Apopka Fire Station #5 in final stages of planning

On schedule for a November of 2017 opening

Firehouse Lane.

It's a quiet little road in Northwest Apopka that intersects Jason Dwelley Parkway, but it's about to get a lot busier. Especially 1865 Firehouse Lane, the only address on the road, and the future home of Apopka Fire Station #5.

Apopka Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale briefed the City Council on the progress for the completion of the new fire station at a workshop meeting held Wednesday afternoon. The new station will serve the residents and businesses north of Ponkan Road according to Carnesale. That area is currently served by Fire Station #2.

"This should greatly reduce response times," Carnesale said.

Later at the City Council meeting, the Final Development Plan was approved 5-0 by Mayor Joe Kilsheimer and City Commissioners.

Fire Station #5 will be approximately 7,500 square feet and will include a living/sleeping area for six firefighters and a District Chief. It will have four parking bays that can hold two ambulances, a fire truck, a brush truck, a rescue squad, and a District Chief vehicle, according to Carnesale.

During his presentation, Carnesale pointed out that the 2015-16 budget included $300,000 for Fire Station #5, and added an additional $800,000 in the 2016-17 budget. However after General Contractor Todd Albagh from Miller Construction received bids from subcontractors, the cost to build rose to $1,583,000. City Administrator Glenn Irby explained that the $500,000-$600,000 shortfall could be made up by using General Fund reserves, or by including the additional amount in the 2017-18 budget. The consensus of the Council was to add the amount to the next budget. Despite the increase, Carnesale insists there are no bells and whistles at Fire Station #5. Everything in the plan is a necessity.

"This is a no frills station," Carnesale said. "Basically it will get the job done and keep the firefighters safe."

The project is scheduled to begin construction in May, with a completion date in November of 2017. Fire Station #5 is the first fire built for the AFD in 12 years.

Fire Station #5 will be approximately 7,500 square feet and will include a living/sleeping area for six firefighters and a District Chief. It will have four parking bays that can hold two ambulances, a fire truck, a brush truck, a rescue squad, and a District Chief vehicle.