NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsSeptember 13, 2026Hillsborough County
Administrative Law Judge Narrows Allegations in New College Campus Master Plan Mediation
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Politics
An administrative law judge narrowed approximately 25 allegations in petitions concerning New College's campus master plan, leaving specific disputes regarding proposed athletic fields, the Education Freedom Institute land development, tree removal, and vehicle access. The parties are proceeding to mediation to resolve the remaining claims.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsWhy It Matters
Residents and neighbors involved in the dispute will see specific legal challenges regarding local land use, environmental preservation, and campus expansion narrowed down before .
Key Facts
- An administrative law judge narrowed roughly 25 allegations raised in neighbor petitions regarding the New College campus master plan.
- Remaining claims involve proposed athletic fields near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
- Claims also involve development of land planned for the Education Freedom Institute.
- Disputes include tree removal in the Uplands Preserve.
- Disputes include vehicle access from Uplands Boulevard.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who installed conservative trustees at New College in 2023.”PersonLilianne Raud“Petitioner challenging the campus master plan.”PersonJono Miller“Petitioner raising concerns regarding the Education Freedom Institute land and M”OrganizationSouthwest Florida Water Management District“Water management district that reviewed the plan.”locationUplands Preserve“Location of proposed tree removal.”locationSarasota-Bradenton International Airport“Proximity location for proposed athletic fields.”OrganizationUplands Association Inc.“Neighborhood association representing subdivision residents.”locationUplands Boulevard“Location related to vehicle access disputes.”OrganizationNew College of Florida“Public university undergoing a campus master plan update and facing administrati”PersonPeter Schelhorn“Petitioner raising concerns over discrepancies between redlined and clean master”OrganizationFlorida Division of Administrative Hearings“State division handling administrative law complaints against state agencies whe”PersonJudy Burns“Uplands Association Inc. President and one of the petitioners.”PersonRichard Corcoran“Current New College President and former Florida Speaker of the House.”OrganizationEducation Freedom Institute“Institute planned by New College administration on nine acres north of campus.”PersonPatricia Okker“Former New College President ousted following trustee changes.”OrganizationFlorida Department of Environmental Protection“State agency that reviewed the campus plan and found no adverse impacts to impor”PersonKaren Stack“Uplands resident and petitioner.”PersonJamie Miller“New College spokesperson.”PersonRuth Folit“Petitioner raising concerns about athletic fields near the airport.”OrganizationNew College“Subject of the campus master plan dispute.”