NOVEMBER 20, 2024

A Spark for the Future: Daytona Beach Breaks Ground on New Fire Station Headquarters 

Tuesday afternoon marked a significant moment for the Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) as they 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. Fire Chief Dru Driscoll spoke passionately, saying, “At 100 years old, Fire Station Number One has acted as the heart of our department, serving as the source of prideful memories and a foundation for which our storied history has been written. However, with the time-honored tradition and mission of unwavering service to our community, the flood-prone station has become operationally obsolete and restrictive to our mission.” 

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. 

The Daytona Beach Fire Department thanks everyone who participated in this historic celebration!

LOOMIS AVENUE FOUR-WAY STOPS (Under Construction):

Two new four-way stops are being added to Loomis Avenue to make a safer walking route for students at Campbell Middle School and Turie T. Small Elementary School. The first four-way stop installed was at the intersection of Caroline Street and Loomis Avenue and is now being enforced. Currently, crews are removing existing asphalt and prepping for new sidewalks, curbing and sod at the intersection of Keech Street and Loomis Avenue. Work is expected to be finished by the end of November.

CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBER (Under Construction): 

Audio and visual equipment and technology inside City Hall’s Commission Chambers are being upgraded to include five cameras, a video wall in the lobby, new microphones on the dais, ceiling speakers, controls, acoustic panels on the walls and a surface on the dais. Upgrades are expected to be finished by next month.