Oldsmar launches Future Leaders youth program; council seeks participant feedback

City staff told the Oldsmar City Council on Aug. 5 that recruitment for the new Future Leaders youth program has begun and that, since advertising in late July, three teens had signed up for the program. Staff also said two teens had registered for the city’s Citizens Academy, which is open to residents and nonresidents age 14 and older. The mayor and councilmembers described early sign-ups as encouraging and suggested the city gather structured feedback from participants to learn what youth want from civic engagement opportunities. Councilmembers discussed modest incentives and credit for community service hours — one councilmember noted Parks and Recreation already offers Bright Futures hours for youth participating in certain cleanups. City Clerk Kristen Garcia said the public communications team created promotional materials and staff will continue outreach to boost participation. Councilmembers asked staff to track participants and return with recommendations for meaningful incentives and ways to collect participant feedback.