For more than 60 years, Murray Middle School has been part of generations of Martin County families. On October 27, students, staff, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a major campus rebuilding and improvement project.
The project marks an important step forward for a school community that has faced significant challenges. In October 2024, a tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton severely damaged three campus buildings, displacing the school's band, choir, and agriculture programs. Students and staff adapted to temporary spaces, keeping these programs going.
Plans to modernize Murray's campus were already in the works before the storm. The approximately $33 million phase of the project includes new spaces for band, chorus, art and agriculture science, a modern media center, updated administrative offices, gym renovations, and improvements to parking and student drop-off areas.
The project is supported by investments and partnerships at the state and local levels. In 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved $500,000 in funding to support Murray's rebuilding, with State Representative Toby Overdorf and State Senator Gayle Harrell sponsoring the funding request. The Florida Department of Education has also supported the rebuilding effort.
The Martin County School Board's continued investment, the District's Facilities Department's planning and coordination, and the construction and design work of Hedrick Brothers Construction and PBK Architects have helped move the project forward. Principal Tiffany Roth, Murray's staff, and families have also played an important role in supporting the school through the changes.
For Murray's students and families, the new facilities will provide more opportunities to learn, create, and grow while continuing the school's more than 60-year legacy in Martin County.
Watch the video below to hear from the Murray Middle School community and see highlights from the groundbreaking ceremony.