Clearwater Beach Landmark Demolished To Make Way For New Fire Station

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater residents bid farewell to a familiar but decidedly outdated landmark when Station 46 at Mandalay Park on north Clearwater Beach was demolished to make way for a new, modern fire station.

The station, which opened in 1964, was overdue for an overhaul, said Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department Fire Chief Scott Ehlers.

The two-bay fire station was remodeled in the 1980s but no longer meets building codes and can't accommodate the new safety features designed to keep firefighters healthy and modern equipment, he said.

The new station, which will cost $8.3 million, will be completed next summer.

While it will still be designed to accept walk-in beach visitors suffering from stingray barbs and severe cases of sunburn, the 11,000-square-foot station will include upgrades and sustainability features including a solar array, rain garden, reflective roof, bird-safe glass and an emergency generator.

In the meantime, the Station 64 firefighters will be housed at temporary facilities on the south end of McKay Park. The facility, built specifically to house the fire crew while the new station is constructed, will be dismantled once the new fire station is completed.