The Hernando Beach Fire Rescue Station #6 will be receiving a $1.2 million construction grant from the state for a renovation project. The grant is a result of appropriations made by the Florida Legislature during the 2018 session to support local fire departments. It must be distributed during the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The grant period begins July 1, 2018 and will be allocated through reimbursement.
Station #6 in Hernando Beach is the former volunteer fire department station. After the county terminated the contract with the volunteer department in February 2017 for mismanagement, county Fire Rescue took over the facility. In August 2017, the county department unveiled renovations they completed at Station #6, with the help of local businesses and community members. Chief Scott Hechler remarked at the time, “The community came together not only to donate the supplies, but also donate their time and show their pride in the community. The outpouring of … support from the community has been amazing…”
With the large influx of funding for their firehouse, Hernando Beach will have a state of the art facility. Currently the station consists of two 2500 square foot bays- one built in 1981 and the other in 2011. The 1981 structure is valued at $62,936 by the property appraiser, while the 2011 structure is valued at $108,490. Extra commercial grade features are valued at $31,600.
