University of Florida

Success Stories

New Building for Orange County Extension


Video Transcript

Glinder Stephens, Orange County Extension Director: "We’re excited about our new building because it'll allow us opportunities we didn’t have at the old facilities. When all the rooms are being used, it kind of looks like a mini-university."

"This center sits on fourteen acres; we have 29,500 square feet. In that 29,500 square feet, we have an auditorium that seats 180 people, along with a stage. We have three classrooms as well as an exhibit hall, and then we have the administration wing, which houses about thirty-five faculty and staff."

"Another thing here that we’re going to be able to do that we were unable to do at our old facility is we will have demonstration gardens in the back as well as a mini-ranch, and that’s going to allow us to show the residents of Central Florida what a Florida-friendly landscape actually looks like. And so we’re looking forward to that opportunity."

"We are excited about getting the center open. Better yet, we’re elated to get the center open today. This has been a long bout for us. Some people have said eleven years, but it has been really much longer than that."

"This center is a success and if I had it to do all over again, I certainly would. It was worth the wait."


Narrator: "Improving the quality of life for residents is the focus for Extension agents across the Central District. In Seminole County, Rita Law-McCumber's Nutrition Program for Firefighters is teaching these heroes how to save themselves from unhealthy eating habits. Farm City Days are showing Osceola County residents first hand the importance of agriculture in their county. Joan Bradshaw and Susan Kelly’s Lake Pan Project is helping Sumter County boaters and fishermen help themselves by preventing the spread of invasive weeds in Lake Panasofkee. And Hernando County couples are learning from Donna Peacock about potential marriage problems 'Before They Tie the Knot'."

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