When County Road 448 closes Friday night for two days as crews work to replace the railroad crossing, residents on both sides of the tracks can rest assured fire service will be available.
According to officials from the Lake County Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division, the City of Tavares Fire Department has agreed to help cover the west side of the road and, as usual, Lake County Fire Station No. 78 in Lake Jem will cover the eastside.
“We want the citizens to know that we have worked out a plan to get them the best coverage possible,” said Jim Dickerson, Lake County Fire Rescue’s Assistant Chief-Operations. “Tavares was kind enough to assist us. The citizens shouldn’t really notice a difference in service.”
The road closure, which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18, and is expected to last until Sunday, June 20, at 6 p.m., creates an unusual circumstance for Lake County Fire Rescue. With the County’s fire station located on one side of the tracks, the road closure cuts off its ability to service neighborhoods, such as Shirley Shores and Deer Island, located on the other side.
Tavares Fire Station No. 29 on Lake Park Cutoff will provide the automatic mutual aid for 48 hours while Lake County Fire Rescue is unable to reach some residents.
For more information, contact the Lake County Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division, at (352) 343-9458.
