Public Safety Complex Groundbreaking

By Felix DoBosz

BIG CYPRESS — It was a chilly, rainy day on Jan. 25 as Tribal citizens and employees gathered under a big white tent and took in the sounds of Native American flutes coming from a sound system. Two portable patio gas heaters were strategically placed to help comfort guests from the sudden winter blast from up north.

The new 45,000 square foot Big Cypress Public Safety Complex is located adjacent to the airport runway and off the side of Snake Road, across the road from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. It will become the new home for Big Cypress’s Seminole Police Department (SPD), Emergency Services department, Emergency Operating Center, mail facility, vehicle maintenance center and airport entry point.

This facility was planned on and off for the past five years and was to be constructed where the old Frank Billie Building had been before a fire destroyed it.

The two-story building was designed by the Gulf Design Group with Christopher C. Wainwright as the project architect. The facility will be built to withstand 145 mph hurricane winds and will also provide emergency backup services through a self contained industrial type generator and fuel tank.

Wainwright said: “They are looking at a completion date of July 24, 2008.”

Director of Utilities Susie Kippenberger hosted the ceremony and spoke about the impact this new complex will provide for the BC community and its employees. She followed up by introducing the guest speakers to invited guests. Some of the invited guests were members of the BC community, employees from departments including SPD, Emergency Services, Broadcasting and Building and Grounds departments and representatives from Redline Media Group.

Kippenberger introduced Chairman Mitchell Cypress, who spoke first and congratulated everyone involved in the project.

He said jokingly, “I hope the fire department [in the new complex] will be in there too, because the old Frank Billie Building burned down.”

BC Council Representative David Cypress said it was a good day for Big Cypress community. He said it was a good idea to have the latest hi-tech equipment and emergency services all operating under a centralized area sharing and serving all the surrounding communities, especially during disasters.

BC Board Representative Paul Bowers said: “Years ago we use to have a little rodeo in the back and a few home sites back there, but it’s good to have this new complex built here.”

SPD Chief Tiger also offered a few words of support and congratulations for the new project. Fort Pierce Liaison Sally R. Tommie also spoke.

“Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Florida Turnpike opening, this set precedence over many things to come for the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” she said. “The new connection between Naples, I-75, Big Cypress and Hollywood grew so fast. It took that foresight and vision to grow and to remain successful, starts with everyone working together for a common vision.”

Emergency Services’ Chief John Cooper spoke towards the end of the presentation. He said his department was excited. He also thanked the Tribal Council for their decision to go forward with the building the Public Safety Complex.

“We are extremely excited about this and I think it will help the professionalism,” he said.

When all guest speakers finished, Kippenberger handed out new construction helmets and ceremonial shovels to the Tribal representatives for the groundbreaking photo op just outside the tent.