On November 2, 2020, Groveland Fire Department firefighters moved into Groveland Fire Station #3 at 20415 Independence Blvd. in Ford Commerce Park. This temporary modular fire station will be utilized while the department fully evaluates the ideal location for the permanent station to align with the long-term growth of the City. Once a permanent fire station is constructed, the Groveland Fire Department could use the modular building to establish a 4th fire station in another future growth area.
Groveland Fire Station #3 borders the northwest section of Groveland and unincorporated areas that are anticipated for annexation. It will better serve the surrounding communities, the industrial area, State Road 19, and the Turnpike. It will also allow for the department to be ahead of the curve as the City plans for growth that includes new distribution centers in Ford Commerce Park and new mixed-use communities as guided in the City’s new Future Land Use Element in the Comprehensive Plan.
To help defer the costs of new firefighters, on September 18, 2019, the City of Groveland was awarded $1,032,682 through FEMA’s SAFER Grant Program. The SAFER Grant is currently paying a portion of salaries and benefits for nine firefighters. As part of the grant, FEMA is paying the equivalent of 75% of the usual annual cost of a first-year firefighter for years one and two and 35% of the usual annual cost of a first- year firefighter for year three.
The Groveland Fire Department would like to thank Mayor Evelyn Wilson, Vice Mayor Mike Radzik, Groveland City Council members and the City Manager for their support in helping bring this station to fruition.
