Community Block Party Celebrates the College's 99th Birthday

8/26/2026

St. Petersburg College invites the community to a free block party celebrating its 99th anniversary during SPC Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SPC’s Midtown Center.

Presented by Suncoast Credit Union, the celebration will feature live entertainment, local vendors, food, family-friendly activities and opportunities for students, alumni, employees and community members to celebrate Titan pride. As SPC prepares for its centennial in 2027, the event also showcases Midtown Center’s growing role in St. Petersburg’s historic Deuces Corridor.

Midtown Center continues to connect residents with education, career opportunities and community resources that strengthen South St. Petersburg.

A Full-Circle Journey

For Midtown Provost Dr. Keron Jean-Baptiste, the campus represents education's life-changing power.

Jean-Baptiste arrived at St. Petersburg Junior College in the mid-1990s as a student searching for opportunity. Through the College’s Project Success program, mentors encouraged him to pursue a career in higher education.

What began as a student worker position grew into a career spanning more than two decades. After serving in student support, academic advising and leadership roles across SPC, he returned to Midtown as provost.

“Midtown Center represents the heart of SPC’s commitment to access, opportunity and community partnership,” said Jean-Baptiste. “We’re creating a place where students, families and neighbors can connect directly to education and careers that strengthen our entire region.”

His journey reflects Midtown Center’s mission of helping students transform their lives through education.

Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Careers

Construction is underway on SPC’s Industry 4.0 Smart Lab, supported by $8.2 million in state funding and anticipated to open in late 2026. The facility will feature advanced equipment and modern labs where students can gain hands-on experience with technology used in today’s manufacturing industry.

“As SPC celebrates 99 years of serving our community, the Industry 4.0 lab reflects both our long-standing commitment to Midtown and our continued focus on preparing students for the careers of tomorrow,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “By creating modern learning environments and expanding hands-on experiences, we’re building on nearly a century of providing students with the skills they need to succeed while meeting the evolving workforce needs of our region.”

Celebrating Community

SPC’s commitment to Midtown extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with neighborhood organizations, businesses and community leaders.

Collaborating with community organizations including The Deuces Live, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and local businesses, SPC Day celebrates this vibrant community.

“SPC’s continued investment in Midtown represents more than education; it represents access, opportunity and a commitment to meeting residents where they are,” said Latorra Bowles, executive director of The Deuces Live, Inc. “When education, workforce development and community partnerships work together intentionally, we create stronger pathways for residents and help ensure South St. Pete’s growth benefits the people who have long called this community home.”

Those partnerships connect residents with resources and opportunities that can make a lasting difference for individuals and families.

“Our partnership with St. Petersburg College reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen individuals and families,” said Kiara Lovett, director of social services for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. “By bringing education, workforce training and career development directly to Midtown, SPC is helping remove barriers, expand opportunity and create pathways to long-term stability and economic mobility.”

SPC Day also serves as the College’s annual day of giving, supporting scholarships and student success.

Media Preview Day

Media are invited to preview SPC Day on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at Midtown Center. Reporters can interview performers, event organizers, community partners and others involved in the celebration ahead of Saturday’s block party.

• When: Friday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m.
• Where: SPC Midtown Center, 1300 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
• Media opportunities: Interviews with performers, organizers and community partners

SPC Day 2026

• Who: Students, alumni, employees, families and community members
• What: Free community block party celebrating SPC’s 99th anniversary and annual day of giving
• When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Where: Midtown Center and the historic Deuces Corridor, 1300 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
• More info: spcollege.edu/spc-day