Hillsborough County will switch fire protection for several New Tampa area communities from Tampa Fire Rescue to Pasco County Fire Rescue on Oct. 1, citing lower costs and comparable response coverage.
By the numbers:
- Annual contract cost with Pasco: $250,000
- Projected cost under Tampa agreement by 2027: Nearly $890,000
- Hillsborough also will lease space at Pasco Fire Station 26 for a county ambulance, allowing Hillsborough to continue transporting patients.
County officials said response times will be closely monitored after the transition. Mutual aid agreements between neighboring departments will remain in place.
Fire station investment moves ahead
Tampa City Council is expected to approve a $17.4 million construction contract for the new $23.8 million Fire Station 24 near Greco Park. The four bay station is scheduled for completion in September 2027 and is part of more than $116 million in planned fire rescue facility upgrades.
Fire safety reminder
Tampa Fire Rescue is urging residents to review home fire safety after a viral video showed a dog accidentally starting a deadly house fire. Fire officials recommend keeping combustible items away from stovetops, maintaining working smoke alarms and practicing a family escape plan.
