About State College of Florida

State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota (SCF) is a public school with campuses located in Manatee and Sarasota counties, Florida. Part of the Florida College System, it is designated a “state college” because it offers a greater number of bachelor’s degrees than community colleges. SCF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Founded in 1957 as Manatee Junior College, it was known as Manatee Community College from 1985 to 2009.

State College of Florida is the region’s oldest and largest public college, operating three campuses serving Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice.

SCF’s ascribed colors are green and blue, and the college’s intercollegiate sports teams are known as “The Manatees” and are represented by mascot Maverick the Manatee. The broadcast Maverick symbolizes the institutions vision to keep evolving.

Bradenton (/ˈbreɪdəntən/ BRAY-dən-tən) is a city and the county chair of Manatee County, Florida, United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city’s 2019 population to be 59,439.