GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Clay County’s newest fire station received a warm welcome from state and county officials, and community members alike on Tuesday.

“This new facility represents more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a critical investment in the safety and resilience, and the future of our growing community,” said District 4 Commissioner and Chair Betsy Condon.

It was a long-awaited grand opening for Fire Station 20. Now located at 1305 Idlewild Avenue, the building takes the place of the one previously located at 303 S. Oakridge Avenue. Over 18,000 square feet, the station is a stark upgrade from the former one-story, 2,560-square-foot facility originally built in 1982.

“If you don’t believe dreams come true, stand up [and] look around,” Clay County Fire Rescue Chief Lorin Mock told the audience. 

The new station is located at 1305 Idlewild Avenue.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

The approximately $11 million project was approved for construction back in April 2024, and includes a five-bay vehicle apparatus, bunk rooms, a kitchen and offices. The station also pays homage to the past, with the incorporation of a traditional fire tower.

To address the county’s rapid growth, commissioners said the station will bring faster emergency response times and modern equipment, as well as improved area coverage and safety enhancements.

“This station becoming a reality is one that I know my fellow board members and I are incredibly proud to be a part of. We work hard to advocate for public safety, and this station is a visual, tangible result of that commitment,” said District 5 Commissioner Kristen Burke, who represents the area.

Florida Senator Jennifer Bradley and Reps. Sam Garrison, Judson Sapp and Bobby Payne were instrumental in getting state funding for the building.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

Also in attendance: Senator Jennifer Bradley, and Reps. Sam Garrison and Judson Sapp, all of whom represent Clay County in the state legislature. The facility was funded through legislation appropriation, and spearheaded by the group, along with former Rep. Bobby Payne.

Bradley said the project took three years of planning and collaboration before coming to fruition.

“The people who fill this building, the men and women who devote their life to public safety, selflessly and with courage, they will bring this building to life,” she said.

Garrison also noted that the new building is just the start of more to come for Clay County.

“You’re going to see more fire stations; you’re going to see police sub stations. At some point, we're going to see a jail," he said.

The station includes a five-bay vehicle apparatus, bunk rooms, a kitchen and offices.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

With eyes of admiration, the crowd watched as Mock helped usher in a brand-new era for the Green Cove station during the striking of the bells, summoning firefighters to duty.

Additionally, the county also announced the introduction of the first-ever Heroes Walk program,  a 9/11 memorial just outside of the station. The memorial includes two beams of steel from the North Tower and a sampling from the Survivor Tree. 

Members of the community can honor firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics and other public safety professionals by purchasing a personalized engraved brick for the memorial. County Manager Howard Wanamaker said that each brick tells a story of courage, service and sacrifice.

All proceeds go towards preserving and maintaining the memorial. The inaugural section includes 100 bricks, available for a $200 donation.

For more information or to purchase a brick, visit claycountygov.com/community/fire-rescue.