanita Cherry, Lisa Faber, Traci Moore and Euline Myrick Sr.; Commissioners Christine Robinson, Paul Caragiulo, Alan Maio and Carolyn J. Mason; Jane Grogg of Sarasota County Neighborhood Services; Commissioner Charles D. Hines; and graduate Amy Doran. Not pictured: graduate Wendi Leach.
(From left) Miranda Lansdale of Sarasota County Neighborhood Services; Civics 101 graduates Joan Styles, Juanita Cherry, Lisa Faber, Traci Moore and Euline Myrick Sr.; Commissioners Christine Robinson, Paul Caragiulo, Alan Maio and Carolyn J. Mason; Jane Grogg of Sarasota County Neighborhood Services; Commissioner Charles D. Hines; and graduate Amy Doran. Not pictured: graduate Wendi Leach.

The Sarasota County Commission recently recognized seven graduates of the county’s Civics 101 class for spring 2016.

The graduates completed more than 40 hours of programming — including presentations from 16 county departments, five constitutional offices and the 12th Judicial Circuit Court — to learn more about how their government operates, a county news release says.

“I learned so much that I’m going back to my community to encourage others to come out,” said graduate Juanita Cherry in the release. “They always talk about, ‘I want to know where my tax dollars are going.’ Well, if you don’t go to class, you won’t learn anything.”

“The series of free classes was recently revamped to allow students more time to experience a ‘backstage pass’ to the workings of Sarasota County Government,” noted Miranda Lansdale, community outreach specialist with the Sarasota County Neighborhood Services Department, in the release.

Any adult who lives or works in Sarasota County is eligible to participate in the program, although enrollment is limited, the release points out. “Students benefit from the knowledge they gain, relationships they develop and unique experiences they enjoy,” the release adds. The classes include the following:

  • Informational materials and promotional handouts.
  • Question-and-answer opportunities with county administrators, staff and other county officials.
  • Hands-on activities and tours.
  • Networking with other community members who share similar interests.

Dates and times for the next Civics 101 program are still being determined, the release says, but interested participants may email neighbor@scgov.net and request to be notified when they become available. More information and photos from previous classes are available on the Neighborhood Services Facebook page, www.facebook.com/neighborSRQ.

For additional information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.