St. Johns County officials say the local medical examiner’s office is struggling to keep up with the area’s fast-growing population. They are pushing for a new facility, warning that the current office won’t be able to handle the rising number of cases in the future.
However, the increase in deaths isn’t the only issue. The existing District 23 office, located at 500 San Sebastian View, is outdated and has several problems. According to officials, the facility lacks modern technology, has limited space, and does not meet current operational needs.
The office, which serves St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, has several shortcomings. It does not have a designated room for handling decomposed bodies, has poor ventilation, and lacks enough space for staff. There is also no private area for families to meet with officials. Additionally, the building lacks strong security features to protect sensitive information and materials.
Officials plan to lead a tour of the facility on Friday to highlight these issues. They hope to show why investing in a new, modern medical examiner’s office is necessary for ensuring justice and public safety in the region.
Experts estimate that St. Johns County could double in population over the next 50 years, potentially reaching more than 600,000 residents. This rapid growth makes updating the medical examiner’s office even more urgent.
