The City of DeBary celebrated the graduation of the seventh session of its Citizens Academy class on June 3, 2026 with a special presentation at the monthly City Council meeting. To date, the program has graduated over 175 residents since its inception in 2021.
The class of DeBary residents received a certificate and pin, distributed by Mayor Karen Chasez and Vice Mayor Phyllis Butlien. The graduates recently concluded the eight -week program, which covered a variety of topics including government organization, parks and recreational programs, and interactive classes with the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department. Presentations by Team Volusia, Tax Collector Will Roberts, Duke Energy, WastePro, Visit West Volusia, DeBary Foundation, Clerk of the Court, DeBary Hall, St. Johns River to Sea Loop and more were also part of the program. The residents met with each of the council members and Volusia County Council member David Santiago as part of the government class.
The Academy was a council-initiated strategic goal, created to provide citizens with the tools they need to actively and effectively engage with the City. Residents were selected on a first come, first served basis and are required to attend each session. The City is preparing to launch the next program and will release the application early 2027.
