‘This project is about rebuilding stronger and making sure St. Pete Beach is better prepared for the storms and emergencies that may come in the future.’
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The city of St. Pete Beach is breaking ground on a new Fire Station 22 after Hurricanes Helene and Milton wrought significant destruction to the island town in 2024.
The new $10.5 million station is planned to be more resilient, with modern, purpose-built features aimed at strengthening the city’s ability to serve Pass-A-Grille and surrounding communities. The facility is designed to withstand severe weather and create a safer environment for firefighters and emergency medical personnel to train, recover and prepare for emergencies.
The station is located at 1950 Pass-A-Grille Way, and construction is expected to take about 14 months.
The project drew down $6.5 million from the Legislature, secured largely through the efforts of Shumaker Advisors lobbyists Alan Suskey and Jim Taylor, including $1.5 million in the most recent Legislative Session.
“Communities like St. Pete Beach are still rebuilding from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and critical public safety infrastructure has to be part of that recovery,” said Suskey, Executive Vice President and Principal State Practice at Shumaker Advisors.
“Securing $6.5 million for Fire Station 22 means helping ensure the firefighters and paramedics who serve this community have a safe, resilient facility where they can prepare for the next emergency.”
Fire Station 22 had already been slated for replacement before the 2024 hurricanes; the existing station was in need of modernization to adequately serve as an emergency response facility. But damage from the storms expedited plans, with demolition completed in May and St. Pete Beach City Commission approval for the project secured in July.
“This project is about rebuilding stronger and making sure St. Pete Beach is better prepared for the storms and emergencies that may come in the future,” said Taylor, Vice President of Shumaker Advisors. “We are proud to have worked with the City to secure the state resources necessary to move this important public safety project forward.”
While groundbreaking is already here, the city of St. Pete Beach is still pursuing state and federal appropriations, grants and funding opportunities to bridge the gap between the $6.5 million already secured and the $10.5 million total price tag.
Sen. Nick DiCeglie and Rep. Linda Chaney pushed for funding for the new fire station in the 2026 Legislative Session to build upon the $5 million previously secured in the state budget.
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