PCU Students take part in an EMS first responder exercise

Ever wonder how county government works and what goes on behind the scenes in the various departments that provide local services?

Pinellas Citizen University unravels the mystery. Similar to other leadership classes, PCU brings students face to face with county administrators and decisionmakers. During this remarkable 10-week course, participants go behind the scenes at many Pinellas County operations and talk to the experts as the class explores a wide range of county functions.

Students meet and talk with county officials and elected county leaders. Through exciting field trips and hands-on exercises, PCU participants learn firsthand how Pinellas County provides services to nearly one million county residents.

• Experience the drama of a 9-1-1 emergency medical response.
• NEW—A visit to Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
• Get a behind the scenes look at traffic signal control, mosquito control and roads and bridges.
• Tour the South Cross Bayou Water Reclamation Facility and find out how they make reclaimed water out of waste water.
• Sit in the grand jury room, and talk to the judges and administrators within our criminal justice system.
• Get an overview of tourism and economic development.
• Tour the Pinellas County Jail.

Class enrollment is limited.  Classes meet Thursday nights, usually from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuition for PCU is $35 which includes a class shirt, all course materials, graduation ceremony and diploma. 

Enrollment applications and a complete course schedule are available online at www.pinellascounty.org/citizenu or by calling 464-5197.