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Council creates 'Future Leaders' program to let teens attend advisory board meetings; some members call for broader youth outreach
Summary
The City Council voted July 15 to establish a "Future Leaders" program that allows teens ages 13–18 to serve as non‑voting ex officio members of advisory boards and clarifies how those service hours are credited.
The Oldsmar City Council on July 15 adopted a resolution establishing a "Future Leaders" program to permit teens ages 13 through 18 to serve as non‑voting, ex officio members of advisory boards, to allow participation to count toward volunteer or scholarship hours, and to provide a certificate of recognition to team members who attend and actively participate in at least five advisory board meetings.
City Attorney read the resolution title into the record as part of the public item: "A resolution of the City Council of the City of Oldsmar, Florida establishing a Future Leaders program instead of team board member position on advisory boards, addressing eligibility, volunteer hours, and teen recognition, repealing Resolution 2023‑27, and providing for an effective date hereof." The council then moved and approved the resolution.
Several residents and councilmembers used the discussion to call for broader youth engagement. A public speaker noted a perceived disconnection between students who leave Oldsmar for middle school and high‑school campuses and urged the city to create additional programs that keep children engaged through the critical sixth‑through‑eighth‑grade years. Councilmembers said the adopted resolution formalizes a program that previously had little structure and that staff can pursue additional outreach measures such as shadowing programs, entrepreneurial opportunities tied to the Saturday market, or Citizens Academy events to involve younger students earlier.
The resolution sets the program as city policy rather than a council appointment process: applications go to the city clerk, no formal council appointment is required, participation may qualify for Bright Futures scholarship volunteer hours, and team members forfeit eligibility upon turning 18 or after completion of their senior year, whichever comes later. Councilmembers asked staff to return with implementation details and suggested working with community partners such as the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and local schools to expand participation.
The resolution passed by voice vote; the council directed staff to include additional discussion on expanding youth opportunities on a future meeting agenda.
