The new Duval County Courthouse may not be able to open on  schedule next week because it cannot pass a series of safety tests, Fire Chief  Martin Senterfitt said Wednesday.

Systems that control fire alarms, smoke removal and sprinklers in the  seven-story building aren't working in coordination, Senterfitt told  reporters.

After eight to 10 days of trying to repair the problem, crews have made  little progress at the $350 million project, he said.

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Senterfitt said Chief Judge Donald Moran Jr. has been talking with city  officials about possible alternatives to keep the court system working.

These apparently include moving staff back into the existing courthouse on  Bay Street. Unsure when the new courthouse can pass fire codes, Senterfitt said  the city has to keep all options on the table.

Senterfitt said he didn't consider the late date for the tests unusual.

Systems that are built to move smoke through the building have to be tested  when detail items like ceiling tiles and door jams that would restrict air  movement are already installed, he said.

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But the City Council's next leader said he was uneasy about project managers  not having some hint of trouble earlier.

Read more at Jacksonville.com:  http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-05-23/story/failing-safety-...