The second hazardous material is lead paint. This can be protected against in the same way, with a mask. Gloves also may be a good idea to protect from exposure from both substances. If you do decide to take on Sunland with your bare hands, do not rub your eyes or face until you can wash your hands properly.
Due to the large amount of glass and debris on the floors of Sunland, it is never a good idea to enter with open-toe shoes or sandals/flip-flops. Sturdy shoes or boots are the best ideas for footwear. Also, do not step on anything you cannot see well, especially boards. This goes for stuff both in and outside of Sunland as many boards and doors still have sharp nails or screws sticking out of them. This hazard has also been greatly reduced as the workers have swept the majority of debris clear of all hallways, rooms and stairwells. Moving about Sunland is far safer now, but there are still some piles of debris around to watch for.
Entering the elevators or elevator shafts is HIGHLY ill-advised. At least two elevators (both stopped on the higher floors) can be entered, but I would advise against stepping inside for obvious safety reasons. The bottom of the elevator shafts are flooded with water as well.
The roof and most areas are sound and should be relatively safe to walk around in, though as of 9/14/06, the frontal wing roof has collapsed due to demolition. Some areas that may be more dangerous includes any part of the Frontal Wing, which is suffering from extensive water damage and structural weakening due to it. Be wary if you trek these areas and some parts of the roof. Avoid dark spots or places with standing water.
If you do happen to get injured or something find it's way into your eyes, there is a working water faucet outside the front of the building on the grass median between Sunland and the new Child Care Center parking lot next door. Look for it if you need to wash your eyes out or anything.
There are some legal issues to consider when entering Sunland. Most of the 26.11 acres of Sunland Property are not posted, however, the building itself is surrounded by a tall chainlink fence topped with barbed wire. Entering this fence (and therefore, being inside the building itself) is highly illegal. Anyone caught inside the fenced in area/building can face up to a $1000 fine or 12 months jail time. It is my personal opinion that jail time would only be issued to persons vandalizing, stealing or defacing the property while simple tresspassers would probably only be fined.
-Park away from Sunland and walk to the Building. If you must park nearby, at least attempt to conceal your vehicle behind one of the surrounding buildings. The police do check the surrounding buildings, however.
-Do not make excess noise if you note anyone driving by the building or hanging out in the parking lot.
-Try not to aim flashlights out the windows as they are extreme attention-getters at night. Be on extra alert when on the end of Sunland that faces Blair Stone as the FDLE Building is right across the street.
-Police do not routinely check the building from my observations, but I'm sure if any cop happens by and notes vehicles in the Sunland lot or the adjoining Child Care lot near Sunland, they will check it out. Beware.
- Click here for info on getting inside!
Maps of Sunland
Sunland History and Facts
