New technical college in Plant City
Original reporting by Zoe Sax
Four-year colleges and universities are not the only options for high school graduates.
Last December, Hillsborough County opened the Rick Lott Technical College in Plant City.
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center says it has seen a trade boom with a 19.4% increase in enrollment at trade-focused institutions since 2020.
“We spend anywhere from, like, 30, 45 minuets in the classroom going over the material. The rest of the time is physically doing it,” said Construction Instructor Ben Turinsky.
As new trade schools and technical colleges open across America, the need to fill trade jobs continues to increase.
“Not all of us students are wanting to go to a traditional college. So, this opens up your doors to the industry,” said building construction and technology student Trtesita Vasquez.
Rick Lott offers construction, welding courses and more.
Dalí Museum expansion
Original reporting by Julia Soukar
The Dalí Museum in St. Pete is expanding with a new space designed to change the way visitors experience it.
This is the museum’s largest expansion yet, increasing its size by nearly 50%, creating more room for exhibits, programs and more.
“Kind of has three goals three dedicated purposes, one is for more innovative art experiences one is for more education, and one is for more community programming,” said the Dalí Museum Cheif Operating Officer Kathy Greif.
This development is expected to have a nearly $3 billion economic impact by attracting more visitors and opportunities in the area, according to Greif.
“It looks like having a wedding here one night having a corporate event the next night, serving tens of thousands of students for our free student field trips,” said Greif.
The project is set to open in 2028, aiming to create a more dynamic experience for visitors in St. Pete.
For more information, visit thedali.org.
Credits
Anchor: Hannah Lau Gleciano
Teleprompter: Ayla Yebba
Producer: Joana Riva
CG: Emma Brisk
Floor Director: Lydia Diehm
Tech Director: Grace Senecal
Editor: Gio Chitto
Web: Maya Gluck
Social Media: Catarina Rocha Tapias
Audio: Zach Sherman
Camera: Grace Senecal
Clock: Dr. Stephanie Elder
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Elder
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara