The College of Central Florida invites the community to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Criminal Justice Institute at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Thursday, Oct. 1, at 9:30 a.m. The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will join college officials to break ground for the new complex.

The $19.4 million, 31,201-square-foot complex is funded by the state legislature and local funding. Comprised of an academic and training building on one side and a simulation and defensive tactics building on the other, with a covered “Main Street” connecting the two, the new institute will eliminate the disconnect between classroom theory and street reality, giving real-world training in a safe environment. The first classes are expected to be offered in the building in January 2028.