Trustees approve naming two campus greens for Lincoln Diaz‑Balart and Pat and Charlene Neal

The New College of Florida Board of Trustees approved two naming resolutions at its Aug. 27 meeting, designating campus areas to honor Lincoln Diaz‑Balart and Pat and Charlene Neal.

The trustees voted to rename the area formerly called Robertson Park as the Lincoln Diaz‑Balart Freedom Park. David Brickhouse read the resolution, which recited Diaz‑Balart’s biography: born Aug. 13, 1954, in Havana; New College alumnus (class of 1976); public service in the Florida Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Florida’s 20th Congressional District from 1993 until February 2011; and his passing on March 3, 2025. The resolution cites the Board of Governors’ naming authority (regulations 1.001 and 9.005). Trustees approved the resolution by voice vote with no opposition; a ribbon‑cutting and public event were discussed as forthcoming.

The board also approved naming the area formerly known as Green Park the Pat and Charlene Neal Green. The resolution summarized Pat Neal’s public service (including time as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee) and the Neal family's business and philanthropic record. The resolution states Neal Communities has built more than 25,000 homes and that Mr. and Mrs. Neal and their businesses have donated more than $8 million to regional organizations, including multiple arts, education and community groups. Trustees voted in favor and the chair said a dedication event is expected within 60–90 days.

Why it matters: naming campus space recognizes alumni and donors while formalizing memorialization and signage on the college grounds. The resolutions cite Board of Governors naming authority and list biographical and philanthropic details that the trustees considered.

What’s next: the college will develop signage and schedule public dedication events for both named spaces.