by LISA MACNEIL, [email protected]
Hernando County Administrator Jeff Rogers welcomed a crowd of dignitaries from several agencies in Hernando County, as well as Senator Wilton Simpson, and representatives from Senator Marco Rubio’s office and Senator Rick Scott’s office. The large group came to witness the signing of the Interlocal Agreement between Hernando County Government, the Hernando County School District and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) to build the Dr. Dennis Wilfong Technology and Government Center.
The new educational complex began as a shared vision between the three entities to provide technical training and economic opportunities to Hernando County residents. On Thursday, Sep 30, 2021, the vision became a reality. Described by Superintendent John Stratton, the new technical education center will not duplicate paths already provided by PHSC, but graduating students as well as adult learners will be able to “…make their decisions on which route, they want to go, either straight into college, straight into the workforce, military or trade area.”
The ceremony took place at American Aviation, which is across the street from the future site of the Dr. Dennis Wilfong Technology and Government Center. Dr. Wilfong and business leader and philanthropist passed away at age 74 on August 26, 2021.
PHSC President Timothy Beard spoke of Dr. Wilfong’s involvement with the concept since its inception and has been in touch with Dr. Wilfong’s wife, Pam Wilfong. In a note to Dr. Beard, she concluded with, “Let’s build this school.”
“That’s fuel for all of us to make this dream come to fruition.”
