Recap of Florida City Government Week

#FLCITYWEEK celebrated in cities throughout Florida

by Eryn Russell, Florida League of Cities

Florida City Government Week is a weeklong annual event when Florida’s cities celebrate, showcase and engage citizens in the work of municipal government. During the week, cities educate and engage residents about the range of services their municipality offers, and they celebrate and showcase what makes them stand out. Each city, town and village brings its unique approach to the week.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many cities adapted their celebrations to include in-person or virtual events, or both! The activities in this article provide inspiration and ideas for this year’s event, which will be held October 17-23, 2022.

BARTOW

The City of Bartow hosted the Bartow High School U.S. Government class at City Hall. Students learned about municipal government and Home Rule and participated in a mock Commission meeting. During the mock meeting, the students read and approved a resolution recognizing Florida City Government Week. Officials and staff spoke to the students throughout the day’s program, and the students were served lunch.

BELLEVIEW

The City of Belleview participated in activities including passing a Florida City Government Week proclamation, celebrating the retirement of a longtime municipal employee, hosting a job fair and hosting an ice cream social with the Mayor. To stay social with citizens, the City also shared several posts throughout the week and provided facts about Belleview.

BOYNTON BEACH

To recognize #FLCityWeek, the City of Boynton Beach posted a series of videos in which staff members were interviewed about their journey to the City and their current job, including the ADA Title II Coordinator, Records Coordinator, Staff Engineer, Public Art Manager, Director of Economic Development and Strategy and the Manager of Materials and Distribution.

CAPE CORAL

Throughout the weeklong celebration, the City of Cape Coral brought awareness to Cape Coral’s role in enhancing the quality of life for residents. The week featured activities including videos spotlighting City services and employees, social media posts highlighting City departments and an interactive Florida City Government Week table in City Hall.

COCOA

The City of Cocoa kicked off the City’s annual Citizens Academy program. Throughout the week, the City placed posts on social media channels to teach residents about the City. The City hosted a Touch-a-Truck event during a local festival, where attendees could learn more about city vehicles.

COCONUT CREEK

The City of Coconut Creek paired up elected officials and staff to give presentations at local high schools to talk about city government and careers in local government. Also, the City promoted staff videos on social media, held two City-related contests on social media, shared Florida City Government Week video messages from Mayor Rebecca Tooley, Senator Tina Scott Polsky, State Representative Christine Hunschofsky and more.

CRESTVIEW

The City of Crestview took an active role in celebrating #FLCityWeek with a calendar full of events. Activities included recognizing local clubs and organizations, celebrating past elected officials, and the Fire Department visiting pre-K and elementary schools to talk about Fire Prevention Month. The City concluded the celebration with a social issue roundtable hosted by the Mayor that was followed by a picnic luncheon.

DEBARY

The City of DeBary celebrated each day by highlighting a different department at City Hall to raise awareness about how the department helps maintain the City. The City also engaged the public by posting city trivia on social media to test citizens’ knowledge.

DESTIN

The City of Destin engaged the community virtually this year. The Mayor and members of Team Destin showcased aspects of city government and the services available to Destin’s citizens. The Mayor kicked off the first of several videos that were available on the City’s Facebook page.

DUNEDIN

The City of Dunedin engaged in Florida City Government Week through social media platforms by spotlighting the many volunteers and City employees who make a difference. The City also shared a video showcasing everything the City offers and a video from the City Manager giving the latest updates to residents. The City leaders were happy to see residents engage with the daily posts and trivia questions.

FERNANDINA BEACH

During #FLCityWeek, the Fernandina Beach Fire, Police, and Planning and Conservation departments visited schools to showcase equipment and talk to students about local government. Additionally, the newly established Youth Advisory Council added #FLCityWeek to their agenda and discussed ways of getting high school students involved. The City accepted a proclamation recognizing the week, and the City Manager dedicated his weekly column to #FLCityWeek.

GAINESVILLE

The City of Gainesville hosted 14 “Good Citizens of the Month” from Alachua County public schools. The fifth graders met the Mayor, toured a Gainesville Fire Rescue station, watched the Gainesville Police Department’s K-9 “Stern” in action and visited the headquarters of the City’s regional transit system. Lastly, the students recorded a public service announcement that will air on a local channel.

GOLDEN BEACH

The Town of Golden Beach took the opportunity to celebrate Florida City Government Week virtually this year. Through a Zoom virtual Town Council meeting, the Town leaders encouraged younger residents to ask questions about local government. The Town also invited residents to submit videos or photos sharing what they love about Golden Beach. Due to high resident response, the Town will now be including a section in the town’s magazine for residents to continue to share content showcasing their #GoldenBeachPride.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS

The City of Green Cove Springs held an essay contest for fifth graders from the local elementary school. The students who participated were recognized at a City Council meeting. The City also held Equipment Day when the Public Works and Electric Services departments took equipment to the school for students to view and ask questions. Additionally, a City police officer and K-9 Grit visited the school and conducted a presentation on how K-9 Grit works with the Police Department.

