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Council clears steps for police headquarters at Barracuda Bay site amid funding questions
Summary
Council approved land-use, abandonment and site‑plan steps to build a new police headquarters at 1621 W. Blue Heron Boulevard and accepted a Solid Waste Authority demolition grant, but members pressed staff for a written county agreement about a potential $1.5 million repayment obligation tied to the Barracuda Bay interlocal agreement.
The Riviera Beach City Council on Nov. 3 approved the zoning, abandonment and site-plan actions needed to move a planned new police headquarters forward at the Barracuda Bay site at 1621 West Blue Heron Boulevard. The multi‑component project includes a two‑story headquarters building, an evidence and gun‑range structure, outdoor training areas and landscaping; staff said it meets land‑use and technical review requirements.
Council also accepted a $124,500 Blight Prevention through Demolition grant from the Solid Waste Authority to fund phase‑one demolition of asphalt and site disconnects at Barracuda Bay. Police Chief Michael Coleman and members of the Riviera Beach Police Foundation urged council to approve the steps so construction can begin and recommended a designated project manager and quarterly public updates to maintain transparency.
Several councilmembers and residents pressed staff about a 30‑year interlocal agreement with the county connected to the aquatic center and asked whether the county has provided written assurances that the city will not face a $1.5 million repayment obligation if the city reconfigures or relocates aquatic services. City Manager Jonathan Evans and staff said they had verbal assurances and examples of similar accommodations with other municipalities but did not yet have a signed county commitment. Staff said county staff and the county administrator had discussed options — including extending or pausing obligations or taking the matter to the county commission — and that staff would continue to pursue written documentation while the city advances the project.
Council discussion also covered project sequencing and costs for relocating the aquatic facility and the fiscal strategy for using bond proceeds and site sales to offset expenses. Several councilmembers emphasized the need to protect residents from unforeseen liabilities and asked staff to return with options if the county declines to provide formal written relief.
Next steps: Staff will accept the demolition grant and begin demolition planning for Barracuda Bay phase 1; pursue written county confirmation or formal county‑board action on the $1.5M issue; designate a police‑station project manager and provide publicly posted quarterly updates on the project's timeline and budget.
