Second DCA marks opening of Bernie McCabe Courthouse
The American flag is raised on Second DCA’s new Bernie McCabe Courthouse on opening day. This significant flag last flew at the DCA’s Lakeland facility in December 2022, “symbolizing the smooth transition and continuity of our commitment to justice,” according to a post on the court’s Facebook page.
The Florida Second District Court of Appeal celebrated the opening of the new Bernie McCabe Courthouse with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 21. The event marked the completion of the new courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg and honored the many individuals whose work and dedication made the project possible.
Established in 1957 as one of Florida’s three original district courts of appeal, the Second DCA was headquartered in Lakeland for more than six decades before the Legislature designated Pinellas County as the headquarters beginning in 2023. The opening of the Bernie McCabe Courthouse marks the final step in moving the district’s headquarters to St. Petersburg — a milestone celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by state and local officials, members of the judiciary, legal community leaders, and the McCabe family.
“The Bernie McCabe Courthouse stands as a monument to the rule of law for the people we serve,” said Chief Judge Matthew C. Lucas. “The judges and staff of the Second District are proud to call this beautiful building our new home.”
Chief Judge Lucas also expressed gratitude for the state’s continued support of the judicial branch.
“We are deeply thankful to the Florida Legislature and Gov. [Ron] DeSantis for their ongoing commitment to Florida’s courts and for providing the funding necessary to bring this courthouse to life,” he said. “Their support is essential to ensuring that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and without delay for all who come before our courts.”
The facility is named in honor of the late Bernie McCabe, who served as state attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, covering Pinellas and Pasco counties, from 1992 until his death in 2021.
Finished on time and within budget, the project cost approximately $59 million in state funds, including $50 million appropriated by the Legislature and approved by Gov. DeSantis in 2021 to construct the courthouse and $9 million appropriated by the Legislature and approved by DeSantis in 2023 to complete its construction.
Located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the new courthouse is designed to meet the evolving needs of the appellate court while serving the broader legal community and the public.
The courthouse is near other government and civic buildings, including St. Petersburg City Hall and the St. Petersburg Judicial Building, forming part of the Mirror Lake civic area. The site
previously housed the Sebring Building, a 1968 state office building that was demolished to make way for the new facility.
Designed by Orlando-based DLR Group, the architect of record, in partnership with Wannemacher Jensen Architects of St. Petersburg, the three-story courthouse is approximately 51,708 square feet and includes 15 judicial chambers, a single ceremonial courtroom, and workspace for 95 full-time employees. The project also includes a 7,800-square-foot central energy plant and secure parking. General contractor Skanska USA Building directed the construction process from demolition of the existing structure through completion, ensuring adherence to the project schedule and budget. The Florida Department of Management Services provided strategic and budget oversight and project management for the state.
The building incorporates state-of-the-art security measures, enhanced accessibility for court users and staff, and is constructed to meet LEED certification standards for sustainable building practices. The advanced technological infrastructure in the courtroom and throughout the building is designed for interoperability, allowing a mix of in-person and remote participants.
Improvements to sidewalks and green space along Mirror Lake enhance the surrounding public spaces and further integrate the courthouse into the civic fabric of downtown St. Petersburg.