The City of Tampa has taken a decisive step toward the future of its central police department, announcing plans to sell the longstanding “Big Blue” headquarters, a 10-story building located in the heart of downtown Tampa. As first reported by Business Observer Florida, the city is seeking proposals with a starting bid of $36 million for the property, which spans more than an acre and includes an adjacent parking garage.
According to FOX 13 News, the sale is meant to initiate the relocation of the Tampa Police Department out of the deteriorating structure, characterized by a need for repairs and an outdated façade. The scaffolding that currently envelopes the building underscores, the pressing maintenance issues. A council member cited in WTSP’s coverage of the issue expressed concerns about the fiscal implications of such a move, “It’s only $36 million is what they’re hoping to get for that,” Council member Lynn Hurtak said, pointing to the potential costs overshadowing the sum that could be brought in by the sale.
Council members and local business owners were largely taken aback by the sudden sale directive, with several raising questions about the building’s fate and its cultural significance, including the Tampa police museum and a police memorial located on the premises. Council member Luis Viera told FOX 13 News, “This is a huge issue. What’s going to happen to the Tampa police museum? What’s going to happen to the Tampa police memorial that’s out there?” Meanwhile, the ground-floor tenant, Hayman Jewelers, faces uncertainty about its future location, with co-owner Alison Hayman relating her shock and desire for support from the city to WTSP…