INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The fire observation tower at the corner of 43rd Avenue and 4th Street in south county could be preserved and opened to the public, a tower supporter told the Board of County Commissioners this week.
Barbara Drndak told the commissioners that the Indian River County Historical Society has agreed to help with the site, earmarking it as a line item in the group’s budget for repairs and fund-raising activities. “The tower is considered in excellent condition,” Drndak said, citing a recent engineering study performed on both the 88-foot tall tower and the office building nearby.
The tower and building were once used by the Division of Forestry to spot wildfires. With modern day technology, though, the towers fell out of favor with the department and have been essentially abandoned.
“They certainly represent a historical part not only of the fire department but the Forestry Division,” Drndak said.
She said the division has offered its cooperation in providing items that could serve as exhibits within the building, teaching visitors about the towers and how they were used.
“Indian River County prides itself on taking care of its history while it looks forward to the future,” Historical Society President Hildie Tripson told commissioners.
Drndak asked commissioners for their blessing on moving forward with the preservation effort of the tower, noting that all the work would be done through the Historical Society and volunteers – not costing the county anything in maintenance and upkeep.
Commissioners conceptually agreed to preserving the tower, though they suggested staff draft a memorandum of understanding between the county and Historical Society so each knows what it is responsible for.
“I’m all for it,” Commission Chairman Peter O’Bryan said. “I’m good to go with it.”
Commissioner Wesley Davis told Drndak that the M.O.U. would help the historic group qualify for grants and other funding to fix up the site.
As for fund-raising, Commissioner Bob Solari suggested a “Race to the Top” – where people could bet on which of the five commissioners would be able to reach the top of the tower first, drawing laughs from his fellow board members.
“I’ve got the shoes for it,” the commissioner said. “I’m about ready for it now.”
County Administrator Joe Baird told the commission that a site plan needs to be done for the property because the tower sits on an as-of-yet-undeveloped fire station land.
Drndak said that she does not anticipate the tower to be in the way of the planned station because the tower is situated in a far corner.
“Those are great questions for us to answer and confirm,” Davis said.
Commissioners directed to staff to write up an agreement between the two groups. That agreement is expected to be approved at an upcoming commission meeting.
Anyone interested in learning more about the historic fire tower or wanting to donate to the cause can contact the Indian River County Historical Society by calling (772) 778-3435 or e-mail indianriverhisto@bellsouth.net.