New College Campus Expansion Plan Stalls

"If passed, the original bill would have given New College much-needed dorms and other facilities on the nearby USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. NCF is seeking to grow its enrollment amid a multiyear overhaul driven by Gov. Ron DeSantis and led by NCF president Richard Corcoran, a former Republican lawmaker tasked with leading a conservative rebrand of the institution."

"The effort to transfer the USF campus failed amid strong pushback from hundreds of local community members and criticism from Republican congressman Vern Buchanan, who opposed the plan, arguing that the two institutions have distinct missions and therefore should remain separate."

"Since DeSantis originally included the transfer of USF Sarasota-Manatee to NCF as part of his proposed budget, it may yet squeeze through as part of a new funding deal. Considerable money is at stake: The House's proposed budget includes a provision to steer $22 million in recurring funds to New College after its absorption of"

A bill that would have transferred the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida passed the House but was defeated in the Senate. The Senate Appropriations Committee stripped out the campus transfer provision and deleted the entire proposal before the session ended. The transfer would have provided New College with needed dormitories and facilities to support enrollment growth as part of a conservative rebrand led by President Richard Corcoran. Opposition came from local community members and Republican congressman Vern Buchanan, who argued the institutions have distinct missions. Supporters contended the transfer would better align state resources since USF Sarasota-Manatee operates below capacity. The proposal may be resurrected during the upcoming special legislative session focused on budget negotiations, as Governor DeSantis included the transfer in his proposed budget.

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