VIDEO: Officials break ground on new county facility

Nearly a decade after the 2004 hurricane season battered the Gulf Coast, Sarasota County dignitaries held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new county facility it inspired.

Sarasota County commissioners and staff, and Sheriff Tom Knight posed with shovels in front of the site of the future emergency operations center Monday, Dec. 9. The parcel of land, located at 6050 Porter Way, will eventually include a two-story, 40,000-square-foot building capable of withstanding a category 5 hurricane.

"The new facility will ensure our community's lifelines are operational even during disasters," Knight said.

The emergency operations center allows the government to continue functioning during disasters. The building will also house the Sarasota County Call Center.

Interim Sarasota County Manager Tom Harmer said the new facility should be operational by the spring of 2015.

"We are all very eager to see this facility open and begin serving our residents," said Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane.