The ceremony, held at 9 a.m., brought together city leaders, fire department officials, and community partners to celebrate the beginning of construction on the facility that will house marine operations and a Rescue District Chief.
Fire Station 39 has served downtown Jacksonville for decades. The original station was located at the end of Catherine Street before it was relocated to Metropolitan Park in 1995. Nearly thirty years later, the department has outgrown that space as downtown Jacksonville has transformed with the continued development of the entertainment district.
“As downtown Jacksonville has transformed with continued development of the entertainment district and evolving demands on our department, it’s time for a station that reflects where we are today and where we’re headed tomorrow,” said Director/FireChief Percy Golden II during the ceremony.
The new location will house a Rescue District Chief and marine operations, with room to expand as the district continues to grow. It will also serve as a multi-function facility for special events teams that activate during major downtown gatherings, such as the Florida-Georgia game, the Jazz Festival, and other celebrations.
Marine 39 operates a 33-foot MetalCraft fireboat designed specifically for Jacksonville’s downtown waterways, from the St. Johns River to the surrounding tributaries. The vessel, paired with the new station, ensures firefighters remain ready to respond on land or water anywhere in the heart of downtown.
Honoring a Fallen Hero
Marine 39 is dedicated to the memory of Firefighter Edgar A. Cowart, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on Nov. 6, 1986. Firefighter Cowart drowned while responding to a distress call near the Hart Bridge when the fireboat struck a bridge piling and overturned.
“While we are looking forward to this new chapter, we also want to take time to reflect,” Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II said “His courage reminds us that every advancement we make, every new station, every new capability, is built on the foundation of those who served before us.”
Looking Forward
“This groundbreaking represents more than just a building,” said Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “It represents our commitment to progress and to ensuring JFRD continues to evolve alongside our city, stronger, smarter, and ready for whatever the future holds.“
Content
JFRD Breaks Ground on New Fire Station 39 in Downtown Jacksonville
November 14, 2025
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department broke ground Friday on a new Fire Station 39 at 115 Festival Park Ave., marking a significant investment in downtown public safety infrastructure.