Palm Coast Citizens Academy Graduates 60th Class
The fall 2026 session of the free City program ended with a graduation at Fire Station 25 on November 2.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Palm Coast Citizens Academy graduated its 60th class on November 2, 2026, at Fire Station 25. Mayor Mike Norris presented each graduate with a certificate and lapel pin, and 88-year-old Marilyn Millar led a mock City Council meeting as mayor during the program.
Why it matters
The academy gives residents a hands-on look at how city government operates, from council procedure to the roles of staff and officials. The program is offered twice a year, so it provides a recurring route for local residents to learn about city government.
The fall 2026 session ran seven weeks, beginning September 21, and each session accommodates up to 30 participants. Twenty graduates are listed for the 60th class, and the total number of graduates across all sessions was not reported.
The players
Mike Norris
Mike Norris is the Mayor of Palm Coast, Florida, who presented each graduate with a certificate and lapel pin.
Marilyn Millar
Marilyn Millar is an 88-year-old Palm Coast resident who led the mock City Council meeting as mayor during the academy.
City of Palm Coast
The City of Palm Coast is the municipal government of Palm Coast, Florida, which offers the Citizens Academy as a free program through its Communications & Marketing Department.
The details
Participants take part in a mock City Council meeting, playing roles including staff, City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Council members. The graduation was moved to Fire Station 25 because no City Council meeting was scheduled on Election Day, November 3.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Fall 2026 Citizens Academy session began.
November 2, 2026: The 60th class graduated at Fire Station 25.
November 3, 2026: Election Day, with no Council meeting held.
Season Trajectory
Palm Coast's Citizens Academy has run twice yearly, in spring and fall, and reaching 60 classes shows the program has become an established part of how the city engages residents. Its structure, built around a mock council meeting, is a practical model of civic education that other Florida cities can compare against.
Residents interested in how city government works can apply to a free twice-yearly session that accommodates up to 30 participants. The program offers a direct way to learn about council procedure and meet city officials.
The takeaway
Participating in a local civic program is one of the most direct ways to understand how city decisions get made. Residents who want that understanding can apply to a future session.
Further reading
Explore more civic engagement coverage to see how residents across the region take part in local government.
More information
Register for upcoming sessions on the Palm Coast Citizens Academy registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FlaglerLive.
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