Founded in 1957 as Florida Junior College, Central Florida Community College expanded through mergers, land donations, and renovated facilities to serve Citrus, Levy, and Marion counties. Renamed in 1971, the college later adopted the College of Central Florida name. Major developments include the Ocala campus, renovated former elementary facilities for public service and health programs, a Levy County center, the Citrus campus at Lecanto, and a rebuilt Hampton Center. Several specific dates, acreage figures, and the official renaming year are flagged for verification.

Overview

Central Florida Community College opened in 1957 as Florida Junior College to serve Citrus, Levy, and Marion counties in north-central Florida. The college began classes in fall 1958 with 328 students in temporary facilities at the Marion County Vocational School. In 1966 the college merged with Hampton Junior College, one of the early historically Black two-year institutions in Florida.

Name changes and mission

The school changed its name to Central Florida Community College in 1971 to reflect its expanding regional role. The institution later adopted the name College of Central Florida to reflect further changes in mission and program mix.

Ocala (main) campus and land gifts

The Ocala campus was established on land donated by Atlantic Realty and Investment Company and the City of Ocala. Early development created a wooded campus west of downtown Ocala. The college added adjoining parcels in stages, and the campus now includes classroom, student services, and residential facilities developed over several decades. The CFCC Foundation funded a dormitory known as College Square; the foundation has discussed future expansion of student housing. 1

Facility repurposing and specialized centers

In the mid-1990s the college renovated the vacated College Park Elementary School adjacent to the main campus to house the Public Service Division and the Criminal Justice Institute; a year later, Health and Human Services programs and support operations moved in as well. The institution also developed specialized sites such as a University Center-style facility and enterprise/service centers to support workforce and community programs. 2

Regional centers: Levy, Citrus, and Hampton

The college opened a Levy County center near Bronson in the early 1980s and later relocated its Levy County operations to Chiefland. 3 In Citrus County, the college established a campus at the Lecanto Joint Use Facility in the mid-1980s on a multi-acre site to expand course offerings in central Citrus County. 4 The Hampton Center, rebuilt on the former Florida State Fire College site in west Ocala, reopened in the early 2000s. 5

Academic focus today

The college continues to provide associate degrees, technical certificates, workforce training, and community education programs, serving the educational and economic needs of its region. For the most current program offerings, campus addresses, and historic details, consult the college's official website or institutional archives. 6
  1. Confirm the official year the institution changed its name from Central Florida Community College to College of Central Florida and the legal board action.
  2. Verify acreage figures and dates for land donations and campus expansions at the Ocala campus (including the 60-acre parcels and later additions).
  3. Confirm the construction, opening date, and current status of the College Square dormitory funded by the CFCC Foundation.
  4. Verify dates and facility names for the mid-1990s renovation of College Park Elementary and the opening of the Public Service Division, Criminal Justice Institute, Health and Human Services, and any University/Enterprise centers.
  5. Confirm the opening year, acreage, and relocation details for the Levy County center (Bronson/Chiefland).
  6. Verify the Citrus County campus acreage at Lecanto and the reopening date of the rebuilt Hampton Center on the former Florida State Fire College site.

FAQs about Central Florida Com College

When was Central Florida Community College founded?
The institution was founded in 1957 as Florida Junior College and held its first classes in fall 1958.
What counties does the college primarily serve?
The college has historically served Citrus, Levy, and Marion counties in north-central Florida.
Has the college changed its name?
Yes. It became Central Florida Community College in 1971 and later adopted the name College of Central Florida. The official year of the later name change is flagged for verification.
What campuses and centers does the college operate?
Key sites include the Ocala main campus, a Citrus County campus at Lecanto, centers serving Levy County (Bronson/Chiefland area), and a Hampton Center in west Ocala. Specific acreage and opening years are noted for verification.
Where can I find up-to-date program and campus information?
Consult the college's official website or contact institutional archives and enrollment services for the most current program offerings, campus locations, and historical records.

News about Central Florida Com College

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