ST. LEO, Fla. (July 1, 2026) – A nearly $3 million investment from the state of Florida will strengthen the small Pasco County community of Saint Leo by expanding workforce education programs at Saint Leo University and supporting infrastructure improvements in the Town of St. Leo.
The funding, included in Florida’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, provides $1.2 million for Saint Leo University’s Nursing Program Expansion project, $602,000 for its Cybersecurity and Cyberforensics Training and Education Center, and $995,000 for stormwater infrastructure improvements supporting the Town of St. Leo’s proposed town center.
“Our Benedictine mission has always been rooted in service,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “We are grateful to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Danny Burgess, Rep. Randy Maggard, and the Florida Legislature for supporting that mission and investing in a future workforce dedicated to serving others. This funding will prepare the next generation of nurses, cybersecurity professionals, and other in-demand workers, strengthen Florida’s workforce pipeline, and expand opportunities that directly meet the needs of students, employers, and the community we proudly call home.”…