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<\/p>\n8\/26\/2026<\/p>\n
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St. Petersburg College invites the community to a free block party celebrating its 99th anniversary during SPC Day<\/a> on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SPC\u2019s Midtown Center.<\/p>\n Presented by Suncoast Credit Union, the celebration will feature live entertainment, local vendors, food, family-friendly activities and opportunities for students, alumni, employees and community members to celebrate Titan pride. As SPC prepares for its centennial in 2027, the event also showcases Midtown Center\u2019s growing role in St. Petersburg\u2019s historic Deuces Corridor.<\/p>\n Midtown Center continues to connect residents with education, career opportunities and community resources that strengthen South St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n A Full-Circle Journey<\/p>\n For Midtown Provost Dr. Keron Jean-Baptiste, the campus represents education’s life-changing power.<\/p>\n Jean-Baptiste arrived at St. Petersburg Junior College in the mid-1990s as a student searching for opportunity. Through the College\u2019s Project Success program, mentors encouraged him to pursue a career in higher education.<\/p>\n What began as a student worker position grew into a career spanning more than two decades. After serving in student support, academic advising and leadership roles across SPC, he returned to Midtown as provost.<\/p>\n \u201cMidtown Center represents the heart of SPC\u2019s commitment to access, opportunity and community partnership,\u201d said Jean-Baptiste. \u201cWe\u2019re creating a place where students, families and neighbors can connect directly to education and careers that strengthen our entire region.\u201d<\/p>\n His journey reflects Midtown Center\u2019s mission of helping students transform their lives through education.<\/p>\n Preparing Students for Tomorrow\u2019s Careers<\/p>\n Construction is underway on SPC\u2019s Industry 4.0 Smart Lab, supported by $8.2 million in state funding and anticipated to open in late 2026. The facility will feature advanced equipment and modern labs where students can gain hands-on experience with technology used in today\u2019s manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Industry 4.0 lab reflects SPC\u2019s long-standing commitment to the Midtown community and preparing students for the careers of tomorrow,\u201d said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. \u201cBy creating modern learning environments and providing more hands-on experiences, we\u2019re giving students the skills they need to succeed while helping meet the needs of employers across our region.\u201d<\/p>\n Celebrating Community<\/p>\n SPC\u2019s commitment to Midtown extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with neighborhood organizations, businesses and community leaders.<\/p>\n Collaborating with community organizations including The Deuces Live, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and local businesses, SPC Day celebrates this vibrant community.<\/p>\n \u201cSPC\u2019s continued investment in Midtown represents more than education; it represents access, opportunity and a commitment to meeting residents where they are,\u201d said Latorra Bowles, executive director of The Deuces Live, Inc. \u201cWhen education, workforce development and community partnerships work together intentionally, we create stronger pathways for residents and help ensure South St. Pete\u2019s growth benefits the people who have long called this community home.\u201d<\/p>\n Those partnerships connect residents with resources and opportunities that can make a lasting difference for individuals and families.<\/p>\n \u201cOur partnership with St. Petersburg College reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen individuals and families,\u201d said Kiara Lovett, director of social services for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. \u201cBy bringing education, workforce training and career development directly to Midtown, SPC is helping remove barriers, expand opportunity and create pathways to long-term stability and economic mobility.\u201d<\/p>\n SPC Day also serves as the College\u2019s annual day of giving, supporting scholarships and student success.<\/p>\n Media Preview Day<\/p>\n Media are invited to preview SPC Day on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at Midtown Center. Reporters can interview performers, event organizers, community partners and others involved in the celebration ahead of Saturday\u2019s block party.<\/p>\n
SPC Day 2026
\nWhen: Friday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m.
\nWhere: SPC Midtown Center, 1300 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
\nMedia opportunities: Interviews with performers, organizers and community partners
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\n
\nWho: Students, alumni, employees, families and community members
\nWhat: Free community block party celebrating SPC\u2019s 99th anniversary and annual day of giving
\nWhen: Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.\u20132 p.m.
\nWhere: Midtown Center and the historic Deuces Corridor, 1300 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
\nMore info: spcollege.edu\/spc-day<\/a>
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