FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT
MYERS, Fla. (February 11, 2002) –
Twelve juniors and seniors from Mt. Hermon Christian School will graduate
Thursday (Feb. 14) from LeeGrows – Lee County’s government information
course – making it one of the youngest groups in recent years to complete the
program.
On Thursday, the group, among
other things, will tour the Lee County Jail and have a question and answer
session with County Commission Chairman Bob Janes and County Manager Don
Stilwell.
Lee G.R.O.W.S. stands for Lee
Government Resource Orientation & Workshop Series and is intended to
familiarize residents with the workings of county government – including what
services it provides – and the role constitutional officers play.
Since its inception in 1988,
more than 2,500 residents have completed the free, five-week course.
Classes meet each Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. where they hear
presentations from county departments and constitutional officers, and tour
county government facilities.
Tours include the
Waste-to-Energy Facility and recycling center, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve,
Lee County Sports Complex, Corkscrew Water Treatment Plant, Emergency Operations
Center, Medical Examiner, Southwest Florida International Airport, Animal
Control, Lee County Jail, County Courthouse, Road Sign Production Shop and 9-1-1
Dispatch Center.
They also hear presentations
from the Sheriff’s Office, Clerk of Courts, State Attorney’s Office, Tax
Collector’s Office, Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser and Public
Defender, among others.
“This is very unique to have
such a large group of students taking time to learn more about their local
government,” says Booch DeMarchi, coordinator of the LeeGrows Program.
To learn more about LeeGrows or
sign-up for participation, contact Booch DeMarchi at 335-2481.