Hardee County begins construction on updated Fire Station 1 to enhance storm resilience

The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the Fire Station 1 project, which has been funded through state appropriations. The meeting focused on the project's design and construction phases aimed at enhancing the station's resilience against storms and improving operational efficiency.

The Fire Chief provided an overview of the project, emphasizing the need for a sturdier structure to withstand hurricanes, as the existing Fire Station 1 has suffered considerable damage in past storms. The new design aims to facilitate better maintenance and operational capabilities.

During the presentation, the Chief outlined the construction phases. Phase 1 involves establishing a construction fence and adjusting operations to allow for continued emergency response during the building process. Following the completion of the new station, the existing structure will be demolished, with plans to assess any reusable materials, such as parts of the slab.

The project also includes the construction of a new training tower, which is expected to enhance the department's training capabilities and improve its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. A higher ISO rating can lead to lower property insurance rates for residents. The new facility will allow for advanced training classes, attracting firefighters from outside the county and providing opportunities for local high school students to engage in cadet programs.

The proposed design features ample apparatus space, larger training rooms, administrative offices, and improved living quarters for firefighters, including a decontamination area to reduce cross-contamination risks after emergency calls. The Chief noted that the project has received strong support from the community and local officials, despite the temporary loss of parking spaces for elections, which will be compensated with additional spaces.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the progress of the Fire Station 1 project, which aims to bolster the fire department's capabilities and better serve the Hardee County community. The next steps will involve finalizing the design and moving forward with construction plans.