New $59M Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal Courthouse Opens in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL – A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new $59 million Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg was held on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for Florida’s judicial system. The event included a tour for community leaders.

Serving Six Counties

The three-story courthouse, located along Mirror Lake at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, will serve six counties: Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto [1]. Construction began in 2023 and was completed on time and on budget [1].

Honoring Bernie McCabe

The courthouse is named in honor of Bernie McCabe, who served as the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years before his death in 2021 [2]. Naming the courthouse after McCabe recognizes his legacy of public service and commitment to the legal system.

Features and Functionality

The 59,000 square-foot building features a single courtroom, suites for 15 judges, and workspace for 96 staff members [1], [2]. A community room is too available as a meeting space for local bar associations and has seen high demand [1]. The courtroom itself is equipped with the latest technology and sound-absorbing acoustic panels.

Centralized Location and History

Chief Judge Matt Lucas explained that St. Petersburg was chosen for its centralized location, making it accessible to the six counties served by the Second District Court of Appeal [1]. Prior to the opening of the new courthouse, the court operated from leased offices in Lakeland and at the Stetson Law Center in Tampa. The previous courthouse in Lakeland was vacated in 2016 due to structural and air-quality issues [2].

A Return to Tradition

Even as the new courthouse boasts modern amenities, some elements of the past have been preserved. The oak tables from the Lakeland courthouse and the original gavel are incorporated into the new building to honor tradition [1].

“We are here to stay,” said Chief Judge Lucas. “I have every intention of being here for as long as the people of Florida will have me.”