Orange City leaders are taking concrete steps to protect public safety after Hurricane Milton exposed the vulnerability of the city’s current police headquarters. The city council approved more than $2 million to fund design work for a new police station and a new fire‑station complex, both to be built on higher ground with better access to State Road 17‑92 and surrounding neighborhoods.
Why a new police station is needed
During Hurricane Milton, floodwaters forced officers to abandon the existing police building for several weeks. “It is flood‑prone, which, especially when you have emergencies or emergency response time, that’s an issue,” said City Public Safety Director Justin Vallejo. Although the department has since returned to the building, the lack of space forces some patrol cars to park in a city lot across the street.
Fire Station 68’s decades‑long temporary setup
Fire Station 68 has operated out of temporary structures for roughly 20 years. Vallejo noted that the current site was never designed to house firefighters, and the fire chief has repeatedly warned that the facilities are inadequate for modern emergency operations.
Design phase and funding outlook
The approved $2 million will cover the architectural and engineering designs for both the police and fire projects. Once the designs are completed—an effort expected to take five to six months—Orange City will pursue state and federal grant opportunities to fund construction. Vallejo emphasized that securing grant money is a critical next step, as it will lessen the financial burden on local taxpayers while delivering essential upgrades.
Benefits for the community
Locating the new facilities on higher ground addresses the flood risk that hampered emergency response during Milton. The proposed site also offers direct access to a major thoroughfare, improving response times to nearby neighborhoods. In addition, modern, purpose‑built facilities will provide firefighters and police officers with the space and resources needed to serve the community effectively.
Next steps
After the design phase, the city will present the plans to the council for final approval and will begin applying for grant funding. Residents can expect public meetings to discuss the projects and provide input on the design details. The city’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to safeguarding public safety and ensuring that emergency services are resilient against future storms.
Community response
Local business owners and neighborhood groups have expressed support for the initiative, noting that reliable emergency services are essential for a thriving community. “Having a safe, modern police and fire station gives us confidence that our families are protected,” said a resident of the nearby Oakwood subdivision.
Orange City’s investment in these critical infrastructure projects demonstrates a forward‑looking strategy to protect citizens, support first responders, and strengthen the city’s overall resilience.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
