*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

The media is invited to join dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pinellas County Job Corps Center, located in the Dome Industrial Park Project in St. Petersburg. Designated by the U.S. Secretary of Labor as an official Job Corps site, the federally funded center will house 300 students and will provide academic and career technical training, as well as high school and General Equivalency Diploma programs. The commitment of federal resources will be a significant investment in Midtown St. Petersburg, totaling $31 million in construction costs alone. The Job Corps center will employ more than 100 people once it is up and running. This site was selected based on the strong community support and excellent links with state and local agencies, colleges, the local school districts and civic groups.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Thursday, Feb. 21

1 p.m.

Site of Pinellas County Job Corps Center

Fifth Ave. S. and 22^nd St. S.

St. Petersburg

Pinellas County Commission Chairman Robert B. Stewart and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker are expected to attend, with national and state dignitaries invited. The Job Corps project is made possible through partnerships that include Pinellas County, City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg College, WorkNet Pinellas, Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas Technical Education Centers, BayCare Health System and Brighthouse Networks.

Parking for media will be available via the VIP parking entrance at 22^nd Street South and Emerson Avenue South, St. Petersburg.

For more information, contact:

Commissioner Robert Stewart, phone: (727) 464-3363

Pinellas County Commission Chairman