Treasure Island city commissioners will vote today on plans for a three-story Public Safety Facility and Apparatus Bay. The price tag? $12 million. This proposed structure would take the place of the city’s old police and fire station on 108th Avenue, which hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed when floodwaters swept through the area.
The new facility would match the old building’s square footage. But planners say the layout works better and can hold up against severe storms. Occupied office spaces would sit 22 feet above ground, meeting current flood standards.
The apparatus bay would also be flood-proofed. This helps keep emergency operations running when future storms hit. Construction would move forward with a target completion date in 2028 if commissioners approve.
“It has to be built to Cat 5 specifications according to state law,” said Treasure Island Fire Chief Trip Barrs, according to FOX 13. “That means an upgraded foundation, beefier concrete walls, roof, all the attachments, and stuff that all comes with an extra price tag.”
The old public safety facility was built in 1958. During the 2024 storm season, around three feet of water flooded the building. Officials later deemed it a total loss.
The police and fire departments were forced to move. They set up shop in temporary facilities and portable trailers. On April 21, the City Commission awarded a design-build contract to Biltmore Construction Company for the new facility.
The city received $2.5 million from the state earlier this summer. That money adds to $1.5 million given to the community by the Legislature last year.
The police and fire departments need a permanent facility that can stay operational when severe weather strikes and future storm events occur. The raised design and floodproofed apparatus bay are meant to protect the building while keeping the city’s emergency response capabilities intact.