County administration brings their children to work

Daughters and sons of Sarasota County employees spend the day learning about different departments.

By Amanda Morales
| 3:33 p.m. April 28, 2016

Mason Ondercin, Lucy Crisp, Alex Hornacek and Ginny Harrison fill in for the Sarasota County commissioners.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sarasota County employees had a helping hand Thursday from students for the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Employees were encouraged to bring their children to work for the day to learn about the different departments.

Children spent time with Planning & Development Services, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful where they made soda tab bracelets and toured the TV studio where they learned how to use a green screen to reenact scenes from film classics like “Jaws.”

Kiersten Pedersen brought her daughter Alexi Hornacek to work for the third year. Every year they take a photo of Hornacek sitting in the Sarasota County Commission chambers.

The day included a Q&A session with Sarasota County Commissioner Al Maio in the commission chambers where students asked the hard-hitting questions like “What is your favorite Superhero?” Maio answered Superman.

Eight-year-old Mason Ondercin asked Maio what was the hardest decisions he’s had to make.

“When somebody I know is up here and I have to vote no it’s difficult,” Maio said. “I have to vote no if its something I believe in.”

Following the Q&A children took turns experiencing what it’s like to sit in the commissioners’ chairs and handling the gavel. Then parents and children boarded a SCAT bus to visit the Fruitville Library and have lunch. The day concluded with a display by the Sarasota County Firefighters and EMT.