Winter Garden opens new temporary fire station

City Manager Jon C. Williams announced at the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, Oct. 12, the new temporary fire station on Avalon Road is now open.

The station, located at 902 Avalon Road, is large enough to house four crew members. The living quarters measure about 2,000 square feet.

Fire Chief Jose Gainza said the southwest corridor of Winter Garden has grown tremendously over the past several years, and in 2018 the city determined the need for a station was evident.

“The apparatus was purchased and personnel was hired, but then COVID happened, which slowed the entire process down,” he said. “The apparatus and personnel were placed in service and housed out of Station 22 on Daniels Road, close to the mall.”

Gainza said the station is temporary, and the modular building was brought in a few months ago.

“The structure that houses the apparatus was built about a month and a half ago,” he said. “The remainder of the needed construction items were completed by a couple of contractors and the city facilities staff.”

Gainza said it is anticipated the temporary facility will be utilized for about 18 to 24 months, depending upon any construction delays, and the time period can be extended.