JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is calling a plan that could bring a high-tech computer institute and manufacturing center to Jacksonville a “game changer.”
Deegan said that in response to a story the Florida Times Union published that says the University of Florida is close to choosing Jacksonville as home to the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
Governor DeSantis committed to funding $80 million for the Florida Semiconductor Institute which would create more semiconductor jobs in the state.
Semiconductors, more commonly known as microchips, are an essential component in the fabrication of electronic devices, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.
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For people like Bryon Simmon — who knows computers inside and out — the possibility of this institute coming to Jacksonville is a big deal.
Simmon is a manager at Urban Technologies just off Emerson and Phillips Highway, where people recycle computers and other high-tech gadgets.
“I think it’s huge,” Simmon said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for young people that are already interested in the IT field to further their education right here in Jacksonville.... it’d be a great opportunity for the city tax revenues, things of that nature, is almost a no brainer.”
According to Deegan, we could find out later this spring if the institute will be located in the city. She has had several meetings with UF board officials and said it appears on track.
“I think it would be a game changer for Jacksonville. I really do. I think it would be a wonderful addition,” Deegan said. “And I think it would bring a lot of workforce here. I think it would bring a lot of have exactly the type of training that we’d like to see here in Jacksonville to bring the jobs of the future.”
Jacksonville is still awaiting word on another UF graduate campus that will focus on AI and other high-tech areas that could run hand and hand with the Semiconductor Institute.
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There’s no official word where these could be located, but the area near LaVilla by the convention center or at the fairgrounds near the stadium are likely choices.
For that to happen they are still awaiting private contributions totaling $50 million.