St. Johns County has kicked off its official SJC 101 Citizens Academy on March 6, a program that quickly booked up, indicating a robust interest from locals in understanding the inner workings of their government, according to an announcement on the St. Johns County website. With the pilot program's resounding success last year, the academy is designed to help residents and business owners get a comprehensive look at how County operations function.
The Spring 2025 class is already filled to the brim with applications spilling into a waitlist for the Fall 2025 session, prompting anyone interested to apply online and secure a spot for the next offering; a clear sign that civic curiosity isn't just alive but thriving in the County, and those who missed the chance are looking forward, with the eagerness of a community hungry for insight and involvement, to be part of the next round of educational intake.
In its opening session themed "County Governance," representatives from all six constitutional offices of St. Johns County took part, providing participants with a primer on their roles and responsibilities. Krista Joseph, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, launched the program with a welcome message, highlighting the interactive nature of the academy. "Learn about the departments, learn about the people and what we do," Chair Joseph said. "We’re doing it for you," the St. Johns County announcement quoted.
Counting among the officials who met with students in the first session were St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller Brandon Patty, Property Appraiser Eddie Creamer, Sheriff's Office Commander George Harrigan, Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes, and Tax Collector Jennifer Ravan, adhering to the academy's mission to educate and engage, while shaping a cohort of residents ready to take more active roles in their community; a thorough curriculum takes them through various themes from governance to public safety and utilities, culminating in a graduation at the June 3 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
County Administrator Joy Andrews highlighted the initiative's broader aspirations, stating, "SJC 101 is a remarkable opportunity for residents to gain a behind-the-scenes look at County government. By fostering transparency and encouraging civic participation, we are empowering our community to be active stakeholders in shaping the future of St. Johns County," as per the same St. Johns County announcement.
