Monroe County Fire Rescue is preparing for a new chapter at its Sugarloaf Key station, while continuing community outreach efforts and reminding residents to take precautions during king tides and when charging devices with lithium-ion batteries.
Chief R.L. Colina of Monroe County Fire Rescue joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
Recent windy conditions and king tides have created challenges throughout the Florida Keys, including vehicles becoming stalled in flooded areas.
He urged drivers, particularly visitors who may be unfamiliar with local king tides, to slow down when traveling through flooded, low-lying areas.
“People need to remember that’s salt water,” Colina said, warning that salt water can get sprayed into a vehicle’s engine compartment and other components. He said drivers should avoid traveling too quickly through floodwaters to limit the amount of salt deposited in their vehicles.
Colina also discussed the start of demolition work at the Sugarloaf fire station, which is being replaced with a new facility on the same property.
“We couldn’t be happier,” Colina said. “It’s kind of been a long time coming for that station and that community to restore the firehouse that’s been there for decades and decades.”
He credited the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator Christine Hurley and Kevin Wilson with helping move the project forward.
Although Colina said it was difficult to see the historic building come down, he expressed excitement about the replacement.
“It’s sad to see such a historic building going in the sense that it’s been there for so long,” he said. “But I’ll tell you what, we are ecstatic about the ability to have a new 50-plus-year station built right there on the same property for Sugarloaf.”
The department is also continuing its outreach to students through college and career fairs at high schools throughout the Keys. Colina said the events introduce students to careers in firefighting and emergency medical services.
“It’s a great opportunity for first responder awareness, to get out to the schools and present exactly what firefighters do, what the EMS part of the firefighting does,” he said.
The events give students an opportunity to learn directly from firefighters and the department’s fire prevention team about possible career paths.
Colina also highlighted fire safety concerns involving lithium-ion batteries, which were the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety.”
He encouraged residents to charge devices responsibly, inspect batteries regularly and watch for signs of damage.
“Try not to leave anything charging overnight. Make sure you unplug these things,” Colina said.
He recommended checking batteries used in everything from small tools to electric bicycles for cracks, deformities and other damage. Colina said compromised batteries can overheat and swell, creating potential safety concerns.
He also urged consumers to be cautious when ordering batteries from outside vendors, noting that battery quality and testing can vary.
Monroe County Fire Rescue has also been busy with seasonal community events. Colina said the department recently participated in a Trunk or Treat event at Big Pine Academy and was preparing for additional Halloween activities.
Colina said the events allow firefighters to connect with residents while sharing fire prevention information.
“It’s such a great opportunity to get out there with the public and the children and even the adults,” he said, adding that firefighters distribute candy, informational pamphlets and other items while helping promote safety.
The chief also spoke about the department’s participation in events supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which assists families of fallen first responders and others.
Colina said the foundation provided support to the family of a Monroe County firefighter who died in the line of duty, including a home and mortgage assistance.
“We were blessed to have Tunnel to Towers when we went through that extremely unfortunate event with one of our members,” Colina said. “They stepped up.”
He said Monroe County Fire Rescue continues to support the foundation and participates in its annual 5K event.
Reflecting on the department’s work, Colina said he remains proud of the firefighters and emergency personnel who serve the community around the clock.
“It’s an honor to serve this community in the capacity that I serve, and couldn’t be prouder of the men and women that do,” he said.
Colina added that the department was fully staffed, something he said it had not been able to report for a long time.
“We have a solid workforce right now, boots on the ground,” he said, crediting the support of county commissioners and the community.
He also thanked county leaders for prioritizing public safety in the fiscal year 2027 budget, particularly as residents and local government navigate financial pressures.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, Colina said the department would participate in neighborhood holiday parades and other events, including activities featuring Santa Claus. He said additional information would be posted as dates approached.
“We’re here 24/7,” Colina said. “We’re proud to serve this community and our other partners up and down Monroe County.”
He said the department would continue participating in community outreach and preparing its personnel to respond when residents need assistance.
For more information on MCFR, click here: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue