Supporters rally at Camp Blanding to fight closure of Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy
Backers of the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy gathered at Camp Blanding in Starke on Sunday to push state leaders to reverse a decision to shut down the program. The Florida National Guard announced in April that it intends to close the academy during Class 50, ending a 25-year-old program that has served nearly 7,000 at-risk teens through education, discipline, and mentorship. Organizers warned the closure would harm current and future cadets and eliminate dozens of faculty and staff positions.
Sources: WCJB TV20