Clearwater Fire & Rescue’s new Station 47 now operational

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews responded Thursday to the first official call out of their new Station 47.

“This station brings these units to a more central location in the city,” said interim Deputy Chief John Klinefelter.

“So, obviously with Gulf to Bay just a block away, they’re going to be able to respond east and west a whole lot quicker,” he added. “They’ve got Hercules (Avenue) — that gets us north and south a whole lot quicker.”

The new 11,000-square-foot station replaces the oldest station in the city. The previous facility at Lakeview Road was more than 50 years old.

Station 47 was built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. Construction on the $10.3 million project began in March of 2024.

Lt. Jason Samanipour has served as a firefighter for almost 20 years and will be now be reporting to the new station that leaders say will provide quicker response with increased capabilities.

“It’s going to be rescue, engine squad and 320,” Samanipour said, noting the personnel and apparatuses stationed at the new location. “So, the squad’s got some extrication capabilities — engine which I’m on, we have fire suppression and then the rescue can do medical.”

Klinefelter crews are excited to get settled into the new space.

“This has been years in the making, and to finally have this day is very, very exciting,” he said.