Pinellas County University begins new sessions March 4

Pinellas County University begins new sessions March 4

Pinellas County residents can experience a behind-the-scenes look at how their county government provides first-class services by attending this year's Pinellas County University.

The application window is open for the six-week course scheduled for Wednesday evenings from March 4 through April 8 .

Participants will get an inside look at various Pinellas County operations each week and talk to the experts as they explore a wide range of county functions. Classes generally meet from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment applications are available online or by calling (727) 464-4600. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 20. Registration is free and includes snacks, a graduation ceremony, a class photo and a diploma.

Participants will learn about the five goals of the county's Strategic Plan with a focus on how employees are setting the standard for public service and making Pinellas an even better place to call home.

Participants will:

• Learn about the budget and gain a better understanding of how the County manages funds, including Penny for Pinellas.

• See what it takes to plan a hurricane evacuation in the face of an approaching storm and how to stay safe.
• Participate in a Touch-A-Truck demonstration by the Public Works staff and learn how the department protects our environment, builds critical infrastructure and makes multimodal transportation safer and more efficient.
• Find out how our Utilities department delivers safe, high-quality drinking water and reuses wastewater for irrigation.
• Hear about opportunities to excel after graduation and how to get involved in your community.

These are just a few of the exciting experiences planned for this year's session of Pinellas County University.

Upon completion, each graduate receives a diploma signed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and a class picture to commemorate the event.

Enrollment is limited to residents who have not previously participated in PCU. Upon acceptance, a packet will be emailed to all participants with instructions, meeting places, a list of classes and other session information .