Story by Steve Traiman
St. Pete Beach Fire Chief Jim Fitzpatrick told Paradise News, “As our community continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, ensuring uninterrupted emergency services remains a top priority. In this spirit, the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) at the request of the city has provided a temporary fire station for Station 22 in Pass-a-Grille, ensuring that critical services remain readily available to residents.
“The new temporary Fire Station 22, now fully operational, is located in the parking lot of the Suntan Art Center. This facility, established with the support of FDEM, allows first responders to maintain their usual response times despite the challenges posed by ongoing recovery efforts. The temporary station is a testament to the dedication of local and state agencies to keeping our community safe and secure during this rebuilding phase.
“On our behalf, District Chief Bob Bassett recently conducted a tour of the facility, highlighting its readiness to meet the needs of the community. The station includes all necessary equipment and accommodations to ensure firefighters can respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively. This temporary solution exemplifies a commitment to maintaining public safety and adapting to challenges with resilience and resourcefulness.
“Placement of the station at the Don Vista parking lot was chosen for its central location, enabling emergency crews to continue providing swift service to Pass-a-Grille and the surrounding areas. Its establishment underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between local leaders, emergency management officials, and the community to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. It includes all fire vehicles and sleeping quarters for full-time staff.“
As we move forward together, the resilience and strength of our community remain evident. The new temporary Fire Station 22 stands as a symbol of our collective determination to overcome adversity and rebuild stronger than before. To our residents: thank you for your patience, support, and unwavering spirit during these challenging times.
“We encourage everyone to stay safe and continue looking out for one another as we navigate the recovery process. Together, we will ensure St. Pete Beach remains a safe and vibrant place to live.
”South Pasadena Fire Chief Dave Mixson told Paradise News, “Our new Station 20 is stepping up to assist SPB Fire Rescue as internal repairs continue on hard-hit Station 22 in Pass-a-Grille.
“This is made possible by the 1980 Pinellas County Automatic Aid/Closest Unit Response Agreement. This allows fire units to respond county-wide, based on proximity.
“State-of-the-art Station 20, fully operational since this past July 20, is well-equipped as a Category 5-rated structure, 12.5 feet above the base flood elevation. It has a bi-fuel generator capable of running on natural gas or diesel.
“The station operates with six on-duty firefighters per shift. These teams staff a four-person ladder truck and a two-person rescue truck on a 24-hour schedule. Both units are paramedic-staffed and operate as Advanced Life Support (ALS) units within the County Emergency Medical Services System.
“Residents of Pass-a-Grille can rest assured that our department is ready to provide support when needed. It’s in times like this that partnerships between our two cities truly come to the forefront.
“Our city is proud of its fire department’s dedication to regional collaboration and commitment to community safety.”
[Editor’s note: Special thanks to SPB Fire Chief Jim Fitzpatrick and SP Chief Dave Mixson for their excellent comments and information.]