New Tampa Celebrates Opening Of Long-Awaited Fire Station

NEW TAMPA, FL -- They're ready to roll. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 30, Tampa Fire Rescue Station 23 officially began serving New Tampa.

The station was built to accommodate the growing population in the northern section of New Tampa at the Pasco County line.

The new station is located at 20770 Trout Creek Drive behind the Winn-Dixie plaza on East County Line Road. And the grocery store joined in the celebration, supplying a custom-made fire truck cake made up of individual cupcakes and $1,000 worth of food and other items to stock the pantries in the station's kitchen.

Associates of the Winn-Dixie on E County Line Road also presented the firefighters with an outdoor grill.

Station 23 contains a three-bay apparatus garage with attached work and sleeping quarters, and a separate classroom for training.

The design incorporates several environmentally friendly features including high-efficiency lighting and controls, solar-powered exterior lighting, an energy-efficient air-condition system, solar-powered hot water heating, use of recycled materials and Florida- friendly landscaping.

The new station is home to an engine company, a truck company and a rescue unit. Engine 23 and Rescue 23 have been in service since July, temporarily operating out of existing stations and responding to calls.

"It just made good sense to put these assets in service and allow the crews to work together to form a cohesive bond while we waited for the station to be finished," said Tampa Fire Chief Nick LoCicero said. "It is all in keeping with our commitment to protect the community."

Station 23 is part of Tampa Fire District 5, which was formed in December 2017 as part of a reorganization of stations meant to provide better and more efficient service to the city.

The station will provide reciprocal mutual aid service to nearby residents in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Among those attending the ribbon-cutting were Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, who represents the New Tampa area, LoCicero and Winn-Dixie district manager Keith Cowie.

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Images via Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie donated $1,000 in food and other items to welcome Tampa Fire Station 23 to the New Tampa community.

Those who attended the Tampa Fire Station 23 grand opening enjoyed a fire truck cupcake "cake" after the ceremony, provided by Winn-Dixie.

There was no need for firefighters to make a trip to the grocery store. Winn-Dixie donated $1,000 in food and other items to stock the fire station's pantry.

Winn-Dixie associates and fire rescue personnel converse during grand opening ceremony.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Fire Chief Nick LoCicero pose with Winn-Dixie District manager Keith Cowie, far left, and store associates.

Associates of the Winn-Dixie on East County Line Road presented a barbecue grill to the new fire station.

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