'Our safe haven': Community rallies behind Pinellas County Job Corps center
Share and Follow


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The fight to save the Pinellas County Job Corps continues in St. Petersburg.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor paused operations at Job Corps centers nationwide.

Since then, St. Pete City Council member Corey Givens Jr. said there’s been some changes.

“A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction just saying we will put a pause on the closure of Job Corps until June 30, but after June 30 there’s lots of unknowns and uncertainties,” he said.

Why do those unknowns matter? Meet 18-year-old Eamonee George.

“I got here when I was 17,” George said. “I was almost homeless.”

“I wasn’t trying to live anymore,” she continued. “I was ready to disappear all the way.”

But eight months later, George said, she’s now turned her life around thanks to Job Corps.

“I’m leaving now with my diploma,” she said. “My pharmacy technician license, better ways to express the way that I feel, and a job.”

At the end of the day, George said, she wants the world to know what’s at stake.

“A lot of us are one step away from going to jail, one step away from smoking the wrong thing and dying,” she said. “This place is our safe haven.”

“It’s literally helping us,” George continued. “We have no future, for real, without Job Corps.”

News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked council member Givens, “What is your biggest worry for the city of St. Pete?”

“My biggest worry and my biggest concern is that we’re going to have a big empty space right here on the deuces,” he responded. “There’s going to be a gap in services in training.”

“There’s going to be a gap in housing,” Givens continued.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Dementia Friendly Day at Decatur’s Scovill Zoo

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Scovill Zoo is inviting people living with…

Important Beach Safety Tips following Third Drowning in Lowcountry This Week

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — It is the prime season for people…

Mayor of Kingsport proclaims July 6th as Van Dobbins Jr. Day

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Help Our Potential Evolve (HOPE) is one of…

Team 3 Weather Alert: Heat above normal levels coming back

We’re back to our typical summer weather pattern today. High pressure is…

A look back at the Rolling Stones’ wild Arkansas arrest, 50 years ago

FORDYCE, Ark. (KARK) – Though there are many interesting tales of Natural…

Orange County Man’s Truck Hit by Random Bullet on Colonial Drive

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orange County man reached out to News 6…

Elon Musk creates new political party following disagreement with Trump on tax cuts legislation

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – Elon Musk say he’s carrying out his threat to…

Chances of Storms Looming Over Central Florida Amid Sunny and Sweaty Conditions

ORLANDO, Fla. – Get ready for a hot and humid start to…