During a recent government meeting, officials expressed deep dissatisfaction with the ongoing construction project at Fire Station 11 in Indian River County, citing significant delays and poor working conditions for fire medics. Commissioner Fleischer highlighted the struggles faced by the fire medics, who have been living in a portable trailer with limited amenities while waiting for the construction to be completed. He emphasized the need for a facility that meets the standards required for emergency responders, stating, \"We can't settle for mediocrity and false promises.\"

Commissioner Ehrman echoed these sentiments, recalling his own experiences with construction projects that were completed in a more timely manner. He noted that the current project, initially intended as a remodel, has dragged on for far too long, causing undue hardship for the fire personnel.

Emergency Services Director David Johnson confirmed the frustrations, stating that the project has been poorly managed, with delays attributed to a lack of qualified personnel and inadequate communication from the contractor, Intertek. He indicated that the county has been proactive in urging the contractor to meet deadlines, but progress has been minimal.

The discussion culminated in a consensus among the commissioners to terminate the contract with Intertek and initiate the process to call the bond, which would allow a new contractor to take over the project. The motion was passed unanimously, reflecting a collective commitment to ensuring that the fire medics receive the facilities they deserve.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the need for potential changes to the county's purchasing processes to avoid similar issues in future projects. Purchasing Manager Jennifer Hyde suggested reintroducing a local preference policy to ensure that contractors with a local presence are prioritized, which could enhance oversight and accountability.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for action to resolve the ongoing construction challenges and improve conditions for the fire medics serving the community.