Business Group Supports USF Poly Independence

Alfonso Architects

The plan for USF Polytechnic's Lakeland campus.

A Polk County business group overwhelmingly supports the University of South Florida Polytechnic’s bid to create a new state university independent from the USF system, according to the Lakeland Ledger.

State Sen. J.D. Alexander, chairman of the Senate budget committee, rallied support for an independent school after a survey of students and faculty showed a majority of those polled opposed breaking away from the larger USF.

The University of South Florida system, Alexander argued, would not consider Polk County needs first.

“Do not be fooled,” Alexander said, according to the Ledger. “Their priorities are not here. They are never going to be here, and that’s the issue.”

The 32-6 vote in favor of independence by the Central Florida Development Council would said a message to a state board weighing USF Poly’s independence, Alexander said. That board meets next week and could vote on Poly’s request.