The City of Treasure Island is preparing to create a shared home for its Police Department and Fire Rescue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At its Tuesday meeting, the Treasure Island City Commission approved a design-build agreement with Biltmore Construction Company to create a new public safety facility. The project is expected to cost approximately $10.8 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The multi-story building will be constructed on 108th Avenue at Treasure Island\u2019s former City Hall site. A groundbreaking is scheduled for early October. Major construction will commence in December.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve really evaluated a functional but yet small floor plan,\u201d said Treasure Island Public Works director and assistant city manager Gary Volenec at the Tuesday meeting. \u201cWe\u2019ve tried to identify techniques for construction that can help save money and also we\u2019ve evaluated different systems throughout the building, such as air conditioning, lighting, insulation and just the elevation of the structure itself to accommodate all of the permitting constraints that we live within.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Creating a new structure has been long in the works. The City\u2019s former public safety facility was built in 1957 and due for a replacement. However, Hurricanes Helene and Milton would severely damage the asset. As a result, first responders have had to work out of temporary service bays and portable trailers. This escalated the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The new building will \u201cbe engineered to exceed current coastal construction standards and Risk Category IV requirements, with storm-surge protection and hurricane-resistant features integrated throughout,\u201d according to the City\u2019s website. Additionally, it will have offices, evidence storage capabilities and \u201cspace for community engagement.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The facility will also have a fire station with a three-bay garage for emergency vehicles, sleeping quarters and \u201ca multipurpose training and meeting room that can double as a post-storm Emergency Operations Center.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A public comment period was held at the Tuesday meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, this is a big investment during uncertain times, but it also sends an important message about Treasure Island\u2019s future,\u201d said resident Diana Crabill. \u201cSupporting this project is one way to show your commitment to the city\u2019s long-term safety and success.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are fortunate that our first responders have not given up and sought employment elsewhere,\u201d she continued. \u201cThey are living and working out of metal buildings in conditions worse than what most of us provide for our pets.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Resident Mike Braddy said that \u201cthis should have been done years ago.\u201d He explained that the State of Florida has appropriated $4 million for the effort. Braddy argued that\u00a0\u201cwe need to get it done and get it done quickly.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clyde Smith is one of the owners of the Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe value of our police department and fire department is invaluable for both a resident and a business,\u201d he said. \u201cThey respond so quickly. I do remember right after the storm, when one of the paramedics came to check on a dangerous issue at the hotel, I\u2019m like \u2018are you ok?\u2019 And the answer was \u2018no, I\u2019m sleeping on a cot in South Pasadena over in their City Hall.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Treasure Island Fire Rescue chief Trip Barrs explained in a prepared statement that \u201cHurricane Helene demonstrated just how vulnerable our critical public safety infrastructure can be.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur firefighters and first responders need a hardened, reliable facility that remains operational when our residents need us most,\u201d he continued. \u201cThis investment will strengthen our ability to respond to everyday emergencies, withstand future storms and continue providing the level of fire, EMS and public safety service our community expects and deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n
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