Tampa, Fla. – (August 26, 2025) – At Tuesday’s school board meeting, the Hillsborough County School Board voted to select Rick Lott Technical College as the name of the new school slated to open this fall, in honor of Rick Lott, the former Plant City Mayor.
More than 230 names were submitted by the community for consideration.
The new educational facility will be located at 1690 E. Park Road and will open to adult education in the fall of 2025. It will be open to high school students in January 2026. Students at the technical college will have the opportunity to take courses in programs like industrial electricity, welding technology, building construction, HVAC, and forklift certification. These programs are designed to be completed in about a year, making it possible for our students to quickly transition into well-paying careers right here in our community.
Rick Lott, who dedicated over two decades as mayor of Plant City, has been instrumental in forging strong partnerships among the city, local businesses, and our schools. His leadership has expanded opportunities for students, equipping them with the tools they need for a successful future.
“This naming is a reflection of his vision and leadership in creating educational and career opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “His name on our new technical college will serve as a reminder of how one individual’s dedication can positively shape a community for generations.”