West Manatee Fire Rescue considers acquiring property in Bradenton Beach.

The old fire hall at 201 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, was decommissioned in 2000. The West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) is considering purchasing an unnamed property for a future firehouse in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District may be setting the groundwork for a new fire station in Bradenton Beach. On August 19, WMFR commissioners voted 4-1 to direct their staff to prepare a potential contract, not to exceed $1 million, for property acquisition in the city.

Commissioner Larry Jennis cast the lone dissenting vote.

Currently, the fire district has three stations, in addition to its main headquarters located at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton:

• Station 1: 407 67th St. W., Bradenton;
• Station 2: 10350 Cortez Road W., Bradenton;
• Station 3: 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The southernmost city on Anna Maria Island has been without a dedicated fire station since the merger of the Anna Maria and West Side fire districts into WMFR in 2000, which led to the closure of the Bradenton Beach Fire Hall.

However, following the destruction caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, this situation could change. “We have an opportunity before us. The details are forthcoming, but a property in Bradenton Beach has been offered to us,” stated Chief Ben Rigney during the discussion on August 19. “I would like guidance from the commission to prepare a contract for the potential property acquisition.”

Commissioner Dana Tindall, who has previous experience with the Bradenton Fire Department, expressed her sentiments about the old fire hall, saying that it was “heartbreaking” to see it shut down. “If an opportunity arises to secure property in the city for a new station, we must seize it,” Tindall added, emphasizing the potential benefits.

Commissioner Billy Burke supported the idea, noting that Bradenton Beach’s heavy traffic often hampers response times from the existing stations. “There are days we just can’t get there,” he lamented, to which Commissioner Derrick Warner concurred.

Conversely, Jennis raised concerns about the need for an additional station, citing Station 3’s low call volume and effective response capabilities. “We need a clear operational necessity before incurring the costs for purchase, renovation, and staffing. I’m not convinced of that need right now,” he stated.

Commissioner Robert Bennett expressed a more foresighted perspective, suggesting that while the purchase may seem premature for the district’s current needs, it could yield significant savings in the future. “A $1 million property deal would be a fantastic bargain compared to what we might face in 5-10 years,” he noted.

Tindall’s motion to prepare a contract for the property acquisition received a favorable response and was approved by the commission.

Budget Moves Forward for 2025-26

In other developments, the proposed spending plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year, set to begin on October 1, is advancing through its review process. During the same August 19 meeting, commissioners held a first reading and public hearing for a proposed budget of $16,683,907.

This budget outlines total estimated revenues of $13,194,092 and anticipates a budgeted use of $3,489,815 from impact and reserve funds. The expenditure breakdown includes:

• $11,149,049 for personnel costs;
• $3,438,000 earmarked for capital outlay;
• $2,096,857 allocated for operating expenses.

The district has also set aside $6,671,953 in total reserve funds for the upcoming fiscal year. A second public hearing for the proposed budget is scheduled for September 9 at 6 p.m. at the district’s administrative headquarters.

Key Information

• Old Fire Hall Location: 201 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach (decommissioned in 2000).
• New Property Purchase Proposal: Potential contract up to $1 million for a new fire station.
• WMFR Stations: 3 active stations in Bradenton and Holmes Beach.
• Budget for FY 2025-26: Proposed budget of $16,683,907.
• Next Budget Meeting: September 9 at 6 p.m. at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.