Federal judge prohibits Job Corps Centers from closing
July 28, 2025 - A federal district court issued an order Friday afternoon that prohibits the U.S. Department of Labor from closing Job Corps Centers. The presidential administration initially planned to begin a phased operational pause at facilities nationwide and "initiate an orderly transition for students, staff and local communities" by June 30. Mayor Ken Welch and city council members have discussed purchasing the Pinellas County Job Corps Center in St. Petersburg to prevent students from becoming homeless, while also maintaining a valuable workforce development program.