Construction is now underway on the Lightspeed Emergency Response Center in Miami-Dade, a $210 million project aimed at strengthening the county’s ability to respond to emergencies. Suffolk, selected to lead both design and construction, will oversee the creation of a state-of-the-art facility designed to bring together multiple agencies under one roof for faster, coordinated action during crises.
As partner in design-build, Suffolk will oversee both the design and construction of the facility. Lightspeed center is being billed as one of the most advanced emergency response facilities in the region, designed to house under a single roof dozens of agencies in the event of hurricanes, regional crises, or public safety threats.
Sophisticated Infrastructure for Crisis Response
The amenities of the building are a reaction to the growing demands of modern disaster response. The building will feature a cutting-edge Emergency Operations Center with real-time video, an 80-foot communications tower to build regional connectivity, and a rooftop helipad with the ability to accommodate helicopters up to 30,000 pounds. There will also be secure, dedicated operations area for the Mayor, County Commissioners, and other officials for government continuity during emergencies.
Sustainability and mobility are integrated into the design. The project is pursuing LEED Silver certification and will bring 600 EV charging stations with a fueling station for critical fleets.
Local Impact and Economic Inclusion
Nearly one-quarter of the project value is being captured through small business enterprises, reflecting Suffolk’s emphasis on community engagement and economic inclusion. The company is also relying heavily on technology—from digital modeling to prevent design conflicts to real-time construction monitoring systems. To keep the complex build on schedule and minimize disruptions to the neighboring 911 call center.
A Strategic Investment in Safety
Miami-Dade officials view Lightspeed as more than just another government project. It’s a mission-critical nexus by intent, one that reflects the urgency of the day’s challenges, with severe weather and complex emergencies on the rise.
Suffolk East Coast Florida GM Thomas Thrasher called the project one of the most important infrastructure investments in the county. He discussed the weight Suffolk carries in building a structure that will “protect and serve the community for generations to come.”
Part of a Larger South Florida Footprint
For Suffolk, Lightspeed adds to a diverse South Florida portfolio that includes hospitality, aviation, and residential projects. Past projects have included the guitar-shaped Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood and the Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A at PortMiami. Across the country, notable examples include its role in the $5 billion Aman Hotel at One Beverly Hills in California and Dartmouth College’s campus-wide decarbonization project in New Hampshire. These projects highlight the company’s ability to deliver complex, high-impact facilities that shape communities nationwide.
The Lightspeed project reflects a shift in emergency response infrastructure—from basic function to resilience, integration, and future-readiness. With advanced technology, sustainability measures, and community-focused procurement, Miami-Dade is setting a model for cities investing in safety while driving economic benefits.
Lightspeed Emergency Response Center in Miami-Dade: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Sweetwater, Florida
Total Value: $210 million
Design-Build Partner: Suffolk Construction
Status: Construction underway
Key Facility Features
Next-Generation Emergency Operations Center with advanced video capabilities for real-time situational awareness
Rooftop Helipad supporting helicopters up to 30,000 pounds
80-foot Communications Tower providing critical emergency connectivity across the region
Secure Operations Space for Mayor, County Commissioners, and elected officials
Sustainability Focus pursuing LEED Silver certification
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure with 600 EV charger locations
On-site Fueling Station for critical emergency fleets
Mission & Purpose
Designed to unify emergency response across dozens of agencies during crises including:
- Hurricanes and severe weather events
- Public safety emergencies
- Complex regional crises
- Continuity of government operations
Construction Highlights
Strategic Coordination: Building in close proximity to live 911 call center operations
Community Investment: Nearly 25% of construction value delivered by Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)
Technology Integration: Digital modeling, documentation tools, and logistics platforms for enhanced efficiency
