Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is exploring the development of a satellite campus in rural northeast Lake County, approximately 50 miles from its main Daytona Beach campus. The university is working with Kim Schmale, owner of Deep Woods Ranch in Paisley, to rezone 119 acres of her property from Agricultural to Community Facility District (CFD).
The proposed site, currently featuring a private, unpaved airstrip, would be upgraded to a paved facility meeting Federal Aviation Standards. Plans, developed by engineering firm Halff, include:
- A 10,000-square-foot auxiliary hangar and two additional maintenance hangars.
- A 2,500-square-foot classroom building with breakroom and vending.
- A drone pilot training facility.
- An autonomous vehicle and AI testing facility.
ERAU’s representative, Tara Tedrow of Lowndes, asserts that the campus represents a “low-intensity use” consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and future land use. Tedrow emphasizes the project’s alignment with the county’s “special and substantial community interest uses.”
ERAU, recently ranked as the most innovative school by U.S. News & World Report, confirmed its interest in expansion, stating: “As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University continues to grow, we collaborate with local communities to identify areas for future growth and development potential. While current plans in Lake County have not been solidified, we are exploring a number of opportunities. We will work closely with the community on any plans for future expansion.”
ERAU currently operates campuses in Daytona Beach and Prescott, Arizona, and provides training through its Worldwide Campus program at U.S. military bases, as well as an Asia campus in Singapore and online courses. Total enrollment exceeded 32,000 last year, with 8,755 students at the Daytona Beach campus.
The Deep Woods Ranch property is adjacent to the Ocala National Forest. The conceptual plan also includes a potential building for the U.S. Forest Service and reserves two future development sites, each over 7 acres, flanking the runway.