3030 N. McMullen Booth Rd.

Clearwater, FL 33761

(727) 726-8829

       Progress Energy Practice and Learning Center

This 1/4 acre area will serve as a student training center with a

practice green, bunker, tee boxes and netted practice area.

PRESS RELEASE November 6th, 2007

According to Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Superintendent, Pinellas County School District the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth  Foundation is working closely with the Pinellas County School District and the City of Clearwater to have its newly renovated campus become a model for other at risk youth education programs across the country.  The model uses a partnership combining the public school system, The First Tee program, a golf course and a municipality. 

Frank Chivas, Foundation Chairman of the Development Committee envisioned and designed the new campus renovations efforts.  Those efforts included new portable classrooms, landscaping, new classroom space in the Bob James Education Center and an overall campus renovation.

A new practice and learning area is now open to the students of the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy’s four programs to practice their golf games, with a target green, practice bunker and tee boxes.  Eight tee boxes will also be open to the public.  Golf is an inherent component in teaching life skills and core values in this model.    Contributors to the practice area include Progress Energy Florida, Glase Construction, Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and The Max James Family Foundation. 

Also, during the morning activities the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy name was unveiled in partnership with the Pinellas County School District.  With the active involvement of Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox and the Pinellas County School District, the expansion of the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy has doubled its student population and grades served.  The Academy will serve up to 250 students in the future. 

                        Tom James                                                  Jeff Corbett                                          Dr. Clayton Wilcox      

                                      tuesday morning breakfast                                 Tampa Bay's 10 interview with Tom James

                                     Tom James and Frank Chivas                                     making their steps in concrete

Construction Photos:

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