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Shalimar unveils new police department building

The Shalimar Police Department celebrated the opening of its new headquarters with a public Social Hour and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Mayor Mark Franks revealed that the project was largely financed through Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The town secured […]

Town of Shalimar

The Shalimar Police Department celebrated the opening of its new headquarters with a public Social Hour and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

  • The event, which included food and beverages, began with a social hour at 5:00 PM, followed by the official ribbon cutting at 6:00 PM.

Mayor Mark Franks revealed that the project was largely financed through Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The town secured $417,000 in ARPA funding in 2021 for the project.

Initially, plans called for constructing a new 1,000-square-foot building. However, when a property at 6 Cherokee Rd. became available, officials decided to remodel the existing 1941 structure instead. The property, similar in size and layout to the proposed new construction, was previously owned by Lateresa Kellock, a former Town Clerk from the early 1970s.

Town of Shalimar

Contractor bids for the remodel ranged from $800,000 to $1.2 million. To reduce costs, Special Projects Commissioner Brian Taylor volunteered to manage the project. Taylor, who has a background in construction, oversaw permitting, contracting, quality control, and design oversight.

  • “Brian undertook all the permitting, letting of contracts, quality control, and design oversight,” Franks said. “He personally did electrical, plumbing and carpentry work on many weekends to keep the project on track despite numerous structural and design changes that were uncovered during the remodel process.”

The final cost of the project, including the property purchase and original engineering expenses, totaled $508,000 — less than half of the lowest contractor bid.

In recognition of Taylor’s efforts, the Town Commission dedicated the building to him and presented him with a plaque to be displayed in the police station.

“What a fantastic job and effort for the Shalimar taxpayers!” Franks said.

The new police department building represents a significant upgrade for the Shalimar community, providing modern facilities for law enforcement operations while preserving a piece of the town’s history.

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Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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