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Colleges flocking to downtown Largo
By DAVE SHELTON
| Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 |
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LARGO – Another college is moving its campus to East Bay Drive within walking distance of the Largo Public Library.
Everest University, formerly Florida Metropolitan University, announced Nov. 20 it planned to move its Clearwater campus to the former Winn-Dixie Supermarket on East Bay Drive and Highland Avenue. The school plans to open classes in Largo next spring.
Earlier this year, Schiller University moved its campus from Dunedin to a former hospice complex on East Bay Drive near Central Park Drive.
Everest has already started renovations to the 40,000-square-foot supermarket building whose owner had proposed developing his property into a multi-use complex including retail stores, residential units and professional offices. Those plans had also included an offer to provide space for a city recreational facility.
The city’s Acting Director of Community Development Robert Klute said the mixed-use plans were abandoned by the property owner who wasn’t experienced in such developments, but was more of a property investor.
John Buck, president of Everest’s Pinellas campus, said the move is intended to continue his school’s growth. He noted that current students would not be greatly affected since the school is moving just 10 miles and offers no dormitories.
“As with our name change to Everest University, we’re planning for a robust future,” said Jan Schoonmaker, Everest University president and chief operating officer.
“The growth strategy for our Pinellas campus is part of those overall plans.”
The name change was announced Nov. 5 by the college’s parent corporation, Corinthian Colleges, Inc. as part of a nationwide effort to bring all of its campuses under a single name.
Buck said the Largo campus will continue to offer programs and degrees in accounting, applied management, business, computer information science, criminal justice, health care administration, massage therapy, medical assisting and insurance billing and coding, paralegal and pharmacy technician certifications.
The nearby Schiller International University specializes in degrees in hotel and restaurant management as well as international politics. It has dormitory facilities.
Largo officials had briefly considered the possibility of locating a recreation facility on this site, noting its proximity to Central Park’s nature preserve and the Highland Recreation area as well as being just blocks from City Hall.
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Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007
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