Tuesday, October 28, 2008

EDIFICE COMPLEX: COUNTY OPENS $16 MILLION TAJ MAHAL -- MEMORIAL TO REPUBLICAN WASTRELS' SPENDING SPREE IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY

New County Administration Building dedicated



Staff
Publication Date: 10/28/08


The new $16 million County Administration Building opened to public admiration Tuesday morning.

After the presentation of the colors by the St. Johns Sheriff's Office Color Guard, Chaplain Dick Talbert said this building was "an ambitious undertaking" and he prayed for the commissioners to use "their individual and collective gifts" for the benefit of the county.

"They cannot solve any problem they are confronted with, but they can pledge to do their very best," Talbert said.

Commission Chair Cyndi Stevenson introduced 10 former commissioners, including Edward Cooksey (served 1957-1961), Herbie Wiles (1984-1992), John Hurt (1970-1973), Fred Brinkhoff, Charles Willis, Sarah Bailey (1984-1992), Moses "Coach" Floyd (1990-1998), Karen Taylor (1997-1998), and Karen Stern and Bruce Maguire, both 2002-2006.

These people, Stevenson said, represented "the progress of St. Johns County through time."

She also praised the beauty and utility of the new building.

"As lovely as it is, it's built for service and efficiency," she said, adding that it will be more energy efficient than the old County Auditorium. Mike Rubin director of construction for the county, said the first county administration building dates back to the 1970s and was located in a 2,000-square foot, 2-story home that was on the site where the County Jail now sits.

This new building will take the county into the 22nd century.

"It's predicted lifespan of this building is 70 years," Rubin said. "I predict it will be here for at least 100."
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