County seeking its next 'Junior Commission'

PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County is investing in future leaders with its 2024 Junior Commission program.

The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners recently announced its opening of applications for a youth civic education program that starts in the fall.

“Junior Commission participants will learn the functions of their local government by meeting with commissioners, touring county facilities, attending a commission meeting, pre-agenda meeting, workshop and code enforcement special magistrate hearing and holding a Junior Commission mock commission meeting,” the county stated in a news release.

It is open to juniors and seniors who attend Charlotte County high schools full time or are a part of an accredited home school program, the news release stated.

The five Charlotte County commissioners, which include Ken Doherty, Christopher Constance, Bill Truex, Stephen R. Deutsch and Joe Tiseo, will select the applicants for the Junior Commission.

To apply or see the program schedule, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/juniorcommission.

Those interested can also stop by the commission office at Charlotte County Administration Center’s fifth floor, at 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte.

Applications can be emailed to Diane.Whidden@CharlotteCountyFL.gov, hand-delivered to Whidden at the commission office or mailed to her at Diane Whidden, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.

Application deadline is Aug. 1. Those selected will learn in an Aug. 14 announcement with the program running from Sept. 12 to Nov. 19, the news release stated.

For more information, call 941-743-1300 or email Diane.Whidden@ CharlotteCountyFL.gov.