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1. Why move the fire station?

FDOT needs the land where Fire Station #2 sits for critical intersection improvements at A1A/Red Cox Rd. This intersection is the site of multiple pedestrian and vehicular fatalities and accidents.

The service area for the new station encompasses Anastasia Island between the Bridge of Lions and the SR 312 corridor and responds to nearly 1,300 calls annually.

The proposed site centrally positions the station for that service area and is only a half mile from the original location.

2. Will the new station only serve the City of St. Augustine?

No. The St. Augustine Fire Department (SAFD) and St Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) utilize “closest unit dispatch” practices and respond outside of their individual jurisdictional boundaries multiple times a day. 

Since the existing station cannot accommodate a rescue unit ambulance, we rely on SJCFR to provide that service, using the one singular ambulance shared by the two agencies.

That one ambulance covers all service calls on Anastasia Island from the Bridge of Lions to Marineland. A new station would provide space for an additional ambulance, greatly reducing response times especially during peak seasons.

3. How long with this take?

The proposed timeframe for completion would be early 2026.

4. Is there opportunity for community input?

Yes, all community input is valuable. City staff are available to speak directly with individuals, neighborhoods, and community groups. To schedule a meeting or provide input, send an email to CityFire@CityStAug.com. 

5. What other properties were considered?

The city looked at a site on Plantation Island Drive, but it was not centrally located.

Two locations on Anastasia Blvd. near the Surf Station were also evaluated; however, the sites were too small to accommodate the proposed needs.

6. Are there other safety concerns that should be considered?

The proposed new fire station property design would include a fully signalized traffic light that would be inline with the exit to the St. Augustine Amphitheater. This light would reduce the demand for Public Service Assistants and law enforcement deputies while also improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

7. Are there environmental and/or quality of life concerns that are being addressed?

The City was required to complete a feasibility study and the State of Florida also completed a cultural resources assessment.  Both found no cultural materials on the property. 

When the site is developed, every effort will be made to preserve  the natural tree canopy on the property and maintain the natural buffer to the adjacent neighborhood on the northwest end of the property as much as possible in order to reduce noise and light pollution.

8. Where can I find a printable version of this information?

You may find a printable PDF version of these FAQs HERE.