TARPON SPRINGS — An innovation hub is now open at the Tarpon Springs campus of St. Petersburg College, supporting “the entrepreneurial spirit and the growth of local manufacturing businesses.”

The Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub will serve as a central location for manufacturing, creativity, and collaboration, offering a space for technology, conferences, and offices that offers vital commercial and social value to Pinellas County.

The 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art space is named after Chris Sprowls, the former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. It comprises three separate and distinct areas within the Hub that can be rented: Entrepreneurial Space, Makerspace, and Event Space.

Sprowls was the featured speaker Feb. 20 at the kickoff. Tarpon Springs Mayor Costa Vatikiotis and SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams also gave remarks during the celebration that showcased the advanced manufacturing technology available at the Innovation Hub, including 3D printers, drones, and laser equipment demonstrations.

The renovated hub reimagines work areas that provide entrepreneurs, inventors, and artisans with the tools, equipment, and workspace to bring their ideas to life, according to a news release from SPC. These ideas can become entrepreneurial solutions to meet the growing demands for manufacturing, entrepreneurs, and high-technology industries.

“The Sprowls Hub is a solution to building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future,” said Jackie Skryd, SPC’s vice president of workforce development and corporate partnerships. “It gives us a place where students can gain practical skills and real-world experience, ensuring job readiness. It is also a place where students, businesses, the College, and the community can connect, network, develop ideas, and collaborate, ultimately leading to placement in great jobs. I don’t know of a place like this in the area, but it adds to the Tampa Bay region’s position as a national leader in talent and innovation.”