Sarasota County offers primer program on workings of local government

Residents of Sarasota County who want to gain a better understanding about how local government works are invited to register for the fall 2026 session of Civics 101: Your County Connected.

The 12-week, classroom-style program runs every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. beginning Sept. 3 and concluding Nov. 19. The program includes in-person presentations from county departments, tours of county facilities and interactive experiences.

Each session is hosted by a specific Sarasota County Government department, including Administration; Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Public Utilities; Libraries; Planning and Development Services; Financial Management; Solid Waste; Emergency Services; Transportation; Stormwater and others.

Applications are available at SCGov.net/civics101 through July 12. Notifications of acceptance will be sent in August. Space is limited to 30 participants. Call 941-861-5000 or 311 for more information.