New fire station in Flagler Estates begins emergency calls

St. Johns County Fire Rescue began running emergency calls Sunday, Sept. 13, from a new station in Flagler Estates. Response times in the rural southern St. Johns County community previously averaged 15 to 20 minutes.

Station opens a day after Facebook announcement

Fire Station 21, at 4630 Melanie St. in Hastings, went into service at 8 a.m. St. Johns County Fire Rescue announced the opening on its Facebook page Saturday, Sept. 12, saying the station would begin taking calls the next morning.

First project under county's five-year safety plan

The 6,036-square-foot facility is the first completed project under St. Johns County's Five-Year Public Safety Plan, approved in April 2024. That plan calls for four new fire stations and renovations to two older volunteer-era stations. Additional stations are planned for fast-growing northern communities including SilverLeaf.

Rural community faces flooding and no hydrants

Flagler Estates spans nearly 12 square miles and is home to about 4,321 residents, most living on lots of about 1.13 acres. About 60% of the area consists of wetlands, and the Deep Creek corridor running through it is prone to severe inland flooding during major storms.

Water tanker compensates for lack of hydrants

The area lacks fire hydrants. To address that, the station carries a 3,000-gallon water tanker alongside a Class A Advanced Life Support fire engine. Four career personnel staff the station around the clock on each shift, backed by 12 newly hired and trained firefighter-EMTs.

Facility also serves as sheriff's substation

The facility doubles as a St. Johns County Sheriff's Office substation, with dedicated space for deputies. Hoodline reported the building also provides operational space for Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies who patrol isolated border sectors nearby.

Funding sources show cost discrepancy

Construction was funded through developer impact fees and $26.7 million in state legislative appropriations covering the broader public safety expansion. No local property tax dollars were used, according to Hoodline, citing county officials. Action News Jax reported the station cost $3.8 million; the county's project listing put the figure at $4 million.

Nearby homeowners may see insurance savings

The opening also carries a financial benefit for nearby property owners. Properties within a 5-mile radius of an active fire station can qualify for lower home and commercial insurance rates, according to St. Johns County.