Flagler County unveils $7M fire station plans and $12.4M headquarters project

The Flagler County government meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on several key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing community services and emergency response capabilities. The meeting provided updates on the design and construction of multiple fire stations, a substance abuse facility, a library and community center, an airport terminal, and a multipurpose emergency shelter.

The first item discussed was the new fire station, designated as Station 51, which is 90% complete in its design phase. This facility will replace the existing fire station in Espanola and is expected to cost approximately $7 million, funded primarily through a half-cent sales tax. The construction is set to begin in the summer of 2025, with an anticipated completion date in winter 2026.

Following this, the design status of Station 50, the headquarters for Flagler County Fire Services, was reported at 60% completion. This facility will span 12,000 square feet and is projected to cost around $12.4 million, with funding sourced from state appropriations and the general fund. Similar to Station 51, construction is expected to commence in summer 2025, with completion also slated for winter 2026.

The meeting then addressed the SMA project, a 48-bed residential substance abuse facility located off Old Haw Creek and Justice Lane. Currently at 70% design completion, this project is budgeted at $14 million, with $10 million from legislative appropriations and an additional $4 million from SMA. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2025, with completion expected in winter 2026.

Next, the Flagler Nexus Center was introduced as a multipurpose facility that will replace the Bunnell library and house various community services, including health and human services. This project is currently 55% designed and has a budget of $16.2 million, funded through a combination of general funds and grants. Construction began in July 2024, with an expected completion date of November 2025.

The meeting also highlighted the Flagler Executive Airport Terminal project, which has been in planning since 2018. This 15,000 square foot terminal aims to enhance aviation services and is budgeted at $11.8 million, funded through state and federal grants. Construction is set to start in April 2025, with completion expected by November 2026.

Lastly, a multipurpose emergency shelter project was discussed, which will serve as a special needs shelter during hurricanes and other emergencies. This facility will have a minimum size of 10,000 square feet and is backed by a $10 million legislative appropriation.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Flagler County's commitment to improving public safety and community services through these significant infrastructure projects, with timelines and funding sources clearly outlined for each initiative.