Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Neighborhood report

Fire station in works for high-growth area

The facility, likely near Heritage Isles, won't open for a few years, but officials say now is the time to buy land for it.

By EMILY NIPPS
Published October 14, 2005

NEW TAMPA - New Tampa's growth isn't slowing any time soon. And Tampa Fire Rescue wants to be prepared for all the car accidents, fires and medical emergencies that come with the added traffic, buildings and people.

That's why plans are already under way for an additional station with more staff and trucks, and it probably won't be located too far from Station 21 on Cross Creek Boulevard. City officials have discussed putting the new station near Heritage Isles, just a few miles east of the current station.

The new station won't open for at least another few years, Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Bill Wade said, but early planning is crucial if the city wants to keep up with the pace of development in New Tampa.

"With property values the way they are, it would behoove the city to go ahead and purchase the land needed for future use," Wade said.

The city also has identified other potential sites for the new station, including a spot farther north near County Line Road. Nothing will be definite until the city works the money for the station into its budget, city real estate manager Jack Rodriguez said.

"Right now, we're just kind of nosing around," Rodriguez said. "We've been asked to see what sites are available, do some research and call some brokers."

The new station will be the third in New Tampa. Station 20 on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa Palms was the first and Station 21 opened in 2001.

In the past few months, Station 21 has beefed up its resources by adding a second ambulance and more paramedics, plus it replaced its firetruck with a $500,000 "quint" truck (combining ladder and water pump features).

Stations 20 and 21 are not overwhelmingly busy compared to other stations in the city, but that will probably change over the next five years, Wade said.

New Tampa is the fastest-growing area of the city and Tampa Fire Rescue consistently monitors future growth and needs.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue does not have any stations in New Tampa because, with the exception of a few neighborhoods, New Tampa is within city boundaries.

Branchton, Pebble Creek and other areas belonging to the county are served by Tampa Fire Rescue. The closest county station is the North Hillsborough station on 131st Avenue.

- Emily Nipps can be reached at 813 269-5313 or nipps@sptimes.com

[Last modified October 13, 2005, 08:21:03]