New College of Florida appears to be set for a major expansion.
On Sunday night, the Florida State Senate approved a plan to transfer the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to nearby New College. The proposal, which failed to pass during the regular legislative session this spring, now appears likely to advance. New College is set to receive more than 32 acres of land and facilities, including much-needed student housing. New College will also take on $53 million in debt tied to the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.
While the Senate initially balked at the proposal, it appeared to reach a compromise with the House, which had pushed the transfer. The House initially pushed for $22 million in recurring funds for New College as part of the deal, but dropped that request in a deal with the Senate. Now, pending final approval of the budget, New College seems set to take over the campus.
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