News Summary
County sheriffs from across Florida gathered in Tallahassee for the groundbreaking of a $24 million youth learning center aimed at fostering connections between law enforcement and children. Special guests included local politicians, and the facility will feature a theater room, library, and interactive displays to engage youth in public service and safety.
Tallahassee, Florida – Groundbreaking Ceremony for $24 Million Youth Learning Center
Dozens of county sheriffs from across Florida gathered at the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) headquarters in Tallahassee to mark the groundbreaking of a new $24 million youth learning center. This facility aims to foster a connection between law enforcement and children, promoting engagement in public service and safety.
The groundbreaking ceremony resembled a family reunion, where sheriffs exchanged stories and updated each other on their respective communities. Special guests included former Representative Paul Renner and Senator Corey Simon, adding political support to the initiative. The event featured a tarp-covered venue, complete with seats and a stage for speakers, along with a banner showcasing a rendering of the completed center. Shovels were provided for the sheriffs as they participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.
Logan Lewkow, Deputy Executive Director of Operations for FSA, stressed the importance of introducing youth to various career opportunities in law enforcement, emphasizing roles that extend beyond traditional badge-wearing positions.
About the Facility
The planned two-story building will serve as a learning hub with numerous engaging features. It will house a theater room with 67 seats, highlighting one seat for each county sheriff’s office in Florida. Interactive displays will provide insights into significant aspects of the sheriff’s office, such as patrol duties and crime scene investigations, making the learning experience immersive.
The second story will include a 2,100-square-foot library dedicated to preserving the history of the Florida Sheriff’s Association. A learning center within the facility will boast high-tech attractions, like a driving simulator and an active assailant simulator, designed to educate children and teens about safety and law enforcement.
Funding and Budget
The project secured $10 million in appropriations for the year 2024, with plans for an additional $5 million in 2025. A further request for $9 million will be submitted during the 2026 legislative session to ensure the project’s completion. Ongoing budget negotiations within the legislature have sparked a debate over funding, as the Senate has proposed $7 million for the center, while the House currently offers no funding support.
Alongside the youth learning center, the FSA has ambitious plans to create a youth museum and educational facility aimed at connecting young people with career pathways in law enforcement.
Historical Context
The Florida Sheriffs Association has a longstanding commitment to youth engagement, having conducted youth-focused programs since 1981. One of their notable programs is the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which provides young people with support and opportunities. The new youth learning center builds on this legacy, introducing innovative methods to engage children with law enforcement in a positive manner.
After the ceremonial event, attendees enjoyed a lunch featuring fried catfish and shrimp. Photos were taken of deputies and state representatives wielding shovels and wearing hard hats, symbolizing their commitment to the project.
The Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center is envisioned as a dynamic space where children can explore diverse careers in law enforcement through engaging and interactive learning experiences. The FSA is also actively seeking private donations to complement state funding for the construction of this important facility.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Sheriffs Association Breaks Ground on Youth Center
- Florida Politics: Budget Conference Divided on Youth Learning Center Funding
- ABC News: Alleged Florida State University Gunman
- The Guardian: Florida Sheriff Releases Identities of Students in School Threat
- WEARTV: Florida Sheriff Starts Posting Juvenile School Threat Suspects’ Mugshots
- Wikipedia: Youth Centers in Florida
- Google Search: Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center
- Google Scholar: Florida Sheriffs Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Education
- Google News: Florida Sheriffs Association
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
