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Hernando Today

Capital Improvements On Tap For Fire District

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 13, 2009

SPRING HILL - Eight men sleep in the dark, share two bathrooms and have to watch television and eat supper in cramped spaces.

They're not complaining. They're just hoping for an upgrade - and soon.

"Some of us eat in the bay, some of us eat at the kitchen table and some of us eat on the recliners," said Capt. Dan Papa.

The kitchen and dining area isn't big enough for everyone. They have to spread out to eat their meals.

Spring Hill firefighters who work out of the station at 3445 Bob Hartung Court are used to the barracks-style life. They have adapted.

Even still, the chief wants them to have better and roomier facilities, as does fire commissioner Rob Giammarco.

"Station two is in deplorable condition," he said during a public meeting Wednesday. "We cannot refurbish that place."

Giammarco has earned a reputation for being one of the more frugal members of the board. He and the other fire commissioners are looking to demolish the building and rebuild. The board is waiting to see how much it will cost.

Rampino hopes the bay area is closer to the road so the trucks "don't have to make as many turns" to get on Deltona Boulevard, he said.

There are two capital projects the chief and the board are considering - a new station at Bob Hartung and a fifth station.
Spring Hill Fire Rescue currently has four stations, but has been seeking a fifth building for years to improve response times along the southern section of the district.

Additionally, Rampino hopes to relocate some of the administrative offices across the street to a vacant building along Deltona Boulevard. The size of the former real estate office is nearly 37,000 square feet. The original asking price last year was $580,000 - a total Giammarco said he would not consider.

Rampino would not say what offer the district is prepared to make. If it does not work out, he will ask to have the new station at Bob Hartung include additional office space.

"Now is not a bad time to explore some of these projects," Rampino told the board Wednesday.

Giammarco remained skeptical about moving to the property along Deltona. He said the district would need to pay for a new appraisal, as well as phone services, electricity, pest control, insurance and other utilities.

Rampino said the district has about $3.9 million forwarded from the previous fiscal year.

The district still has its eyes set on the property next to the library along Spring Hill Drive as a location for its fifth station. Other options also are being considered, the chief said.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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