By James Combs
Groveland hires 12 firefighters
A rendering of Groveland’s new public safety complex.
Groveland welcomed 12 new firefighters at the January 6 city council meeting. The new firefighters reflect Groveland’s commitment to provide exceptional service and thoughtfully plan for future growth.
In 2018, the Groveland Fire Department applied for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, allowing Groveland to hire nine of the 12 new firefighters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the grant in September 2019, totaling a little over $1 million in assistance for the next three years. The City currently has two fire stations, Stations 94 and Station 95, which service the Groveland area. The City is actively evaluating both temporary and permanent locations for a third station.
To accommodate the growth, a two-story, 33,000-square-foot public safety complex at the corner of State Road 50 and Beverly Drive is expected to be completed by October and will house the town’s police and fire departments. Eventually, the $10 million facility will be used as a regional training site for police and fire departments throughout Central Florida.
James Combs was a pillar of Akers Media Group since its inception in 2008. Over the years, he had the honor of interviewing Lake & Sumter County's most fascinating personalities, from innovative business owners to heroic war veterans, bringing their incredible stories to life. Throughout his career, James earned over 50 awards for writing excellence, a testament to his talent and dedication. In 2021, he was inducted into the Akers Media Group Hall of Fame. Sadly, James passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. His legacy of storytelling and excellence continues to inspire us all.
