Jacksonville Sheriff's Office begins partial move to Riverside

After about three years of considerations and plans, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is in the process of moving its downtown administrative offices to the nearby Florida Blue tower at 532 Riverside Ave. Its lease is for three floors.

Sheriff's Office headquarters had been located in the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. since 1977. The building has become outdated and there also has been years of discussion about relocating the attached jail.

Starting Friday, Sept. 11, the public counter at Bay Street will temporarily close and will reopen at the new facility on Septe. 28, the Sheriff's Office said.

The District 1 Substation at 5258-13 Norwood Ave. will be closed starting Friday as it moves to the new hub as well. District 2 - 6 Substations

will remain open for the entirety of the move, so there will be no lapse in public services. Substation hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the relocation, performer work applications/renewals and associated fees for replaced/lost cards will be accepted at the District 4 Substation inside the Cedar Hills Shopping Center, 3726 Blanding Blvd. The Prescription Drug Drop Box is not available during this time while it is being relocated to the Riverside office."The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office remains fully operational during the transition to the new headquarters," its Public Information Office said. "JSO will keep the public updated and release more details when the public services facilities are up and running in Riverside later this month. That will include exact addresses for services, parking information and other relevant details to serve the city."

The move helps the agency more effectively serve and protect the growing population in Jacksonville, the Sheriff's Office said.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office begins partial move to Riverside