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Fort Myers City Council unanimously approved a $109 million construction contract for a new police headquarters, moving a Florida public safety project into the construction phase.
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The full project cost, including other expenses beyond the construction contract, is expected to reach about $147 million amid higher construction costs.
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Construction manager Wharton-Smith expects work to begin in early September and last about 21 months, putting the facility on track to open in summer 2028.
Fort Myers City Council has approved a $109 million construction contract for a new police headquarters, advancing a project city officials and police leaders have discussed for more than a decade.
According to WINK News, the council vote was unanimous and clears the way for construction to begin this fall on the long-planned Florida municipal facility.
New Headquarters to Improve Efficiency and Service
WINK reported the new headquarters will be built on a vacant site and is intended to replace the department's current headquarters, which police officials say no longer meets operational needs. Capt. Roger Valdivia of the Fort Myers Police Department told the outlet that the approval means the city is ready to move ahead with construction of the new facility.
A rendering of the Fort Myers new police headquarters. The City Council unanimously approved a $109 million construction contract which moves the long-delayed public safety project into the construction phase. Image: City of Ft. Myers
The current headquarters has been outgrown, according to WINK, leaving police divisions spread across different locations in the city. The new building is expected to consolidate those operations and include a modern 911 communications center, evidence processing space, training areas, an indoor firing range and updated technology.
Wharton-Smith was selected to serve as construction manager.
Chief Jason Fields told WINK the centralized facility should improve efficiency, internal communication, and the department's ability to serve the community.
Full Project Cost Expected to Reach $147M
While the approved construction contract totals $109 million, WINK reported the full project cost is expected to reach about $147 million once additional expenses are included.
Mayor Kevin Anderson told the outlet that the higher price tag reflects sharp escalation in the construction market since COVID, including supply chain disruptions and rising material costs.
Jari Sanders, president of the Fort Myers Police Union, told WINK that updated facilities would help officers serve the community more effectively and support public safety operations.
Construction Expected to Start in September
Caryn Huff, Wharton-Smith's director of operations for Southwest Florida, told WINK the contractor will begin coordinating subcontractors and mobilizing to the site, with visible construction activity expected to start in early September.
Construction is anticipated to take about 21 months, which would put the new Fort Myers Police headquarters on track to open in summer 2028.
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