West Manatee Fire Rescue Considers Return to Bradenton Beach with $1 Million Property Deal
The West Manatee Fire Rescue District may soon reestablish a permanent presence in Bradenton Beach, where it has not operated a station since 2000.
The district is pursuing the purchase of the Bradenton Beach Fire Lodge, located at 201 Second St. N., for $1 million. The property owner, Bradenton Beach Fire Lodge Inc., has approved the deal, giving the district 60 days to finalize the purchase. The agreement allows WMFR to withdraw if the property is found unsuitable.
At a Sept. 9 meeting, fire commissioners voted 3-1 to move forward with the proposal. Commissioner Robert Bennett, who is affiliated with the Fire Lodge, recused himself from the vote, while Commissioner Larry Jennis opposed the purchase, citing concerns about necessity. The district plans to hire an engineer to determine whether the property can accommodate a fourth fire station before the Nov. 11 deadline.
If approved, the purchase would mark WMFR’s return to Bradenton Beach after a 25-year absence. The district’s presence in the city ended when the Anna Maria and West Side districts merged in 2000, leading to the closure of the former Bradenton Beach fire hall.
Currently, WMFR operates three stations in Bradenton and Holmes Beach, with administrative headquarters at 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. The district has occasionally stationed staff at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach to reduce response times during peak tourism periods.
The Fire Lodge property has historically served as a community gathering site, hosting nonprofit meetings, municipal elections, and other events.
In addition to the property proposal, the district unanimously adopted its $16.68 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26. The budget includes $11.1 million in personnel costs, $3.4 million for capital outlay, and $2.1 million in operating expenses. It also sets aside $6.67 million in reserve funds. A major highlight of the plan is the purchase of two new fire engines for $1.9 million.
The district’s next commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21, where the property evaluation is expected to be discussed ahead of the November deadline.