LAKE ALFRED

The City of Lake Alfred promoted Florida City Government Week by reading a proclamation endorsed by the City Commission. The City’s library team also created and designed a display to showcase how city government works. The display table had local government books for residents to check out, stickers and pens, governmentrelated word search puzzles and promotional items from City departments.

LAKE CLARKE SHORES

The Town of Lake Clarke Shores kicked off Florida City Government Week by releasing new social media stickers for residents to use. The Town also used social media stories to play trivia with residents and posted “Town History Reviews” that contained information on each trivia question. Additionally, the Town held a Coffee with the Mayor and Manager event where residents had the chance to ask about upcoming projects, express concerns and discuss ideas for making the Town better.

LANTANA

The Town of Lantana hosted Coffee with a Councilmember at Town Hall. The Town also invited citizens to attend a Spooktacular Drive-In Movie Night event and visit the library to check out their programs. The Town coordinated a poster contest with local schools for students to portray what they love about living in Lantana.

LARGO

The City of Largo celebrated the week through a proclamation, a social media campaign, newsletters, school outreach and a special video from the Mayor sharing his journey to becoming involved with the City. The City also hosted a booth at the annual Howl-O-Train event where the community could connect with commissioners, staff and volunteers and learn how to get involved with City programs.

LONGBOAT KEY

During #FLCityWeek, the Town of Longboat Key hosted a photo contest that asked residents to capture the essence and beauty of the Town. The Town also hosted a shred event for residents and produced a new video about Town services. The Town also encouraged residents to watch a virtual Town Hall open house video.

LONGWOOD

A proclamation recognizing the week was presented at the Longwood City Commission meeting. Additionally, 10 videos were posted on social media platforms about each City department.

MARY ESTHER

The City of Mary Esther held an ice cream social at the local library to celebrate #FLCityWeek. The Mayor, City Council, City Manager and City Clerk greeted and met with residents to learn more about their vision for the community. The City provided a written summary of City programs and services, and copies of the recently adopted annual budget and the Five-Year Community Investment Plan were available.

MOUNT DORA

The City of Mount Dora hosted a photography contest to allow photographers of all skill levels to share their perspectives of the Mount Dora community and culture. The City also hosted a public safety open house. Residents received giveaways, played in emergency response vehicles, toured City stations and more.

NAPLES

The City of Naples highlighted City departments on social media. The City also hosted a photo contest. Amateur and professional photographers of all ages were invited to enter their best images celebrating “My City: I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It.” The City also recognized City departments and divisions by sharing the services provided to the citizens of Naples.

NEW PORT RICHEY

The City of New Port Richey participated in this year’s #FLCityWeek by highlighting departments daily on social media, hosting a #TuesdayTrivia contest, hosting a public

“Ask a Council Person” session, providing tours of City Hall, hosting a Touch-a-Truck event with City vehicles and partnering with the local middle school on a poster contest. Additionally, the Mayor was the guest reader at the Library’s Rhymes-to-Readers story time.

NEWBERRY

The City of Newberry hosted an interactive “My City Government” parade featuring City employees and its municipal fleet with elementary school students.

NORTH LAUDERDALE

The North Lauderdale Pre-K-8 School and Silver Lakes Middle School were invited to tour City facilities and learn about local government operations. The tour included City Commission chambers, the water plant, a firetruck presentation and a special presentation from the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The tour ended with students having a pizza lunch at the City’s Teen Center with department directors.

NORTH MIAMI

For #FLCityWeek, the City of North Miami hosted events ranging from Virtual Talks, which allowed residents to see different sides of many administrators of North Miami, to a Business Breakfast with small business owners. In addition, a job fair, a free COVID-19 testing and vaccination event, and a moment to appreciate the City’s clergy with Clergy Appreciation month were held. The Office of the City Clerk also developed videos explaining City departments and how the City of North Miami is governed.

OLDSMAR

Oldsmar Councilmember Katie Gannon presented a proclamation for Florida City Government Week during the October City Council meeting to Assistant City Manager Felicia Donnelly, who accepted it on behalf of the community.

ORANGE CITY

The City Council of Orange City hosted “Cookies with the City Council,” an opportunity for residents and community members to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know their City Council members one-on-one. City departments were also featured on social media, where posts explained to residents what each department does. The Mayor also read a proclamation recognizing Florida City Government Week at a City Council meeting.

PALATKA

During a regular session meeting, the Palatka City Commission encouraged its citizens and employees to participate and recognize Florida City Government Week.

PANAMA CITY BEACH

The City of Panama City Beach focused on recognizing its municipal employees. Each day, the City posted snapshots of employees on social media and featured over 180 employees throughout the week. The Communications Director also spoke at a City Council meeting on behalf of the employees, and the Director explained their roles and recognized the work they do for residents.

