Media Release

January 24, 2009

1:45 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The ribbon cutting and opening of Fire Rescue Station #10, the first "green" fire rescue station in the State of Florida and Alachua County,  will take place on Tuesday January 27, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the station located at 930 SE 5th Street, (across the street from the Alachua County Fire Rescue Headquarters).  The media and the public are invited.  Refreshments will be served.

Speakers at the event will include County Commissioner Rodney J. Long, County Manager Randall H. Reid, Fire Rescue Chief Ed Bailey (Representing Director of Public Safety Will Gray May Jr.), and County Facilities Manager Charlie Jackson. 

In fiscal year 2008, Rescue Unit #10, while housed in temporary facilities,  was dispatched to 4,602 incidents. an average of 13 incidents per 24-hour shift.

The $1.8 million, 5,521 sq. ft. facility includes the following features:

• Energy Efficient HVAC System - Saves 20% energy cost annually
• Rainwater Harvesting Cistern - Water savings 60,000 gallons annually
• 100 % Power Generating Natural Gas which helps the environment and the greenhouse effect
• SolaTubes - Daylighting system
• Solar Panels Provide 70% of Potable  Hot Water
• Rain Water Harvesting - collection of precipitation rain water to lower the use of irrigation water
• Low Flow Shower Heads & Low Flow  Faucets - reduction in water heating and consumption  by 50%
• Hands Free Bathroom Faucets - reduce germs, lower water consumption
• Waterless Urinals - Saves 7,500 gallons annually
• Dual Flush Toilets  - conserving water

Charlie Jackson, Alachua County Facilities Manager stated, "Building green makes very good business sense as it reduces operating cost over the life of the building and ultimately provides the County with another high performing and sustainable building."

For more information, contact the Alachua County Communications Office at 352-374-5226.

-30-