After years of operating from a nondescript building off State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale, nearly 100 local U.S. Naval sea cadets are getting a new, state-of-the-art home.

Ground was broken March 1 at the site, which will feature an expanded facility to allow for cadets to better train with active-duty military and participate in marching drills. Completion is expected by fall.

The project is largely being paid for with a $150,000 grant from the Mary N. Porter Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. Additional money has come from other community groups, including an ongoing brick sale program.

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a national youth leadership organization that promotes interest and skill in naval disciplines through leadership and technical programs modeled after the Navy’s professional development system.

The building was originally named to honor George Thorne, who had served as president of the local Navy League. He obtained the property for the Fort Lauderdale cadets to use. His widow, Veronika Thorne, attended the groundbreaking.

The new facility will be named the Mary N. Porter Sea Cadet Training Center on the grounds of the George Thorne Campus.

For info visit https://seacadetbuildingfund.org.