Media Release

11:20 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The groundbreaking for the first "Green" fire station in Alachua County (Jonesville Fire Station # 17) will take place on Tuesday February 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the north end of the Jonesville Park Complex Soccer Field on NW 143rd Street.

In 2006, the Alachua County Commission approved the bond issue for funding the construction of the 6,000 sq. ft. fire station.  On October 23, 2007, the County Commission hired GMC Construction Company to serve as the Construction Manager "At Risk"   CH2M HILL designed the fire station and will assist the County during the construction phase. This new station will replace the existing Fire Station #17 located behind the Publix Grocery Store near the intersection of NW 143rd and Newberry Road.

The project cost is approximately $2.9 million.  The completion target is January/February 2009.

"Building "Green"  makes good business sense",  said Charlie Jackson, Alachua County Facilities Manager, "It reduces operating cost over the life of the building; minimizes water consumption; lowers utilities cost; offers recycling opportunities; produces a healthy building, provides opportunities to use native plants for landscaping, and ultimately produces a sustainable building."

In speaking of the station, Chief Will Gray May Jr. said, "Building this station will provide critical space to house staff and equipment.  This will enhance fire services to citizens in this portion of Alachua County."

Speakers will include Alachua County Commission Chairman Rodney J. Long, County Manager Randall H. Reid, and Chief May.  Light refreshments will be served.

The press/media and the public are encouraged to attend the groundbreaking. 

For more information, contact County Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton at (352) 374-5226.   

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