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Seminole County breaks ground on $12 million Station 25 in Casselberry
Summary
Seminole County officials and fire leaders on site in Casselberry celebrated the groundbreaking for a $12,000,000 replacement for Fire Station 25, a twofold expansion intended to add three apparatus bays and room for up to 12 firefighters; county officials expect the facility to open in spring or early 2027.
Seminole County and city officials on Wednesday held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new Fire Station 25 in Casselberry, marking the start of a $12,000,000 project county leaders said will double the size of the existing 1975-era facility and expand staffing and apparatus capacity.
Darren Gray, Seminole County manager, opened the ceremony and thanked county staff and city partners. "Today's groundbreaking marks another important investment in public safety and in the future of our community," Gray said, calling the project "a true partnership" between the county and the city of Casselberry.
The vice chair of the Seminole County Commission, Amy Lockhart, who represents District 4, said the current station—built in 1975—serves roughly 16,000 residents across more than four square miles and is one of the county's oldest and smallest stations. "The new $12,000,000 facility will be twice the size with 3 bays and capacity for up to 12 firefighters, including future Engine 25," Lockhart said, and added the county expects the station to open in spring or early 2027.
Fire Chief Matt Kinley described the operational pressures that helped prompt the replacement. "Call volume of Station 25 has increased by 35% over the past decade," Kinley said, noting crews at the location now respond to more than 5,400 calls annually. He thanked project partners, facilities staff and the county commission for supporting the project.
Officials said the project is the county's first use of the construction manager at-risk delivery method, which staff described as allowing earlier contractor collaboration and improved cost control. County staff named the project's designer, general contractor and owner's representative at the ceremony but did not provide a detailed construction timeline beyond the target opening window.
Casselberry Mayor David Henson called the project "long time coming" and said the new station will improve service and community peace of mind in the area. After remarks, elected officials, firefighters and staff participated in a ceremonial shovel-turn to mark the start of construction.
Next steps listed by county officials at the event include finalizing construction schedules and continuing site work; officials did not announce formal permit or contract milestones at the ceremony.
