Longboat Citizens Academy graduates celebrated

Town Hall chambers were packed Monday for the first Longboat Key Town Commission meeting of the month. Not for the solar power ordinance or a budget amendment, but for an ad hoc graduation ceremony for the 30 graduates of the town’s Citizens Academy program.

The seven-week program taught participants the ins and outs of local government with visits across the barrier island to different city departments and on different topics including planning and zoning, public works, elections, parks and recreation, police and fire, and code enforcement. At Monday’s town commission meeting, participants were handed certificates marking their completion in the program, called up one by one to receive their recognition by Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman. Margaret Giacalone shared with commissioners that Citizens Academy gave her a greater appreciation of the work the town does on a day-to-day basis.

“I think there are a number of us that never had any idea how fascinating we would find wastewater management,” Giacalone said, getting a laugh from the participants, town staff and commissioners alike. “It also helped us understand the scope of services that the town provides and we also got exposure on a number of projects that are underway.”

Mayor Ken Schneier, in his last meeting serving on the Town Commission, said he hopes that some who participated would be inspired to join volunteer boards to stay involved in the town.

“These individuals have gained valuable insights into the functions and responsibilities of the government, contributing to the betterment of our community through active participation in the program,” Schneier said. “We look forward to seeing some of you coming onto some of the local boards, and ultimately coming up here serving as commissioners for the town.”