The Florida Senate recently got its first chance to show off a major revamp of one of the Capitol’s largest and most heavily used meeting rooms.
The $3.1 million makeover came in the Pat Thomas Committee Room on the fourth floor of the Knott Building, connected by a walkway to the main Capitol building.
The work gives the room a slightly more compact feel, with additional seating and a reduction of open spaces in back wings, where lobbyists and reporters frequently hang out and mingle during meetings.
Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, opted for a full-scale renovation that began shortly after this year’s legislative session ended in March, rather than pursuing a variety of proposals to alter the layout and function of the room. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission met in the room earlier this month.
The new design “will improve the ability of our constituents to safely interact with us here in Tallahassee or to watch our proceedings from afar, which is now more important than ever due to the ongoing pandemic,” Galvano said in a Sept. 9 memo to senators.
“My goal for this project is that the room not only be used by the Senate, but also be open ... for other public meetings or training opportunities that take place in the Capitol.”
In the works for several years, the remodeling features two large video screens for senators and members of the public to view meeting materials and presentations.
The project also includes security upgrades and new energy-efficient lighting, according to the Senate president’s office.
Also, the seating allows the addition or reduction of chairs to accommodate crowds, people using wheelchairs or to ensure social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“It's consistent with what I think people expect when they come to Tallahassee and see the people's business being done,” said outgoing Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island.
“It's certainly updated so that we will be prepared for the 21st century, from a security standpoint, from a visual standpoint. So, that those who can't be with us can more clearly see what's going on.”
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September 20, 2020 at 07:13PM
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Capitol makeover: Biggest, most heavily used meeting room gets overhaul - Tallahassee Democrat
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