News Summary
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has begun construction on a new Fire Station 48 at Blount Island, relocating from the shipping port to improve emergency response times. This new facility will include a dedicated dock for fireboats, enhancing the ability to manage marine emergencies. Mayor Donna Deegan emphasized the project’s importance for public safety in a rapidly developing area, with completion expected by mid-2026. The relocation of Fire Station 48 signifies the city’s commitment to better serve both residents and visitors in emergency situations.
Jacksonville – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) officially broke ground on a new Fire Station 48 located on Blount Island on Monday, a move that aims to enhance public safety and emergency response in the growing area. This new station is being relocated from its current position inside the shipping port to a site outside the fence, a change that is expected to significantly improve emergency response times.
JFRD Fire Chief Percy Golden announced that the construction of the new station is essential due to ongoing development in the surrounding area. The existing station’s location behind the port’s gates has been identified as a potential delay factor for emergency responses. With the new station situated outside the gates, the department anticipates faster response times for not only regular emergency calls but also maritime incidents that frequently occur in the bustling port area.
The new facility will come equipped with a dedicated dock for JFRD fireboats, providing immediate access to marine emergencies and thereby greatly benefiting both Blount Island and regions along the intercoastal waterways. Currently, JFRD’s Marine Unit operates out of five stations, including the original Marine 48 on Blount Island, Marine 38 off Trout River Drive, Marine 39 near Metropolitan Park, Marine 40 off Heckscher Drive, and Marine 68 in Mandarin.
The construction project for the new fire station is projected to be completed by May or June 2026, aligning with the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety infrastructure in a rapidly evolving Jacksonville. Mayor Donna Deegan attended the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the city’s focus on vigilance and preparedness in terms of emergency services.
This new marine station construction is also part of the priorities highlighted in the proposed 25-26 budget, reinforcing the city’s dedication to providing robust emergency services in response to growth, safety, and community needs. The project comes as a result of collaboration between the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, the Department of Defense, and the Jacksonville Port Authority, showcasing a unified approach to enhancing emergency readiness.
The need for improved emergency services has become even more critical as Jacksonville continues to experience significant growth, particularly around industrial and residential areas such as Blount Island. By relocating Fire Station 48, JFRD aims to ensure that both citizens and visitors receive timely assistance in emergencies, particularly in maritime situations related to the busy port operations.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking of the new Fire Station 48 encapsulates Jacksonville’s proactive measures to address evolving safety needs and improve response times in an increasingly developed landscape. The strategic relocation and construction of this facility exemplifies the city’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Construction Begins on New Fire Station 48
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Hoodline: Jacksonville Breaks Ground on New Marine Fire Station
- Google Search: Jacksonville Fire Station
- Jacksonville.com: Jacksonville’s Newest Fire Station Breaks Ground
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Station
- Action News Jax: Jacksonville Firefighters Responding to Business Fire
- Google News: Jacksonville Fire Department
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
