St. Johns County introduces a Public Safety Plan for building public safety facilities
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unveiled a five-year Public Safety Plan that includes the construction of four new public safety stations; a new regional fire training center; a new medical examiner facility; and the expansion of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO).
Funds will also be allocated to provide bunker gear and uniforms that meet the safety standards established by the National Fire Protection Association for St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) workers.
Mental health and wellness programs for first responders, including the SJCFR and SJSO, are also included.
According to a recent news release, County Administrator, Joy Andrews underscored that residential property taxes will not fund the construction costs of the public safety facilities. An estimated bond of $44.1 million to $49.1 million will be serviced using impact fees collected from developers and recurring state remitted revenue.
“Through proactive collaboration with state legislative delegations and leveraging state and federal funds, we've secured $26.7 million in state appropriations to offset construction costs associated with this plan,” she said in the release.
In addition to utilizing up to $800,000 from the Fire/EMS Impact Fee Fund to design the fire stations, Andrews will assemble a team to present a financing package to the BOCC.
According to the press release, the BOCC’s investment in Fire Rescue capital needs exceeds $53 million since 2020.
“Beginning in 2025, Facilities Management will oversee a three-year, $9 million program, to renovate and upgrade existing fire stations by the end of 2027,” the release says..
Fire Stations include:
Fire Station 21 along Flagler Estates with completion estimated for 2025.
Fire Station 22 along Silverleaf with completion estimated for year end 2026/early 2027.
Fire Station 23 along Beachwalk/Twin Creeks with completion estimated year end 2028.
Fire Station 24 along Long-Leaf Pine/Roberts Road with completion estimated year end 2030.
Each fire station will include a sheriff’s office substation.
According to the St. Johns County Geographic Information System, the new safety facilities will provide public safety services to approximately 46,738 homes.
“A portion of these residents may see a savings on their property insurance premiums as a result of this strategic investment positively impacting the County’s ISO rating,” they said.
The county listed the residential impact as follows:
Flagler Estates fire and sheriff station will service 2,366 homes.
The Central Regional Fire and Sheriff Station (Silverleaf) will service 12,371 homes.
The Beachwalk station will service15,435 homes.
The Rivertown station will service 16,565 homes.
The county described its “aggressive” pursuit of an improved countywide ISO rating through prioritized investments in public safety.
“This includes a water sourcing initiative which will provide water supply to areas currently without fire hydrants,” the release says.
Two tankers will be strategically placed within the county.
“The goal is to provide opportunities for insurance cost savings for residential and commercial property owners based on their insurance carrier’s use of ISO ratings to set coverage rates,” said Andrews.
The plan also includes:
A Regional Training Facility that will include a unified command center; classrooms; field training infrastructure; and a bay for various public safety equipment and apparatus.
A Tri-County Medical Examiner Facility serving Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties. The current facility will be removed from a flood zone and relocated by year end 2027. Operating costs will be shared with Flagler and Putnam counties.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office headquarters will relocate from its current address within a flood zone and an active railroad to SR16 and I-95. Completion estimated by year end 2027.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Johns County introduces a 5-year Public Safety Plan
