STARKE — The acreage obtained for the construction of a new combination elementary and middle school has been paid off.
From the smiles on their faces, it was evident that it was a win-win moment for everyone. Through funding provided by the State of Florida Special Facilities Construction Account, the Bradford County School District celebrated without fanfare at the opportunity to pay off the land purchase for the new school.
“This is what community banks are for,” commented David Bridgeman, Community State Bank president and CEO, when presented with the final payment check.
With an original purchase price of $698,000 in 2017, the approximately 60-acre parcel located on Southeast 144th Street was selected for a state of the art facility to house Bradford County students.
With an anticipated opening date of August 2023, site work is underway as the group gathered both heard and saw. Crews from Ausley Construction Company are active daily preparing the site during Phase 1. Stacks of azure blue pipe and mounds of dirt adorned the landscape destined to provide a premier learning opportunity for Bradford County students.
“We truly appreciate the partnership we have with Community State Bank. Paying off the land for the new school is just one more step towards completing our first new school here in Bradford County in almost 25 years,” Superintendent Will Hartley said.
