BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – The City of Belleview is inviting local students to put their creativity on display by participating in the 2026 “If I Were the Mayor” Essay Contest, held in conjunction with Florida City Week, celebrated statewide from October 19–25, 2026.

The annual essay contest encourages students to imagine themselves as Belleview’s mayor and share ideas for improving the community. Through creative problem-solving, students can explore the importance of local government while considering how they would make a positive impact on the city they call home.

The contest is open to students in three grade groups, including homeschool equivalents:

  • Fourth and fifth grade
  • Sixth through eighth grade
  • High school students (grades 9–12)

Essays must be 350 words or fewer and should answer the question, “If I Were the Mayor…”

Entries may be submitted, no later than 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2026, by email to rvass@belleviewfl.org or delivered to:

Robert Vass
City of Belleview
5343 SE Abshier Boulevard
Belleview, FL 34420

Winning students in each division will receive:

First Place

  • $50 gift card
  • Essay read aloud by Mayor Christine Dobkowski during a Belleview City Commission meeting
  • Official certificate
  • Official City proclamation recognizing their achievement

Second Place

  • $30 gift card
  • Certificate

Third Place

  • $20 gift card
  • Certificate

Mayor Dobkowski said she looks forward to the contest each year because it offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Belleview’s future leaders.

“One of the greatest responsibilities we have as elected officials is listening to the people we serve, and that includes our youngest residents,” Dobkowski said. “Every year, I am inspired by the creativity and thoughtful ideas students bring to the ‘If I Were the Mayor’ Essay Contest. They look at our community with fresh eyes and often identify opportunities that encourage all of us to think differently. I especially look forward to recognizing our winners during a City Commission meeting because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the voices of our future leaders and remind them that their ideas matter.”

City Administrator Mariah Moody said the contest provides students with an engaging way to learn about local government while developing an appreciation for civic leadership.

“The ‘If I Were the Mayor’ Essay Contest is an opportunity for students to learn firsthand about the role of local government and the impact civic engagement can have on their everyday lives,” Moody said. “Cities provide essential services that residents rely on every day. By encouraging students to think about how they would improve Belleview, we’re helping them develop leadership skills, critical thinking, and a greater appreciation for public service. We were incredibly impressed by the imagination and insight shown in last year’s entries, and we are excited to once again see the innovative ideas our students share during Florida City Week.”

Robert Vass, Community Engagement Liaison for the City of Belleview, said the contest continues to highlight the importance of empowering young people to become engaged members of their community.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this contest is seeing Belleview through the eyes of our young residents,” Vass said. “Their essays consistently reflect optimism, creativity, and a desire to make a positive difference in their community. Some focus on practical improvements, while others dream big and challenge us to think about what Belleview can become in the years ahead. By highlighting these essays during Florida City Week, we’re recognizing outstanding students, reinforcing the importance of civic education and encouraging the next generation to stay involved.”

Florida City Week is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities and is celebrated annually by municipalities across the state to highlight the essential services cities provide and encourage residents to become more involved in their local government. As part of this statewide initiative, Belleview’s “If I Were the Mayor” Essay Contest encourages students to think critically about their community while exploring the responsibilities of public service.

Students interested in participating are encouraged to submit their essays by the published deadline. Additional contest information, including submission requirements and important dates, is available by contacting Robert Vass at rvass@belleviewfl.org.