State College of Florida Breaks Ground on New Parrish Campus, Expanding Access to Higher Education
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has officially begun construction on its fourth campus, marking a major milestone for higher education in north Manatee County.
Located on a 74-acre site off Erie Road, the new Parrish campus will expand educational access for area residents and support regional workforce development. The project, designed by Hepner Architects of Tampa and built by Lakewood Ranch-based Tandem Construction, represents a $40 million investment in its initial phase, with $36 million in state funding and $4 million contributed by the State College of Florida Foundation.
When completed, the Parrish campus will join SCF’s existing locations in Bradenton, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. The main campus remains at 5849 26th St. W. in Bradenton.
Phase one of the Parrish project, expected to open in the fall of 2027, will include site development, parking, and a 40,000-square-foot multi-use building. The facility will feature classrooms, laboratories, workforce training areas, administrative offices, and open community spaces designed to serve both students and the broader community.
College officials say the new campus aims to address challenges in student recruitment and retention by making higher education more accessible to residents in growing northern Manatee communities.
A second phase is planned to include a collegiate school that will offer dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, giving them a head start on college coursework. Funding for that expansion is currently being sought, according to State College of Florida spokesperson Jamie Smith.
Local leaders, including representatives from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, have highlighted the project’s importance to the community’s long-term economic and workforce development.
With construction now underway, the Parrish campus is expected to become a cornerstone of education and opportunity for one of Manatee County’s fastest-growing regions.
