St. Petersburg has broken ground on a new fire station that will replace a cramped 1950s house where firefighters have been working for nearly a decade.

The new 8,700-square-foot Fire Station No. 2 will be built at a cost of $8.5 million to serve the city’s northwest side. It will include two bays, a decontamination room, a fitness room, equipment storage, individual sleeping quarters, and restroom showers.

The current facility is a 1,478-square-foot house built in 1950, with one bathroom, a small kitchen, and a single shared area that doubles as a dining room, living room, workout space, and office. Laundry, protective gear, and tools are squeezed into a utility room alongside a hot-water tank and an air handler.

District Chief Michael Lewis acknowledged the difficult conditions, noting that after a fire or major incident, crew members must take turns using the lone shower, delaying their return to readiness. He credited the long-tenured crews for maintaining strong response times despite the limitations.

The new station will be located at 6560 26th Ave. N., about five blocks south of the current facility. Firefighters will also be able to control the traffic light at 66th St. N. during emergency responses, which Lewis said will improve response times in all directions.

Holiday Park Neighborhood Association President Amy Possidente expressed enthusiasm about the new station, saying residents are looking forward to having firefighters as neighbors in the community.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony with Mayor Kenneth Welch and Fire Chief Keith Watts was scheduled for Wednesday. The new station is expected to open in the spring of 2027.

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