NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — EducationSeptember 13, 2026Hillsborough County
Administrative Law Judge Narrows Allegations in New College Campus Master Plan Dispute for Mediation
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Education
An administrative law judge narrowed approximately 25 allegations in petitions regarding New College's campus master plan, allowing mediation to proceed on specific disputed issues. The remaining claims focus on proposed athletic fields near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, development for the Education Freedom Institute, tree removal in the Uplands Preserve, and vehicle access from Uplands Boulevard.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — EducationWhy It Matters
Residents and neighboring property owners are participating in mediation to resolve specific land use and environmental disputes regarding New College's development.
Key Facts
- An administrative law judge narrowed roughly 25 allegations raised in petitions regarding the New College campus master plan.
- Remaining claims include disputes over proposed athletic fields near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
- Claims involve the planned development of land for the Education Freedom Institute.
- Disputes involve tree removal in the Uplands Preserve.
- Claims address vehicle access from Uplands Boulevard.
- The parties are heading to mediation regarding the narrowed issues.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who installed a slate of conservative trustees at New Colleg”PersonLilianne Raud“Resident and petitioner.”PersonJono Miller“Resident and petitioner raising concerns about the Education Freedom Institute l”OrganizationSouthwest Florida Water Management District“District that raised no objections to the campus plan.”locationUplands Preserve“Site of proposed tree removal”locationSarasota-Bradenton International Airport“Location near proposed athletic fields”locationUplands Boulevard“Site of proposed vehicle access”OrganizationNew College of Florida“Public university undergoing a campus master plan update and facing legal challe”OrganizationUniversity of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee“Neighboring campus to New College.”PersonPeter Schelhorn“Resident and petitioner raising concerns about discrepancies between redlined an”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 challenging the ma”PersonRichard Corcoran“Former Florida Speaker of the House and current President of New College of Flor”locationThe Uplands subdivision“Quiet neighborhood along Sarasota Bay adjacent to New College.”OrganizationEducation Freedom Institute“Institute planned by New College on nine acres north of campus.”PersonPatricia Okker“Former New College president who was ousted by the reconstituted board.”OrganizationFlorida Department of Environmental Protection“State agency that raised no objections to the campus plan.”PersonKaren Stack“Uplands resident and petitioner.”PersonJamie Miller“New College spokesperson.”PersonRuth Folit“Resident and petitioner raising concerns about athletic fields near the airport.”OrganizationNew College“Subject of the campus master plan dispute”