The 647 acres was acquired through purchase and donations in 2000. The University of West Florida Planned to create a Research and Business Park within the 647 acre West Campus as part of the 2001 Campus Master Plan. The topic was revisited as part of the current Campus Master Plan update. The primary goal is to provide educational outreach for faculty and students. This campus would help generate new relationships between the University, County, fast-growing private businesses, and technology businesses; provide employment opportunities for University students and faculty; and spur technology transfer and add prestige to the institution.