Nostalgia, Optimism Color Historical Groundbreaking

It was rainy and overcast in Tallahassee on the morning of October 14, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those gathered to mark the groundbreaking of the Florida Sheriffs Association's new headquarters building on Mahan Drive.


FSA Chaplain, Marion County Sheriff Ed Dean, set the tone for the get-together by quoting Isaiah 54:2: "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."


Yes, the Florida Sheriffs Association lost a great deal in the fire that destroyed its headquarters April 15, 2008, but what is rising from the ashes is something much greater. A facility that will allow the Sheriffs more opportunity - training, joint operations and networking - than the previous 26-year-old building could accommodate.


"Today marks a new chapter in this organization's 117-year history," said FSA Executive Director Gary Perkins, "as we re-dedicate this land to the service of this organization and this organization to the service of Florida Sheriffs."


Clemons, Rutherford & Associates, Inc. Architect Shay Divsalar pointed out that the focus of the new building design is around the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial Wall, which survived the fire. "So that the people who sacrificed their lives will never be forgotten."


FSA President Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer thanked all of those who had played a role in fast-tracking the project, including his fellow Sheriffs who served on the building committee, plus Gary Perkins, Assistant Executive Director Peggy Goff and Construction Consultant Kent Deeb.


"Out of the ashes rises hope today," said Sheriff Farmer. "This new building will allow expanded space for training and joint operations that we could not have achieved in the previous headquarters."


Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp dropped in for the short ceremony, too. "The Sheriffs are the heart and soul of this state," he said, before grabbing a gold-headed shovel and turning dirt.


Chaplain Dean ended the gathering by quoting Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."


"Scripture tells us that government is ordained to restrain evil, and this new facility will be dedicated to that purpose," he said.


He then asked God's blessing on the new FSA building "for the good of future generations."

FSA Headquarters Building

  • 2617 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee
  • Two story
  • 17,000 sq. ft.
  • Design: Focal point is Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement memorial wall. Grand entry granite and glass reflects and complements the geometry and material of the memorial, as if it has been carved from the building. First floor training room has a separate entryway for after hours use.
  • Architect: Clemons Rutherford & Associates
  • Contractor: Ajax Construction
  • Cost of Construction: $4 million
  • Estimated occupancy: September 2010