A Proud Lakeland Graduate of “Governmentology” - Lakeland Citizen’s Academy

Are you ready for an adventure? I recently completed the Lakeland Citizens Academy, and it was an exciting journey filled with new experiences and insights into how our city government operates.

The Citizens Academy is a free public information program that aims to familiarize residents with Lakeland's City government. The program includes a deep dive into the functions of City departments, the relationship between the City Commission and City Administration, an overview of the budgetary process, and an opportunity for citizen input.

But this program isn't your average classroom experience. It's a hands-on adventure that takes you behind the scenes of how city government operates. From touring the Lakeland Police Department and Fire Department to learning about the operations of Lakeland Electric and Lakeland Linder International Airport, every session offers a new and exciting perspective.

The class is spread over seven weeks, each week dedicated to a different aspect of city government. In the first week, we delved into the history of Lakeland and learned about the city's financial operations. In week two, we had a thrilling experience exploring the Lakeland Police Department, where we learned about their operations, and even got a chance to see a K-9 demonstration!

In the following weeks, we toured the Lakeland Fire Department, the Public Works and Planning Department at City Hall, and the Lakeland Library for Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Day. We also learned about Utility Services at Lakeland Electric, which was a fascinating and informative experience. Finally, we visited Lakeland Linder International Airport, where we learned about the airport's operations. Our class also got an exclusive private Lake Mirror Historic Tour!

The crowd favorite was the most hands-on day — Lakeland Fire Department Day. Participants got to wear firefighter gear, use the jaws of life, take a tour of Station One, and even spray the fire hose. It was an unforgettable experience that gave everyone a deeper appreciation for the hard work and bravery of our local firefighters.

My absolute favorite day during Lakeland's Citizens Academy was Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Day. We got to visit the library and learn all about the early pioneers who settled Lakeland. It was fascinating to see the original documents and pictures of the town from the late 1800s and early 1900s. We even got to explore the archives and see some of the more unique items that they have stored away. One of the most interesting things we saw was a key to the city that was made for Elvis Presley when he came to perform, but the key was rejected by Presley's management. It was such a surreal experience to see a piece of history like that. I never knew that Lakeland had such a rich history, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have learned about it during the Citizens Academy.

By the end of the program, I had gained a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into running our city. The class ended with a graduation ceremony, where we received our certificate in "Governmentology" and a free t-shirt!

If you're up for an adventure and want to learn more about how your city operates, I highly recommend signing up for the next Citizens Academy on their website. This adventure will definitely change your perspective on your city and your role in it!