New Manatee County EMS Station 22 Opens After Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Manatee County officials, community partners and local residents gathered Monday afternoon for the ribbon cutting and open house of Moccasin Wallow EMS Station 22, the county’s newest emergency medical services facility at 2950 Moccasin Wallow Road in Palmetto. The event marked the official opening of the station and gave the public a chance to tour the building and meet the EMS crews who will operate there.
We previously reported on the plans for this station back in August 2024, when the project was highlighted as part of ongoing development activity in the area.
Following Monday’s ceremony, we recorded a full video walkthrough of the new facility to give residents an inside look at the layout, features and amenities. That video tour is included below.
A Facility Built for Modern EMS Needs
The new station was designed to improve emergency response capacity in the northern part of Manatee County. The modern facility spans nearly 4,500 square feet and includes:
- An apparatus bay that can house up to four first-response vehicles
- Office space for district leadership and EMS crews
- A kitchen, day room, laundry facilities and sleeping quarters
- A dedicated decontamination room
- Upgraded security and operational systems
These improvements support EMS staff and help strengthen service delivery across the county’s 748 square miles and 150 miles of coastal waterways.
In the county’s announcement, District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts said she was proud to see the vision brought to life for the people of Manatee County and noted that the project provides the infrastructure and tools needed today while preparing for future growth.
Ribbon Cutting and Community Tours
The ceremony included the raising of the flag by EMS personnel, the National Anthem, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks from county leaders and project partners. Speakers included Public Safety EMS Chief Sean Dwyer, Willis Smith President John LaCivita and Sweet Sparkman Principal Todd Sweet. Watch the full ribbon-cutting ceremony here.
After the ribbon was cut, dignitaries and EMS staff performed the traditional push of a unit into the apparatus bay to signify the station’s readiness. The public was then invited inside for tours and conversations with the crews who will staff the station.
Officials say Station 22 will play a key role in reducing response times and supporting continued population growth in North County.
