Politics & Government

Dunedin to Break Ground on Fire Station 61

After months of redesigning to meet budget costs, crews are finally ready to begin Dunedin's new Fire Station 61.

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Katie Dolac, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Construction on Dunedin's new Fire Station 61 is nearly set to begin at Highlander Park, fire officials announced Wednesday.

Some trees and the recycle bins at the future station, 903 Michigan Blvd., have already been cleared for the groundbreaking ceremony 10 a.m., Friday, June 28. 

Once complete, the roughly $2 million, environmentally-friendly station will feature:

  • Three engine bays (including space for EMS)
  • Bunk rooms
  • A day room
  • Kitchen and dining area
  • Training areas
  • A fitness room
  • A public-facing antique engine bay for the city’s 1922 engine, which is only on display once a year
  • A laundry area
  • Bunker gear storage
  • Decontamination area
Construction, initially slated for October 2012, was pushed back because bids on the original design came back higher than the city budgeted. Architects had to scale back in order to bring the cost down for a re-bid process, according to city records.

The outdated Fire Station 61 at nearby 1941 Ed Eckert Dr. will be demolished and used as park space.

Parking for the groundbreaking ceremony will be made available in the grass field just east of the construction site, fire officials said in a news release.

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