Workforce training center seeks roughly $8 million for AMP program; Citrus High principal backs aviation pipeline

Representatives from the Workforce Training Center (WTC) and Citrus High School told the Citrus County Aviation Advisory Board on July 9 that they are developing an aviation training pipeline and pursuing funding to stand up an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMP) program.

A WTC representative said the program is targeting a January 2029 start and that staff are pursuing "just under $8,000,000 in funding" through legislative appropriations and a separate $5,000,000 request under review by Rep. Gus Bilirakis. The WTC representative introduced Mike Einspar, principal at Citrus High School, and Deb Stanley, director of career and technical education, and said the partners are exploring curriculum and student pathways.

Principal Mike Einspar told the board Citrus High is exploring offering aviation classes in the 2027–28 school year as part of a vocational-technical curriculum adoption year and said he is willing to help start local high-school offerings.

Why it matters: a local AMP program could create a vocational pathway for Citrus County students into aviation careers and would require coordination with FAA certification processes and grant funding. Board members discussed steps the county could take in advance — including land-lease and grant coordination — to avoid delays once program development advances.

Next steps: WTC will continue pursuing grant and legislative funding, the board agreed to pursue contacts with other school-district programs for lessons learned, and staff said the item will return for further discussion in September as language or partnership details evolve.