Fire Station One Groundbreaking

The Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) officially broke ground on Fire Station One - Headquarters, a cutting-edge facility set to replace the nearly century-old building at the corner of Beach Street and Orange Avenue. Located at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave., the new station represents more than just bricks and mortar; it symbolizes a leap forward in the department's ability to serve the community. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together a diverse and enthusiastic crowd, including City Commissioners, DBFD firefighters past and present, families, friends and residents eager to witness the beginning of a new chapter. Key representatives from JL2 Architecture and Wharton Smith Inc.-the firms spearheading the construction project-also addressed attendees.

True to DBFD's reputation for innovation, the traditional golden shovel ceremony didn't seem fiery enough. In a fitting twist, the occasion was made official with a ceremonial blaze ignited and promptly extinguished by City Commissioners and City Manager Deric C. Feacher and former City Manager Jim Chisholm. The upcoming two-story, 31,000-square-foot headquarters is designed to meet Daytona Beach's current and future demands. This hurricane-hardened structure will feature full solar power and other green technologies, community space, an emergency operations center and a fire department museum showcasing historical treasures like "Rosie," the beloved 1952 Mack Fire Truck. Additional amenities include a training tower, fitness facilities, repair areas and modern health and safety elements. The new headquarters building is anticipated to be completed by March 2026.