TALLAHASSEE, FL (July 9, 2026) – The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is proud to announce the official launch of a capital campaign to support the creation of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center, an innovative initiative designed to educate, inspire, and empower Florida’s youth.

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center will serve as a dynamic, hands-on educational facility where students can learn about the more than 200-year history of the Office of Sheriff in Florida while exploring future careers in law enforcement. Through interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and engaging programming, the center will help build positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.

“The Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center represents a powerful investment in the future of our state,” said FSA President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “By creating a space where young people can learn, explore, and engage with law enforcement professionals, we are fostering the next generation of informed citizens and public safety leaders.” The fundraising campaign aims to bring together individuals, businesses, and community partners from across Florida who share a commitment to youth education and public safety. Contributions will directly support the design, construction, and programming of the 22,000-square-foot building.

Planned features of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center include:

• Interactive public safety exhibits, including crime scene investigation, emergency dispatch, and road patrol
• A 67-seat theater representing each sheriff’s office in Florida
• A library to preserve historical documents and artifacts from sheriffs’ offices around the state
• Spaces for the Florida Sheriffs Explorers posts to utilize for training and education
• A youth leadership and public safety education program, known as Rising Star
• Opportunities for direct engagement with law enforcement professionals

“Sheriffs are investing in their own vision, with $2 million already committed to the project,” said FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan. “The FSA is aiming to raise an additional one million to outfit the interior of the building, with naming opportunities available for spaces within the facility. We are extremely thankful to the legislature and Governor DeSantis for supporting our vision to inspire today’s youth for our next generation of public safety heroes.”

“The success of this project depends on the support of those who believe in shaping a brighter future for Florida’s youth,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, chair of the FSA Building Committee. “We invite everyone to join us in making this vision a reality.”

For more information about the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center or to learn how to support the campaign, please visit https://flsheriffs.org/ylc-campaign.

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About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.