Fernandina's Citizens Academy resumes

FERNANDINA BEACH — The city is bringing back its Citizens Academy, a program created by former City Manager Dale Martin to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how their local government operates.

The free program begins Monday at 6 p.m. and includes nine evening sessions extending through Sept. 21. Classes will be led by city employees and will explain the responsibilities, services and operations of Fernandina Beach’s municipal departments.

Participants will learn about police and fire services, parks and recreation, building and planning, water and sewer utilities, stormwater, public works, city finances and the municipal budget. Other sessions will cover the city-owned golf course, marina and airport, along with the city’s administrative operations.

City Manager Sarah Campbell said the academy supports the City Commission’s goal of rebuilding public trust through more face-to-face engagement. She said the program will allow residents and city employees to learn from one another while giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at city facilities, services and costs. Campbell said she hopes residents leave with a better understanding of subjects ranging from the city budget and the cost of fire equipment to the operation of water and sewer plants.

The academy is open to residents and business owners age 18 and older. Enrollment is limited to 30 people, with city residents receiving priority.

Classes are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 20, 23 and 30; Aug. 3, 17 and 27; and Sept. 10, 14 and 21. Locations will vary depending on the department being featured and will be provided to participants in a detailed schedule.

The program is designed to show participants what is involved in delivering and maintaining city services and to explain the organizational structure of the departments that affect the community’s quality of life.

Martin introduced the academy during his tenure as city manager as part of his effort to improve public understanding of city government. The program was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2022, when demand was so strong that one class reportedly filled within a day and an additional session was planned.

Martin, who was fired by the City Commission in February 2023, frequently said that residents could participate more effectively in local government when they understood the different responsibilities of the City Commission, city manager and municipal departments.

Interest in restoring the program surfaced publicly in January 2025. During a City Commission meeting, Commissioner Genece Minshew recalled the earlier academy while discussing the city’s online mapping system and suggested offering programs to teach residents how to find and use city information.

The revived academy comes as Fernandina Beach faces major decisions involving its budget, paid parking, waterfront redevelopment, recreation facilities, stormwater infrastructure and the future of city-owned properties.

The published application deadline was Thursday, but the city continued promoting the program afterward and encouraged interested residents to contact the City Clerk’s Office promptly about available space.

Applications can be obtained from the City Manager’s webpage and submitted by email to kbriley@fbfl.org or delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at 204 Ash St. Questions may be directed to the clerk’s office at 904-310-3115.