Pinellas Citizen University

A Look Inside Pinellas County Government

If you’ve ever wondered how Pinellas County operates, then Pinellas Citizen University (PCU) is for you. Through field trips, tours and hands-on activities, PCU offers residents a chance to see how our departments provide first-class services to the community.

The application window is open for the six-week course scheduled for select Wednesday and Thursday evenings from April 10 through May 15.

Apply Here or by calling (727) 464-4600. The deadline to apply for this year’s session is Friday, March 29. Enrollment is limited to residents who have not previously participated in PCU.

Participants learn about the five goals of the County’s Strategic Plan and focus on the way employees set the standard for public service and make Pinellas an even better place to call home.

Participants will:

  • Learn about the budget and better understand how the County manages funds, including the 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.

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

Departments/Divisions Involved

  • Animal Services
  • Board of County Commissioners
  • Communications
  • Consumer Protection
  • County Administration
  • Emergency Management
  • Emergency Medical Services & Fire Administration
  • Office of Management and Budget
  • Parks & Conservation Resources
  • Public Works  
  • Regional 9-1-1
  • Safety & Emergency Services
  • Solid Waste
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Volunteer Services

Please Note:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
  • Classes meet for six consecutive weeks from 5:30 p.m./6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., mostly on Wednesdays with one optional Saturday morning class.
  • Registration is free and includes snacks, all course materials, graduation ceremony, class photo, and diploma.
  • Class enrollment for PCU will be limited to 35 applicants.
  • Because of high demand, only students who have not previously attended PCU will be considered.
  • Each session involves considerable amounts of walking, stair climbing, standing, and sitting.
  • Please indicate any requested accommodations on application form.
  • Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the various sessions located throughout Pinellas County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upon acceptance, a packet will be emailed to all participants with instructions, meeting places, list of classes, and other session information.

For additional information on Pinellas Citizen University, call 727-464-4600.