Suffolk has begun construction on the Integrated Command & Communications Centre at Lightspeed in Sweetwater, Florida, taking on responsibility for both design and construction as the project’s design-build partner.

With an investment of $210 million, the development is set to become one of the region’s most advanced emergency response centres, strengthening safety and resilience for Miami-Dade County.

The new facility will feature next-generation technologies, including advanced video systems for real-time situational awareness, a rooftop helipad capable of supporting helicopters weighing up to 30,000 pounds, and an 80-foot communications tower designed to enhance emergency connectivity across the county. Secure operational space will also be provided for the mayor, county commissioners, and senior officials to support coordinated responses during crises.

The project is targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. It will also include 600 electric vehicle charging stations and an on-site fuelling facility for essential fleets. Once complete, the centre will centralise emergency response efforts, serving as Miami-Dade County’s headquarters for hurricane preparedness, public safety responses, and large-scale emergencies.

Suffolk is managing construction adjacent to an active 911 call centre, requiring precise logistical planning to minimise disruption. The company is also integrating digital modelling techniques to identify and resolve issues before they arise, reducing costs and risks. Around a quarter of the project’s value will be awarded to small business enterprises.

“Lightspeed is one of the most consequential projects underway in Miami-Dade, and Suffolk is honoured to have been selected to deliver it,” said Thomas Thrasher, Suffolk’s East Coast Florida general manager. “We are excited to bring our deep experience designing and building complex, high-impact, and high-integrity facilities, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

The company has an established presence in South Florida, with a portfolio that includes hospitality, residential, aviation, and transportation projects. Among its notable developments are the Seminole Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Palm Beach Gardens, and the Joule House in Miami, along with expansion works at Palm Beach International Airport and PortMiami terminals.