PARKLAND

The City of Parkland celebrated Florida City Government Week by showing municipal-related videos in every third grade classroom. The videos included a message from each School Resource Officer, educational videos on recycling, a tour of the fire/rescue apparatus from the City of Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, a story read by the City’s library team and a video from the Mayor about city government and how it operates. The students also participated in class projects and received goody bags.

PEMBROKE PINES

The City of Pembroke Pines read a proclamation at the October 20 Commission meeting and sent a press release.

PLANTATION

Plantation City Council President Denise Horland addressed the fifth grade classes at Central Park Elementary. The students discussed budgets, services, elections, advocacy and more. Students then participated in a mock quasi-judicial hearing, where students participated as members of the Council, residents and developers.

PONCE INLET

The Town of Ponce Inlet hosted a “Local Government Meet & Greet.” The Meet & Greet allowed residents to speak with all Town departments at the local community center.

PORT ORANGE

Port Orange’s Mayor read a proclamation at the October 19 City Council meeting recognizing the week. Additionally, a group of local homeschool students visited City Hall, where the Mayor explained how local government works. Lastly, the City’s Public Information Officer visited Bethune-Cookman University and spoke to students about her role for the City.

PORT ST. LUCIE

At the school board’s request, the City of Port St. Lucie held a three-hour “live” virtual town hall for local youth. Six schools participated, and over 40 questions were answered by the panelists, which included the Mayor, Communications Director, Deputy City Attorney, Strategic Initiatives Director and a Port St. Lucie Police Officer.

PUNTA GORDA

A proclamation was presented at the City Council meeting. #FLCityWeek pens and stickers were distributed to residents. The City also used social media platforms to share information about #FLCityWeek and promote the City’s Citizens Academy.

SANFORD

Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff and City staff read a proclamation recognizing the week. The Sanford Mayor’s Youth Council also promoted Florida City Government Week in several ways: through social media and by handing out stickers and pens in historic downtown Sanford and at school. The Youth Council also talked to their peers, neighbors and friends about the role of local government.

SEMINOLE

To kick off #FLCityWeek, Councilor Thomas Barnhorn read a Florida City Government Week proclamation at the October 12 City Council meeting. Additionally, Mayor Leslie Waters read the Florida League of Cities children’s book, “The City That Talks,” virtually at the Seminole Community Library.

ST. CLOUD

During #FLCityWeek, the City of St. Cloud posted daily to the City’s social media platforms with interesting facts about services the City provides its residents. The posts included information on how many miles of water and sewer pipes the City has, how much garbage the City collects each year, how many calls for service the Police and Fire Rescue departments answer annually and more. STUART

Commissioners and staff participated in 12 story time sessions, reading “The City That Talks” to students aged pre-K through second grade at two local elementary schools and a local childcare center.

SUNNY ISLES BEACH

The City of Sunny Isles Beach introduced fifth grade students to local government. The Mayor and City Manager kicked off the event discussing the CouncilManager form of government. Students learned about the functions and operations of public works, the importance of public meetings and transparent government, and more. Additionally, the Chief of Police provided a tour of the police station, and the event concluded with demonstrations from K-9, motor and patrol officers.

TEMPLE TERRACE

The City of Temple Terrace invited students from Florida College to learn more about local government by participating in the City’s annual Government Day program. Students learned about municipal operations and selected an area of city government to shadow. The program involved a tour of City Hall and other facilities, meetings with staff and more. The students finished the day by participating in a mock City Council meeting.

WAUCHULA

For #FLCityWeek, the City of Wauchula showcased City employees each day on social media. The Wauchula Police Department and City staff visited a local elementary school to read “The City That Talks” to second grade students. The City also had signs at City Hall highlighting Florida City Government Week and passed out pens and stickers.

WESTON

The City of Weston celebrated with the return of the Weston University program. Twenty students from four area high schools were selected and will meet monthly through March 2022 to interact with several City departments. Students were introduced to local government by the City Manager Donald Decker and Mayor Margaret Brown and met with state Representative Robin Bartleman, who formerly served on the Weston City Commission.

WINTER HAVEN

Winter Haven employees and Commissioners were in the community highlighting the City’s services and their impact on residents. The Mayor, City Commissioners, City Manager and City staff visited schools and organizations and met with citizens. They shared the City’s story and engaged in discussion about the importance of local government. Citizens toured a water treatment plant and learned the source of their drinking water.

WINTER PARK

The City of Winter Park’s Parks and Recreation Department held a special after-school program at the City’s community center. Students learned about what the City does for residents, and the students shared what they loved about the City.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED OR PROCLAMATIONS PASSED:

Bartow

Belleview

Cocoa

Crestview

Destin

Dunedin

Fernandina Beach

Gainesville

Green Cove Springs

Lake Alfred

Lantana

Largo

Longboat Key

Longwood

Mount Dora

New Port Richey

Newberry

North Lauderdale

North Miami

Oldsmar

Orange City

Palatka

Panama City Beach

Parkland

Pembroke

Pines Plantation

Ponce Inlet

Port Orange

Punta Gorda

Sanford

Seminole

Stuart

Temple Terrace

Winter Haven