Aerial view of the LSSC Eustis Education and Training Center, which will feature CDL and lineworker training
Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) has been awarded a $5.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the development of the Eustis Education and Training Center (EETC), a regional workforce development facility designed to address critical labor shortages and strengthen economic growth across Lake County and Central Florida.
The project includes a $1.3 million local investment from Lake-Sumter State College and will establish a workforce training hub on an 8-acre site donated by the City of Eustis. Located at the intersection of State Road 44 and Hicks Ditch Road in north Eustis, the EETC will provide specialized training for two of the region’s most in-demand occupations: commercial drivers and electrical lineworkers. The site includes space for future program expansion.
According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Florida initiative, careers in transportation, logistics, and utility infrastructure are among the state’s most critical workforce needs essential to Florida’s continued economic growth and competitiveness. Florida labor projections estimate nearly 13,500 annual openings for commercial truck drivers alone over the next decade.
Once completed, the EETC will deliver rapid, credential-based training programs that prepare students for immediate employment while supporting long-term economic development goals. Lake-Sumter State College maintains a 95% job placement rate in these programs, connecting graduates with high-wage, high-demand careers throughout the region.
“The Eustis Education and Training Center represents a transformational investment in our community’s workforce and economic future,” said John Temple, president of Lake-Sumter State College. “The demand for skilled commercial drivers and electrical lineworkers is only increasing as our region continues to grow. The EETC will help local employers fill critical workforce needs while creating high-wage career opportunities that allow residents to learn locally, work locally, and build their future here.”
“We are grateful to Congressman Daniel Webster for his support and advocacy on our behalf to make this a reality for Lake-Sumter State College and our community,” Temple added. “In fact, there were many partners and elected officials whose support helped make this project possible including U.S. Senator Rick Scott, U.S. Representative Daniel Webster, State Senator Dennis Baxley, State Senator Keith Truenow, State Representative Nan Cobb, State Representative Taylor Yarkosky, Mayor Emily Lee, the City of Eustis, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Their support will create opportunities for generations of students while strengthening the economic vitality of our region.”
The center will feature dedicated indoor and outdoor training facilities for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) instruction and electrical lineworker education, creating opportunities for students to quickly gain industry-recognized credentials and enter the workforce in occupations experiencing significant labor shortages.
The investment aligns with the EDA’s mission of supporting infrastructure projects that promote economic resilience and job creation.
“The Economic Development Administration’s Public Works Program is designed to help distressed communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure,” said Ben Page, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer performing the nonexclusive duties and functions of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “The awards announced today will enable these communities to encourage business expansion and job creation, generate private investment, and attract new industries to support economic resilience.”
“This project reflects Eustis’ leadership and our commitment to working with our educational and community partners to advance meaningful economic development,” says Eustis Mayor Emily Lee. “Lake-Sumter State College’s new training center will expand career opportunities for our residents, strengthen our workforce, and help our residents build rewarding careers. I believe that in addition to training, this facility will attract and support businesses that depend on a well-trained workforce. As Mayor, I look forward to seeing this facility become a center for training, opportunity and economic growth and another example of Eustis taking action to building a stronger future for our residents and region.”
State Representative Nan Cobb, who has long supported the project, highlighted the regional benefits of the investment and the collaboration that brought it to fruition.
“This project represents what can happen when local, state, and federal partners come together with a shared vision for the future,” said Rep. Nan Cobb. “It has been an honor to support this effort as the state representative for this community and I’m grateful to Congressman Daniel Webster for his support at the federal level. The City of Eustis and Lake County deserve this opportunity because it provides another pathway for students to learn locally, work locally, and build successful careers close to home. Keeping talent here strengthens our workforce and keeps investment in our local economy. I have supported this project since my time as a Eustis City Commissioner, when the City and Lake-Sumter State College began discussions that made this partnership possible. We were intentional about creating opportunities, including scholarships for city employees and local residents. When communities work together, everyone benefits, and ultimately the biggest winners are the students of Lake County.”
The EETC is expected to enhance workforce readiness, support existing employers, attract new business investment, and strengthen the region’s capacity to meet growing infrastructure and transportation demands.
Planning will start immediately with construction expected to begin in early 2027, and the site will welcome students its first students in 2028.
