St. Pete Beach leaders press to accelerate Fire Station 22 rebuild amid storm-recovery funding questions

Devin Schmidt, St. Pete Beach finance director, told the Finance & Budget Committee that staff is advancing design work for Fire Station 22 and has increased the 2025 appropriation to cover design costs.

The committee was told the current plan shows $485,000 for design work in 2025 and a $10,000,000 construction estimate in 2027. Schmidt said staff will pursue state grant funds and potential FEMA reimbursement and will balance any remaining need with loan options.

Why it matters: Fire Station 22 sustained storm damage and committee members said replacing the station is urgent because the existing temporary facilities are costly and the current building no longer meets operational needs. The timing and funding of the project affect near-term borrowing needs and monthly operating costs while the department remains in temporary space.

Schmidt, the city finance director, said staff gave the project high priority in the capital improvement plan and noted the project could be eligible for FEMA Category B reimbursement. Committee members asked about accelerating the schedule because temporary housing costs are mounting.

A staff speaker (identified in the meeting as the city manager) told the committee, “We are expending, I believe, about $8,000 a month right now for temporary facilities,” and added that staff had been “directed to move forward as quickly as possible.” That same speaker said the project has gone through a variance process that requires building permits by October under the city’s rules.

Committee members discussed pursuing additional state support. The city manager said staff had requested a further $3,000,000 appropriation from the state this year and reported “positive feedback” on that request. Schmidt said the plan is to use grant funding first, then seek FEMA reimbursement or a loan for remaining costs.

Members also asked whether the county could contribute under the city’s cooperative emergency-services agreement. Staff explained the cooperative agreement does not obligate the county to pay capital costs but said the city will pursue county partners within a larger $813 million mitigation and recovery funding conversation the county is coordinating.

The committee did not take a formal vote; staff was given direction to continue design, pursue available state grants and FEMA reimbursement, refine cost estimates, and return to the commission with appropriation requests and financing options. The city manager said staff will aim to minimize borrowed amounts while keeping the project moving.

Looking ahead: Staff will return to the commission for formal appropriation and contract approvals; any construction schedule depends on permit timelines, results of grant and FEMA discussions, and final design.