$6.5M STEM center coming to USF Sarasota-Manatee campus

Plans for a new $6.5 million STEM facility on the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus have received unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees Finance Committee. Officials are aiming for a fall 2027 opening.

The new STEM facility will span about 7,000 square feet and include modern labs and prep space, according to a statement.

Having the building on campus will eliminate the need for off-campus leases, according to the project proposal. Officials requested authorization from the finance committee for the STEM facility after their lab space lease at Mote Marine Laboratory expired in May. During fiscal year 2026, USF Sarasota-Manatee will temporarily lease space at the Roskamp Institute for $176,000 a year, according to the proposal.