Riviera Beach opens Fire Station 87 and new Emergency Operations Center

At a ceremony in Riviera Beach, city officials, firefighters and community members opened Fire Station 87 and the citys Emergency Operations Center, a new facility officials said will centralize emergency response and preparedness for the city.

The new station and EOC, officials said, are part of a multi-project buildout financed in large part by a $115,000,000 bond approved by voters. Serena Spates, speaking on behalf of City Manager Jonathan Evans, said the bond was approved by 68% of voters and has funded multiple projects across the city.

"This state of the art facility embodies our city's dedication to safety, well-being, and preparedness of every resident and visitor to the city of Riviera Beach," Assistant Chief Golden said during opening remarks.

Fire Chief John Kurd said the station represents years of planning and the work of many city departments and contractors. "It's humbling to be standing here in front of you all to present this new facility to the city of Riviera Beach," Kurd said, thanking staff, contractors and retirees who contributed to the project.

State Representative Javonte Edmonds said he helped secure "over a million dollars" in state support for the station. Multiple speakers also thanked County Commissioner Bobby Powell for a $1,000,000 contribution to the project.

Officials and presenters emphasized that the project included local participation in construction and contracting. Serena Spates said the city's capital program prioritized "local, small, and minority participation in capital infrastructure projects," and that community members benefited from construction and trade opportunities.

Speakers noted the Station 87 project is one element of a wider infrastructure program for Riviera Beach that includes previously opened and planned facilities. Council members and staff mentioned Fire Station 86 on Singer Island, a planned new police station, a new city hall and upgrades to a water treatment plant as part of the same multiyear effort.

Chief Kurd and other speakers named staff and contractors involved in the project by way of recognition: Terence Bailey (engineer), construction partners Kaufman Lynn and MCO, local contractor Divine Wall Murals (Carlton and family), and numerous city staff members. The ceremony concluded with a flag-pole dedication and tours of the new station.

No formal votes or legislative actions were recorded during the ceremony; speakers framed the event as a public dedication and the start of tours and outreach to the community.