Will Governor Scott veto USF-Polytechnic split? | News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The future of USF-Polytechnic is now in the hands of Governor Rick Scott.

The governor says he is considering vetoing a plan overwhelmingly approved Friday by the House and Senate to make Poly an independent university.

Unlike the vote, lawmakers seem a little more divided on whether Scott will veto the split. Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) says he should, citing nearly $30 million being allocated to a non-accredited school.

"I'm hoping the governor realizes this was a bad decision by the Florida Legislature and that he'll veto it," Fasano said.

Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton), though, says the split is the right move because the branch campus "is not quite what they envisioned when they first put that together." "That's always possible," Bennett said of a veto. "I just don't quite think it's going to happen."

Scott previously told 10 News he didn't think the immediate split was a good idea, but would listen to arguments from the other side. He met with the plan's architect, Sen. J.D. Alexander (R-Lake Wales), earlier this week.

10 News contacted the governor's office on Saturday, but did not get a response.