Citizens Academy

Citizens Academy is a free, hands-on, public information program that allows citizens an insight into City services and the functions of City departments. The class size is limited to the first 30 residents that sign-up because of the interactive nature of the program. Attendees must be at least 16 years old to participate.

The Citizens Academy program consists of seven, two hour evening sessions, held on Thursdays.

All sessions are from 6-8 p.m. and will be held at various City facilities. Dinner will be provided at 5:45 each week.

2024 Citizens Academy Session Schedule:

Week 1 (February 29): History of Lakeland and Finance Department
Week 2 (March 7): Lakeland Fire Department
Week 3 (March 21): Community and Economic Development
Week 4 (March 28): Lakeland Police Department
Week 5 (April 4): Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts
Week 6 (April 11): Lakeland Electric
Week 7 (April 18): Lakeland Linder Airport & Graduation

All participants in the Citizens Academy are encouraged to attend all the sessions in order to get the most from the program. Citizens Academy will allow Lakeland residents to get a behind the scenes look of how city government operates. The class will graduate with a certificate in “Governmentology.”

Sign Up

If you are interested in signing up for Citizens Academy 2024 or would like more information on the program, please email:

CitizensAcademy@LakelandGov.net

or call 863.834.6393.