New Emergency Response Facility Opens in Central Florida

(Auburndale, FL) - Florida's head of Emergency Management unveiled a new facility in the center of the state that will be filled with personnel, supplies and equipment for use after a storm.

FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie offered a tour of the 400,000 square foot warehouse in Polk County Thursday. It is officially called the Florida Central Operation and Coordination Office or FLA-COCO and has room for more than 300 personnel, 100 sleeping quarters, and 400 trailers.

"This is more than a building," Guthrie said. "It’s a strategic expansion that places logistics and personnel where they can have the greatest impact. It is an investment not just in emergency management, but in the safety and resilience of this community, as well."

Guthrie says the huge warehouse uses taxpayer dollars to respond to hurricanes and is centrally located near I-4.

He adds this allows workers at the warehouse to decentralize food, water and fuel to impacted areas and help to restore power and communications withing 48 hours after a storm.

According to Guthrie, "FLA-COCO was completed ahead of schedule and on budget."