SARASOTA COUNTY — Registration is open for the Fall 2026 session of Civics 101: Your County Connected. Civics 101 is a classroom-style community engagement program that gives Sarasota County residents an inside look at how their local government works.

The 12-week program runs every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., kicking off Sept. 3 and concluding Nov. 19, 2026, with a graduation event. Participants will take part in various in-person presentations from county departments, tours of county facilities and interactive experiences.

Each session is hosted by a specific Sarasota County Government department, including County Administration, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Public Utilities, Libraries, Planning and Development Services, Financial Management, Solid Waste, Emergency Services, Transportation, Stormwater and more.

Applications are available online through July 12. Notifications of acceptance will be sent in August prior to sessions starting in September. Space is limited to up to 30 participants.

"Civics 101 is a great way to connect residents with their government," said Shelia Roberson, Director of Communications. "County staff take great pride in providing customer-focused services that add value to the community. We want each participant to leave feeling informed, engaged and empowered to stay involved."

The program is open to Sarasota County residents. Applicants must commit to attending a majority of the sessions to graduate.

For more information, visit scgov.net/civics101 or call 941-861-5000 or 311.