Commissioners and fire rescue officials upheld, and even exceeded, promises made to citizens over the course of MCFR's 10-year plan. Some highlights of accomplishments include the following.
March 2009
Celebrated the grand opening of Liberty Station 32 located at 11350 SW 49th Ave., Ocala. The 8,800-square-foot station cost $1.6 million to build and houses dual-certified firefighter/paramedics, firefighter/EMTs, a fire engine and a transport rescue.
This station has significantly improved emergency response to neighborhoods such as Marco Polo Village, Whispering Pines, Forest Glen, Sun Valley, Majestic Oaks, Cherry Wood, and JB Ranch among others. The station is named “Liberty” in honor of the military men and women who have served the United States to protect America's freedoms.
December 2008
Celebrated the grand opening of Spruce Creek Station 30 located at 7900 SE 135th St., Ocala, in southern Marion County. The three-bay, 9,168-square-foot fire station houses dual-certified firefighter/paramedics, firefighter/EMTs, a fire engine and a transport rescue.
This station has improved emergency response in Summerfield and south Marion County and provides back-up response to Belleview, The Villages of Marion, and Weirsdale.
June 2008
Crews broke ground on Friendship Station 21, a rebuilt and relocated station that moved from its current address on State Road 200 to Southwest 90 Street.
The new three-bay 9,708 square foot station, which cost about $2 million to build, provides primary response to the Friendship area and State Road 200 corridor as well as back-up service to Marion Oaks, Golden Ocala, Shady, and the city of Ocala.
May 2008
Crews broke ground on Ray Lloyd, Jr. Station 31, located off Highway 484 in southwest Marion County. The new 10,536 square foot three-bay fire station, which cost approximately $2.3 million to build, improved emergency response to Florida Highlands as well as the State Road 200 and Highway 484 corridors.
The station is named after fallen firefighter, Ray Lloyd Jr. who died in the line of duty on Feb. 7, 2001.
March 2007
Staffed South Forest Station 6, formerly an all-volunteer station, with full-time firefighter/paramedics and firefighter/EMTs who work 24-hour shifts, improving response in the Big Scrub, Rolling Woods, and Weirsdale areas.
February 2007
Celebrated the grand opening of Salt Springs Station 15, formerly an all-volunteer station, just 10 months after officials broke ground on the two-bay, 7,200-square-foot building.
December 2006
Celebrated the grand opening of Rainbow Springs Station 22, a 13,500-square-foot, multi-governmental facility also housing a tax collector branch and sheriff district office.
December 2005
Celebrated the grand opening of Meadowood Farms Station 12 after breaking ground on the 7,200-square-foot station in Aug. 2004.
July 2004
Celebrated the grand opening of Anthony Station 1, formerly an all-volunteer station, improving emergency response north of Ocala including Silver Meadows, Ocala Highlands, Pleasant Manor, Dove Hill, Countryside Estates, Cross Tie Ranches, and many other neighborhoods.
June 2004
Celebrated the grand opening of Golden Ocala Station 20, a relocated fire station, improving emergency response to neighborhoods such as Ocala Park Estates, Golden Hills, and Ocala Palms.
October 2002
Celebrated the grand opening of The Villages of Marion Station 10 off of Highway 42, improving emergency response in south Marion County, including The Villages of Marion, Orange Blossom Hills, West Lake Weir, Stonecrest, and Spruce Creek South.
