MPIFCD’s new fire station project moving forward
The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District’s (MPIFCD) new Station 2 project continues to move forward, with the property now cleared and initial site work underway.
Located in Saint James City, Station 2 has served the Pine Island community as an active fire station for many years, operating out of a metal building. The new project will provide a modern, purpose-built and more resilient facility designed to better support the firefighters who serve the community.
According to Fire Chief Ben Mickuleit, the Station 2 project has been in the plans for approximately two years. He and staff are looking forward to the reliability sure to come with the new station.
“The biggest plus in this project is probably the more dependable heart and ability it will provide, especially after going through three major hurricanes,” he said.
In Mickuleit’s opinion, the situation calls for gratitude as at any time the existing station, which he described as a metal shed and not hardened for anything, could have easily been devastated.
The district has been working diligently to secure funding for the new facility. The project was awarded a $5.6 million Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) through Lee County, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) after Hurricane Ian. The funding will support the development of the new Station 2 and help provide a more modern and resilient station for the Pine Island community.
Mickuleit noted that MPIFCD Fire Commissioner Jamie DeLacey commented securing the federal grant funding was quite an accomplishment for the district.
Once the station is built, Mickuleit anticipates there will be a more secure and hardened facility for many years to come.
The district recognized the dedicated efforts and support of its MPIFCD Board of Commissioners and staff, as well as the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and staff, whose work helped make the project possible.
During construction, a temporary fire station trailer will be located at the site to ensure the district can continue providing uninterrupted fire and emergency medical services to the area.
Residents can follow the progress of the project at https://www.pineislandfire.org/station-2-project-updates. Regular updates, project milestones and photos will be shared as construction continues.
An official groundbreaking ceremony is being planned and will be announced in the future.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email