BUNNELL, Fla. (December 19, 2022) What does $20 million dollars, 2 years and 51,000 square feet get you?
Turns out, a lot.
It’s been four years since the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has had their entire agency under one roof, and now, after receiving their Certificate of Occupancy as of 10 am on Monday morning, the team is ready to move in and get to work from their new digs.
With historical ties – the road the new Flagler County Sherriff’s Office is located on named for Flagler County’s first sheriff E.W. Johnston Boulevard, and the address 161. There is a Sheriff Homer Brooks Training and Fitness Center, outfitted with commercial grade fitness equipment by Duane Sizemore, designed to help agency staff maintain their health and wellness, and a museum with a dedicated space honoring members of Flagler County’s law enforcement who died while serving, recognized on the Wall of Honor.
In addition to the historical factor are the dedicated offices and training classrooms, a real time crime center, a faraday room to protect digital evidence, and a community room large enough to bring next level training to Flagler County and open it up to other agencies.
“We’ll be hosting specialized training classes for our team and other agencies with national instructors such as the FBI and many other highly recognized training,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly.
“Bringing the training to us will allow enhanced training for our team and employees at a lower cost, saving the tax-payers money while offering seats to other agencies which will improve law enforcement services in our entire region.”
The state of art facility and compound is configured to accommodate expansion as the community continues to grow.
A former public works director at the helm as the county administrator, Heidi Petito played a role in saving money and finding ways to maximize the dollars spent. A $1.3 million dollar, 6,200 square foot annex building slated for 2023 was included in the project this year, and Petito was pleased to see the public’s interest and support of the finished product.
“This is really exciting. It’s been four and a half years in the making and it’s just a wonderful opportunity,” said Petito. “I think that building state of the art, it will be a beacon of safety for the future of Flagler County. It’s awesome.”
First through the door, 22-year Flagler County resident Anthony Tsagarakos enthusiastically supported the decision to build the new facility and was impressed by what he saw.
“(I came) to see this beautiful building and Sheriff Staly because he’s the best sheriff we’ve ever had down here,” he said. “I’m so very glad because the other buildings had mold and people were getting sick and stuff. This is very good.”
On hand to celebrate the grand opening was a who’s who of elected officials and dignitaries from Florida Senator Tom Wright to President of the Florida Sheriffs Association Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and Orlando attorney Dan Newlin, whose friendship with Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly dates back decades.
“This building represents a milestone in the 105 year history of the sheriff’s office. It sets the foundation for the delivery of professional law enforcement services to our community for decades to come,” said Staly.
