Riviera Beach is set to enhance its emergency services with the approval of a new fire station and water tank on Singer Island. During the city council meeting on June 18, 2025, officials reviewed and approved the site plan for Fire Station 86, which will be strategically designed to avoid impacting nearby wetlands.

The project involves demolishing the existing fire station and water tank, followed by the construction of a new three-story fire station and a water tank. The new facilities will be built adjacent to each other, ensuring continued fire service coverage during the transition. The fire station's design incorporates architectural elements that reflect the local aesthetic while maximizing the limited buildable area due to environmental constraints.

Fire Chief John Curd highlighted that the new station will meet updated FEMA guidelines for structures on barrier islands, featuring a first floor designed to flood intentionally during storm surges, allowing for quick recovery and minimal service interruption. The second floor will house bunk rooms for the fire crew, while the third floor will include essential operational spaces such as the captain's office and kitchen.

The planning and zoning board previously reviewed the project on June 12 and recommended its approval, confirming compliance with city regulations and wetland protection ordinances. Despite some concerns from nearby residents regarding the height of the building and potential obstruction of views, the architectural team emphasized the necessity of the design for both functionality and aesthetics.

As the project moves forward, city officials are optimistic about its long-term benefits for the community, ensuring that emergency services are well-equipped to respond to future challenges. The construction timeline and further details will be shared in upcoming meetings, as the city aims to keep residents informed and engaged in the development process.