SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College celebrated the opening of the expanded South Walton Center on August 28, marking what organizers called a major step forward for education in Walton County.
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The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, brought together Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Senator Jay Trumbull, Representative Shane Abbott, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, and several other state and local leaders.
Dr. Tom Miller, executive director of Seaside School, said the center represents more than just new facilities.
“This center is more than a building—it’s a bold investment in the future of Walton County,” Dr. Miller said.
“Together with Northwest Florida State College, we’re creating a center that expands access, inspires achievement, and prepares our students to lead in a rapidly changing world.”
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The expansion coincides with the 30th anniversary of Seaside School, one of Florida’s first public charter schools. Since 2008, the Seaside School Foundation has supported the school’s mission, and the expanded South Walton Center highlights the partnership’s continued impact.
Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder said the new facility is designed to open doors for students at every stage of their academic journey.
“The South Walton Center is a model for how collaboration between K-12 and higher education can change lives,” Mr. Ponder said.
“We’re not just opening doors to classrooms – we’re opening doors to opportunity for every student in Walton County.”
The new center will serve more than 500 students this fall and offers capacity for future growth. Students will have access to dual enrollment, workforce certifications, science labs, and college-level courses, while traditional college students will find expanded opportunities for advanced programs and career training.
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Funding for the project came through a mix of state, local, and private contributions. Triumph Gulf Coast awarded $9.5 million to support STEM and workforce development programs. The state approved $9 million in appropriations in 2023, $500,000 in 2024, and an additional $750,000 in 2025.
Governor DeSantis said the investment reflects a commitment to Florida’s future workforce.
“We are proud to invest in educational infrastructure that meets the needs of Florida’s future workforce,” Governor DeSantis said.
“This center is an example of how public dollars, strategic vision, and local leadership can come together to make a real, lasting impact.”
The Glavine Family Foundation also contributed a $1 million leadership gift, securing naming rights and helping launch the project.
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“As a longtime advocate for education and youth development, I’m proud to support this incredible initiative,” Mr. Glavine said.
“This center gives students the chance to dream big, work hard, and succeed in ways that impact their entire community.”
Walton County School District Superintendent A. Russell Hughes said the project offers long-term benefits for students and families across the county.
“Students in Walton County now have a homegrown path to higher education, career advancement, and personal growth,” Mr. Hughes said.
“This is what it means to invest in people, not just buildings.”
With the expansion complete, Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College leaders said they hope the South Walton Center will serve as a model for collaboration in education and workforce development for years to come.
