SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County officials, firefighters and community partners gathered to break ground on a new Fire Station 25 in Casselberry — a long-awaited replacement for one of the county’s oldest and smallest fire stations.
District 4 Commissioner Amy Lockart called the project a true milestone for both the community and the firefighters who serve it.
“Fire Station 25 is located right here in the heart of my district,” Lockart said. “Our firefighters and all of our first responders serve this community with professionalism, dedication and heart. And they take that responsibility very seriously.”
The current Fire Station 25 was built in 1975. At just over 6,000 square feet, it is one of Seminole County’s oldest and smallest stations, serving approximately 16,000 residents across more than four square miles along the State Road 436 corridor.
A $12 million investment in the next 50 years
The new facility will be nearly twice the size of the current station, featuring three bays and capacity for up to 12 personnel, and will be home to the new Engine 25, a future addition to the fleet. The $12.2 million facility is expected to open in 2027.
Call volume at Station 25 has increased 35% over the past decade, with crews now responding to more than 5,400 calls annually — making it one of the busiest stations in the county’s system.
Fire Chief Matt Kinley framed the investment as a forward-looking commitment to the community.
“This new Fire Station 25 is being built to support the next 50 years of growth within Seminole County,” Kinley said, “and reflects the kind of forward-thinking investment in public safety that ensures we are ready to serve our community at their greatest time of need.”
Building smarter, moving faster
The project also marks a first for Seminole County Fire: the use of a construction manager at-risk delivery method, which allows for early collaboration, improved cost control and greater efficiency.
Kinley noted the approach is already showing results.
“As you can see, the dirt for this station is already — looks like it’s almost ready to go,” he said. “This is moving very quickly.”