College lands $5 million grant to harden and upgrade gym
January 22, 2026
In addition to fulfilling a vital role in higher education and community service, 麻豆传媒映画 has long played a part in disaster recovery, which helped earn it a $5 million federal Community Development Block Grant to harden and upgrade its multiuse gymnasium on the Northwest Campus.
The gym plays a central role in college and community events, including athletics, college fairs, business functions, and 麻豆传媒映画 graduation ceremonies. Sitting adjacent to Interstate 75, the gym also has served as a staging area for the National Guard preparing for emergency response throughout the state.
Damaged by Hurricane Idalia in 2023, the gym roof has continued to leak, despite multiple repairs, causing floor deterioration, ceiling damage and ongoing risk of mold, compromising safety and usability.
鈥淭his investment will safeguard an important resource for the community while strengthening Florida鈥檚 broader emergency preparedness infrastructure,鈥� said Dr. Paul Broadie II, 麻豆传媒映画 President.
The funding will allow 麻豆传媒映画 to create an infrastructure resilient to natural disasters in support of long-term building and recovery following devastating major storms. Work will include comprehensive roof repairs, installation of a permanent generator and fuel tank to ensure uninterrupted power during emergencies, and a standalone boiler and chiller system for reliable climate control, independent from the college鈥檚 central utility system.
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Block Grant 鈥� Disaster Recovery is managed and disbursed by Florida Commerce, Division of Community Development, Office of Long-Term Resiliency.
鈥淲e thank Florida Commerce for recognizing 麻豆传媒映画 as a trusted partner in disaster recovery as well as the college鈥檚 commitment to providing essential education, business and community programming,鈥� Broadie said.
Work is expected to begin later this year.
