Highlands County Fire Rescue outlines $7 million Lake Placid station plan, eyes 1349 US‑27 site

Highlands County Fire Rescue leaders told the Lake Placid Town Council on April 2025 that a planned full‑service fire station and adjoining training site for the town is moving toward design and property acquisition, with preliminary construction estimates near $7,000,000 and an environmental study under way for a parcel north of Southern Lifestyles Assisted Living on U.S. 27.

The presentation traced the project’s history and why county staff and fire chiefs concluded a new station is needed. Deputy Chief Dustin Fitch and Chief Kelly Dufenthaler told the council the county consolidated volunteer fire districts beginning in 2018 and has repeatedly updated studies and funding plans since then. A most recent county study increased the funding level to 83.75 percent for operations and established a 20‑year capital apparatus replacement plan funded at 50 percent; the new station and training site remain dependent on additional capital funding, the officials said.

County leaders said they have an intent to purchase a triangular seven‑acre parcel at 1349 U.S. 27 that they believe can accommodate a station and training area. County staff walked the site and reported only “a bee hive” during preliminary environmental checks; the council was told an environmental study is in progress. The…