The City of Groveland is proud to announce the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly completed Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center located at 824 E. Broad Street. This event celebrated the state-of-the-art facility and the organizations that supported its development. The center is designed to serve as a cornerstone for community engagement, education, and empowerment.
Named in honor of Elese Tomlin, a beloved pillar of the community whose legacy continues to inspire growth and unity, the center offers programs and services aimed at enriching the lives of Groveland residents.

This $2.2 million project was made possible by the Live Well Foundation of South Lake’s 2021 Transformation Grant, with an additional $300,000 contributed by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The design-build cost for the facility totaled $2,157,000.
The Grand Opening Ceremony brought together city officials, community leaders, and residents to celebrate this monumental addition to Groveland. The ribbon-cutting event marked the official beginning of a new chapter in the city’s efforts to provide meaningful opportunities and support to its citizens.
“This center represents a true turning point for Groveland, where innovation and community spirit come together,” said Mayor Chef Keith Keogh. “It’s a reflection of our dedication to providing opportunities and building a brighter future for our residents. I’m excited to celebrate this milestone and see the incredible impact it will have.”
The Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center offers state-of-the-art amenities and spaces tailored to the community’s needs:
• Community Spaces: o 2 small business incubator spaces for lease
o 1 large training room
o 1 computer lab
o 1 game room
o 1 library featuring a mural in the children’s section
• Administrative Spaces:
5 staff offices
o 1 conference room
o 1 break room
The center will provide a wide range of services and initiatives, including:
• Educational Programs: Free after-school programs, summer activities, and GED preparation classes
• Vocational Enrichment: Programs focused on equipping residents with skills for better employment opportunities
• Support Services: Resources tailored to veterans, seniors, and women’s empowerment through initiatives such as the Women’s Ignite Network
Unique Highlights
• Memorial Wall: Located in the front lobby, the wall honors community partners who made the project possible, including the Live Well Foundation, Anointed Community Services International, the City of Groveland, the Elese Tomlin family, and Dr. Linda Cowels.
• Children’s Library Mural: A dedicated librarian will visit monthly to conduct group readings and lessons for children.
• Business Incubator: A committee will be formed to select two small businesses or entrepreneurs whose mission aligns with the center to lease the incubator spaces.
• Sustainability Features: The center incorporates light-imprint design techniques, such as a gravel parking lot for water percolation, rain barrels for irrigation, Dark Sky-compliant lighting, and native and edible landscaping.
For more information about the Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center and its programs, please contact Dr. Linda Cowels at 352-404-7898 or info@anointedcs.org.