JUPITER, Fla. Jupiter Town Council members have expressed unanimous support for directing $2 million in surtax funding toward improvements at Fire Station 11 in Abacoa, after officials raised concerns about the condition of the existing building and the cost of bringing it up to modern standards.
During Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, Mayor Jim Kuretski said a recent tour of the station made it clear that significant renovations and additions would be necessary.
The mayor also warned that the project would likely exceed preliminary budget estimates.
“It was evident to me that the scope of renovating and the additions will be significant,” Kuretski told council members.
He proposed redirecting approximately $2 million in surtax funding previously associated with the Island Way South project to help pay for the fire station improvements.
The mayor said the change was appropriate because of the town’s plans to use proportionate fair-share funding for Island Way South.
Council Members Raise Concerns About Station Conditions
Other council members agreed that the Abacoa facility needs attention.
Councilor Dan Guisinger expressed particularly strong concerns after visiting the building.
“I was appalled by the condition of that fire station,” Guisinger said.
Councilor Malise Sundstrom also supported the funding recommendation but cautioned that $2 million would probably not cover the full cost of the improvements.
“I think we’re going to have to look at the financing plan,” Sundstrom said.
The council ultimately reached a 5-0 consensus supporting the proposed funding direction.
However, no formal budget amendment or appropriation vote was taken during the meeting. Town staff will need to return with the necessary plans and funding details.
Bringing Abacoa Up to Standard
Kuretski emphasized that Jupiter’s firefighters stationed in Abacoa should have working conditions and facilities comparable to those available at the town’s other fire stations.
He said the improvements should address both operational needs and the living conditions of firefighters assigned to the facility.
The mayor acknowledged that site limitations could affect the final design and scope of the project.
The discussion comes as Jupiter continues developing its own municipal fire rescue operations.
Vice Mayor Phyllis Choy praised the department’s early progress during the meeting, noting the cooperation between Jupiter Fire Rescue and the Jupiter Police Department.
What’s Next for Fire Station 11?
Town staff is expected to return to the council with further information about the proposed renovations, costs and financing.
Council members made clear that the $2 million would be a starting point rather than a guarantee that the entire project could be completed within that amount.
The goal, according to the mayor, is to ensure firefighters in Abacoa have a safe and properly equipped facility comparable to the town’s other stations.
