The first of three overhauled Sarasota County fire stations was unveiled last week on Apex Road near Celery Fields.
Ground broke on the station in September 2019, making it the first to see renovations and the first to open. Soon to follow are stations on Bee Ridge Road and Siesta Key.
Since 2010, the Apex Road station, or Station 8, has been considered a temporary station. Two firefighters worked out of a temporary building and large tent. However, as population continues to grow east of Interstate 75, Chief Michael Regnier said it was necessary to make the location permanent.
The $7.4 million station, now a permanent structure spanning 13,000 square feet, was built to withstand the impacts of a Category 4 hurricane. It also is expected to earn the U.S. Green Business Council certification.
"This is one that is going to be here for 100 years or more," Regnier said.