As the Town Commission sought to narrow its options for Longboat Key's south fire station, Commissioner Jack Daly asked Fire Chief Paul Dezzi what he'd rather see. "To be honest with you, Commissioner, I would say knock it down and rebuild a two-story fire station," Dezzi replied.
On Monday, Dezzi and architect Todd Sweet presented the Town Commission with five options to either renovate or rebuild the station, located at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Construction costs for three renovation options were estimated between $1.8 million to about $3.1 million, while construction costs for the two rebuilding options were estimated higher than $3.6 million. Dezzi’s recommendation was the most costly, estimated at nearly $4 million. Costs do not include permitting and inspection fees.