ABOUT MARTIN CARES

Public Works staff demonstrate traffic signals

Martin CARES (Citizens Academy and Resource Education Series) is an award-winning program that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Martin County government.

Over a six-week period, participants will enjoy a variety of field trips to various Martin County facilities such as our beautiful parks and beaches, historic sites, libraries, and our Emergency Operations Center.

Citizens will also visit completed infrastructure and water quality projects and will hear from departments under the Board of County Commissioners, as well as Martin County's Constitutional Officers.

The program is typically held twice each year, with sessions in January and March. 

WHY CARES?

Martin County Sheriff's Office helicopter

We want to familiarize residents with the function and purpose of Martin County government, thus increasing citizen awareness of the variety of services offered by local government.

Through Martin CARES, participants will personally get to know the men and women who oversee the day-to-day operation of the departments that provide key services such as roads, water and sewer, parks, emergency medical services and law enforcement.

Upon completion, participants will have firsthand knowledge of the structure and function of County government and can share that information with friends and neighbors.

Program Details

Approximately 50 residents will participate in a variety of field trips and presentations once weekly, over a six-week period. Classes begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. following a “working” lunch.

There is no charge to participate and snacks and lunch will be provided. Air-conditioned coach transportation is also provided for adventures in the field.

2023 Dates

Martin CARES will be held twice in 2023, view our 2023 Program Flyer.

  • Session 1: January 12 – February 16, 2023
  • Session 2: March 23 – April 27, 2023

Registration for 2023 is currently full.

Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by Martin County Board of County Commissioners' employees or elected officials is subject to disclosure to the public and the media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.