Construction Begins on Florida Police Department’s $35M ‘Cutting-Edge’ Facility

By Michael Moore Jr.
The Bradenton Herald

BRADENTON, Fla. — The city of Bradenton has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a new police headquarters designed to address the evolving needs of law enforcement. The decision comes as the Bradenton Police Department has outgrown its current downtown facility, which has served since 1998.

Construction commenced in March with a 61,105-square-foot parking garage, followed by plans for a 50,399-square-foot main building, set to begin in June. The new headquarters will be located at 705 Third St. W., Bradenton, and is scheduled to open in late 2026.

The new facility will enhance space for numerous functions, including the patrol division, administrative services, and a Real Time Crime Center. Upgrades will consist of improved storage for evidence, a modern crime lab, and dedicated areas for training, public meetings, and press conferences.

The ceremonial groundbreaking for the new headquarters took place on May 20. “This project illustrates the city’s commitment to invest in public safety and provide exceptional protection to our citizens,” stated Police Chief Melanie Bevan. She emphasized that the state-of-the-art headquarters will support community policing and provide future officers with the resources necessary for effective service.

Currently, issues persist with the existing headquarters, as many officers operate in makeshift spaces, and critical resources like evidence are not stored in appropriately designated areas. Furthermore, the facility lacks crucial amenities, including a functional women’s locker room and support for high-tech investigative operations.

Storm-related challenges have also highlighted the inadequacies of the current headquarters. The facility faced roof damage during Hurricane Ian and was significantly threatened during Hurricane Helene, which brought storm surge across First Avenue into the site. In preparation for Hurricane Milton, the department successfully evacuated over 47,000 pieces of evidence, weapons, and sensitive computer equipment.

As a part of a strategic investment in public safety, city leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the project. “This has been a longstanding initiative, and we are excited to move forward,” said Mayor Gene Brown. “Our new headquarters will enhance safety, foster innovation, and equip our police department with the necessary resources to best serve our residents.”

Key Information

• Current Headquarters: Opened in 1998, located at 101 12th St. W., Bradenton.
• New Headquarters Location: 705 Third St. W., Bradenton.
• Construction Start: March, with parking garage completion; main building construction starts in June.
• Completion Date: Expected by late 2026.
• Building Size: 50,399 square feet for main building, 61,105 square feet for parking garage.
• Features: Real Time Crime Center, modern crime lab, expanded evidence storage, and training facilities.
• Issues with Current Facility: Outdated design, inadequate storage, lack of women’s locker room, vulnerability to storms.

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