Commissioner Ashley Hofberger presented an ambitious plan to the Escambia County Board of Commissioners to utilize approximately $34 million in unallocated LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) dollars to build new fire stations and enhance fire protection services throughout the county.
- The proposal aims to address aging infrastructure and help residents who are facing higher homeowner insurance rates due to being located more than five miles from a fire station.
“I would like to ask the board to consider spending that on making sure that everyone in our community receives the fire services that they need and that the people who have been impacted in our community with higher homeowners insurance because of stations moving or closing, that we can help alleviate some of that,” said Commissioner Hofberger during her presentation.
Priority Stations Identified
Working with Escambia County Fire Chief Adam Harrison, Hofberger identified five priority locations for new or replacement fire stations:
1. Replacement of the station on Lillian Highway
2. New station at Highway 97 and Kingsfield Road…