State highed ed reorganization has big possible implications for the area

[beachmouse]

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlEAST06032108.htm

"A state Senate version of a bill calls for three of Florida's original 28 community colleges to become pilot state colleges: St. Petersburg College, Okaloosa-Walton College and Indian River Community College.

The bill -- and its House companion -- are Tallahassee's latest attempt to govern higher education. With a growing number of community colleges now offering four-year degrees, lawmakers are looking for ways to manage the institutions' expanding missions."

If this goes through, this could be a huge plus to the area. The kind of businesses you want to move into the area see a local public four year school as a requirement to be there. (and the OW South Walton campus will be a part of this all)

 

[Matt J]

If it ever gets built. I believe it was axed in the budget slashing.

 

[DuneLaker]

Well, we do have other choices in South Walton. Gulf Coast Community College as well as the Florida State University Panama City Beach Campus are just a short 20 - 30 minute drive. This is often much shorter than OWC. Students in South Walton have a choice already. In addition, business interests looking for four year colleges in the area should already count the FSU campus in PCB as an asset to the South Walton area. It was once part of the original boundary of Walton County.

 

[beachmouse]

The construction budgets are a different part of the statge budget than the operating funds. And since they're seen as economic stimulus items/pork projects, they're popular to keep in the budget even when economic times are tough.