BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Florida Trend magazine noted Santa Fe College’s future Starke nursing school in the periodical’s December issue.
The statewide publication highlighted the workforce development efforts of 21 of Florida’s 28 state colleges.
“In early 2026, the College will cut the ribbon on a nurse training facility in Bradford County, in partnership with the Bradford County School District,” the magazine said.
The story also highlighted Santa Fe’s Ralph W. Cellon Institute for Skilled Trades and Advanced Manufacturing in Gainesville, the college’s partnership with Alachua County Public Works for a diesel systems technician program, and the third year of SF’s joint nurse training partnership with University of Florida Health that is helping to address nursing shortages.
“In collaboration with our business partners, and through the work of our outstanding faculty, we are able to impact the lives of our students and our community,” Dr. Paul Broadie II, Santa Fe College President, said. “We are focusing on educational opportunities for our students and the needs of our employers to build strong foundations right here in Alachua and Bradford counties.”
The magazine claimed that the projects result in an estimated $413 million in total economic impact on the regional economy, currently supporting about 4,866 jobs locally.
Future workforce development projects include an automotive technology training center at Santa Fe’s Blount Center campus in downtown Gainesville. It is expected to open in Fall 2027. This 17,200-square-foot state-of-the-art training facility will increase program capacity and feature interactive classrooms and specialty teaching bays.
The college said these spaces will also be available to industry partners for community training. It is supported by an $11.9 million state appropriation.
