SUBJECT
title
Approve an Interlocal Agreement with Highlands County for the expansion and renovation of the District 10 Medical Examiner's Office (Highlands to contribute $1,500,000)
body
DESCRIPTION
The District 10 Medical Examiner's Office, located at 1021 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven Florida, 33880, serves Polk County, Hardee County, and Highlands County.
The current facility, built in 2003, no longer meets the growing operational demands of the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida. In the past two years, the Medical Examiner's Office has conducted more than 1,355 autopsies, a number which is expected to increase by 45% during the next 20 years due to the population growth of the three counties and the increased caseload complexity.
The current building is showing signs of structural and operational fatigue and fails to meet the administrative and operational standards required to efficiently serve the region's growing needs. The facility's limitations impact the timely and effective performance of critical medical examiner functions, which are vital to public health, law enforcement investigations, and judicial processes.
A feasibility study completed by Furr, Wegman and Banks Architects on March 5, 2024, confirmed the need for expansion and renovation. The estimated construction cost for a suitable expansion and renovation is Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($15,500,000.00).
Polk County issued RFP 25-186 for architectural and engineering services and selected PBK Architects Florida, Inc. for the project. The Notice to Proceed was issued October 2, 2025. Highlands County has agreed to contribute One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) toward the expansion and renovation of the Medical Examiner's Office, to be issued in 1 installment.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve an Interlocal Agreement with Highlands County for the expansion and renovation of the District 10 Medical Examiner's Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Fiscal impact to the County. High...
Click here for full text