SJC Board Approves Design Phase for District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office Expansion
$559,751 design contract advances $6.5 million regional public safety project
On February 17, 2026, St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners approved a $559,751 contract for the design of an expansion to the District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Augustine. The design phase is part of an $6.5 million capital project to enhance forensic services for St. Johns, Flagler, and Putnam counties. The contract was awarded to Passero Associates, LLC.
The approximately 6,000-square-foot expansion will add new clinical space, including modern autopsy suites, additional secure refrigeration for decedents, a covered and enclosed vehicle bay for private transfers, and enhanced building security. The design scope includes site evaluation and analysis, programming, permitting, and construction administration. The facility expansion and modernization is estimated for completion by the end of 2027.
The design phase is funded through impact fees designated for public facilities, ensuring the project is supported by existing capital funding sources.
The project builds on ongoing coordination with state legislators and regional public safety partners. In 2024, the County hosted a legislative and media tour of the existing facility to highlight operational limitations and the need for a modern, purpose-built space. That effort marked a key step in a collaborative strategy to move the project forward.
Read more about the 2024 tour and regional effort.
District 23 Medical Examiner Dr. Wendolyn Sneed said the expansion will improve efficiency and the office’s ability to serve the three-county area.
“This project will provide the specialized space and modern infrastructure needed to support our work on behalf of the courts, law enforcement, and the communities we serve,” Sneed said. “It represents an important investment in the quality, safety, and reliability of forensic services across the district.”
The District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office conducts death investigations for St. Johns, Flagler, and Putnam counties in accordance with Florida law.
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