Twenty-Four Residents Graduate from The 57th Palm Coast Citizens Academy

Twenty-four residents of Palm Coast celebrated their graduation from the 57th session of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 6th.

The academy session, which began on March 24th and concluded on May 5th, gave participants a behind-the-scenes look at how city government operates. Over several weeks, participants engaged directly with City staff and leadership to gain a better understanding of the services, departments, and day-to-day operations that keep Palm Coast running.

Graduates of this session include Alan Barrett, Al Ritondo, Amy Dumas, Ann Zoutman, Anthony Vieira, Bridgett Thompkins, Christopher Milnes, David Praisler, Diann Swigart, Florycel Mancilla, Irene Vieira, Jeanette Myers, Joanne Graci-Campos, Kathy Ritondo, Laurel Jones, Leida Nieves, Lucie Lachance, Mark Webb, Mary Beth Swanson, Mary Vasilevsky, Rita Haman, Robert Ng, Stephen Zoutman, and Sylvia Morris.

The Palm Coast Citizens Academy is a free, comprehensive program designed to provide insights into various city departments such as Utilities, Stormwater & Engineering, Financial Services, Parks & Recreation, Community Development, Public Works, and the Fire Department. Organized by the City’s Communications & Marketing Department, the academy offers interactive sessions with city officials, including council members, the city manager, and department directors. The program is held twice a year, with an evening session in the spring and an afternoon session in the fall, accommodating up to 30 participants per session.

“Congratulations to all the graduates of our Citizens Academy,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “This program is all about giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at how Palm Coast runs—and building real connections between our city and the people we serve. We’re so proud of this awesome group for stepping up and getting involved!”

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy at palmcoastgov.com/palm-coasters/citizens-academy/register. For more information, please email the Communications and Marketing Department at communications@palmcoastgov.com.

For residents who are unable to attend the in-person Citizen’s Academy, the City also offers a Virtual Citizen’s Academy at palmcoastgov.com/palm-coasters/citizens-academy/virtual, providing an accessible way to explore city government through on-demand modules.