Framework for Freedom invests over $25 million into College of Central Florida

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The “Framework for Freedom” budget approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis will invest more than $25 million to the College of Central Florida (CF) to support the growing workforce.

Framework for Freedom, signed in mid-June by DeSantis, budgets funds for tax relief, environmental protections, debt reduction, education, military and veteran protections, emergency management, public safety and the economy, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

The money for CF is a fraction of the budget’s $1.7 billion investment in state operating funds for the Florida College System. The state holds Public Education Capital Outlay funds which will be disbursed to the college once they’re reserved for expenses, according to CF spokesperson Lois Brauckmuller.

In addition to the increased operations budget, money will be allocated toward three projects at the college that aim to serve Marion, Levy and Citrus counties by growing their workforces, according to a press release from CF.

The Equine Studies and Agribusiness program, located at CF’s Vintage Farm campus in Ocala, will receive $1.6 million for new equipment. This campus houses classes for both associate and bachelor’s degree programs in equine studies, agribusiness, organizational management in agribusiness and applied science in business, according to the CF website.

The college will also receive $17.4 million to help fund the construction of a Criminal Justice Instruction Center. The center is still in very early stages of planning, so no details about the location or programs to be offered are available at this time, said Brauckmuller.

An investment of $6.4 million will go toward the renovation of Building 19 on the campus, which houses the Emergency Medical Services programs. These programs offer courses to become a paramedic, EMS or EMT, which can be applied to a degree, according to the CF website.

“The College of Central Florida appreciates the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Department of Education through the Framework for Freedom Budget,” according to the press release.