Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget includes a plan to transfer the University of South Florida’s Sarasota Manatee campus to New College of Florida, reviving a proposal that drew opposition earlier this year from USF alumni and community leaders.
Under the plan, New College would receive 32 acres, dormitories, classrooms, office space and a STEM lab under construction. In exchange, New College would assume $53 million in debt tied to the USF Sarasota Manatee dormitories, according to a USF spokeswoman. About 2,000 students and 300 faculty and staff are based at the campus.
USF Board of Trustees chair Will Weatherford said the outcome will be decided during the upcoming legislative session and that USF does not control the process.
The budget language mirrors a draft bill USF shared with New College earlier this year, according to public records.
Opponents say the transfer would weaken higher education in the Sarasota region. Former USF Sarasota Manatee president Laurey Stryker said alumni and community members are again organizing against the proposal. USF officials said students, faculty and staff would be protected if a transfer occurs.
