5 new fire stations on the way in Pasco

LAND O'LAKES — This really is about location, location, location.

But it's also about growth.

By early 2009, Pasco County Fire Rescue will open five new fire stations, three of them replacing older, current stations and two new ones near newer subdivisions.

Location is always important, said personnel and special projects chief Cynthia Holland, who's been with the county since 1986.

"We look at a station location and these are going to be the areas we need to address," she said. "These areas need response time because of growth and they need to be addressed. Growth and then location of the area is the blueprint we've used for years."

The five stations are the No. 23 at State Road 54 and U.S. 41; No. 15 on Trinity Boulevard; No. 16 at SR 54 and Zephyr Ridge Drive; No. 39 on County Line Road near the Heritage Pines subdivision; and No. 37 on SR 54 near Sunlake High School.

The stations will cost an estimated total of $7.5-million. The projects have been in the works for a few years, but, according to administrative division manager Tom Supeau, some hit snags.

Normally, he said, the county wouldn't take on building five stations at the same time.

"It wasn't planned that way, but rolled out that way," said Supeau. "Some were behind and it's really a lot of stations to be done."

Holland said the county is still working on finding a spot along Curley Road in Wesley Chapel to put up Station No. 38. Pasco has 24 fire and rescue stations, five of those being volunteer or a combination of volunteers and paid firefighters.

The construction work at Stations 15, 16 and 23 will replace older buildings that have been part of the county since the middle of the 20th century.

Station 23, for example, became a rescue station after being a vehicle inspection station for a number of years. It doesn't resemble a firehouse, and those who work there are glad a new building is on the way.

"Oh, my gosh, what an upgrade," said paramedic Capt. David Allen, who has been with Pasco Country Fire Rescue for 20 years and at Station 23 for five.

"When the engine was added, that's when we were beyond the need for a new station."

Allen also said the current Station 23 building is inadequate, with very little living and bathroom space. He realizes how much Pasco's population has grown and says upgraded and new stations are essential.

"The new stations really typify the growth in the area," Allen said.

Holland agrees. As subdivisions pop up, new stations will be needed and the county will continue to find land for them.

"Every time a subdivision gets going, we put aside land for a new station," Holland said.

"Obviously, what we're seeing here is a little rare, but it's what's needed in the county."

Mike Camunas can be reached at mcamunas@sptimes.com or (352) 544-1771.