Orlando Police Department opens new headquarters in Parramore

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department will open its new $50 million headquarters Wednesday in the Parramore neighborhood.

The 96,000 sq. ft. building, which has been in the works since 2015, will be located at South Orange Blossom Trail and West South Street.

The agency said the new facility was designed to have a larger lobby and wider sidewalks so as to be more inviting to the community.

“Our old police station was great and served a purpose,” Orlando police Chief John Mina said. “But it was hard to get to, especially for our community members.”

The project was $10 million over budget because an equestrian facility had to be relocated and an evidence and property warehouse had to be renovated.

The new headquarters feature a 5,000 sq. ft. room for events and meetings, an enhanced operations center, sculptures and more convenient visitor parking.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 10:30 a.m.