Gulf Shores gave a unique twist to the usual groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning by hosting a "ground breaching" instead. The city’s SWAT team kicked off construction on the new Justice Center by demonstrating their entry tactics at the former Sacred Heart Medical Office Building. The event combined action with community spirit, featuring doughnuts from Parlor Doughnuts to fuel both the team and spectators.

The $20.9 million contract for building out the new Justice Center was awarded to Persons Services Corporation. The new center will be located at 312 Medical Village Boulevard, which is north of the Intracoastal Waterway.

City leaders say the current police station is outdated and too small. The new facility will provide more space, better equipment, and an improved layout for emergency response.

Mayor Robert Craft said public safety is a top priority. He believes the new complex shows the city’s support for law enforcement.

Plans include renovating a 42,000-square-foot former medical office building. A new jail will also be built behind the existing structure.

The Justice Center will include a new incident command center. This will help the city better respond to hurricanes and other disasters.

The project was recommended in a 2019–2020 study by Matrix Consulting Group. That study found the old police station was in urgent need of replacement.

City officials say this is the largest public safety investment in Gulf Shores history. It will unite all parts of the justice system in one place.

Construction is expected to take about 18 months. The building is set to open in the summer of 2026.