Published: December 15, 2008 03:53 pm      

Mold in Station 3: The story so far

BRANFORD - Repeated cases of headache, sinus problems, bloody noses and flu-like symptoms have been reported by personnel at Suwannee County Fire/Rescue Station 3, at 606 NW Suwannee Avenue. The cause may be the presence of mold in the building, health officials report.

In response to the symptoms, Suwannee County Fire Chief Charlie Conner first contacted the Suwannee County Health Department. After looking the building over, local health officials recommended an inspection by specialists. Landwise Environmental Services of Lake City completed the task and recommended immediate evacuation of personnel due to the presence of black mold.

Firefighters and other workers were temporarily moved to the Steamboat Dive Inn on Dec. 2 while County Commissioner Wesley Wainwright and Conner, with the assistance of Branford Mayor Don Owens, continued to look for suitable housing.

A 5-bedroom, 3-bath home owned by Mona Hurst at 106 SW Drane Street (NW corner of Drane and Bluff) was available.

Conner told Hurst he had to follow the proper county procedures to secure funding for the rent and deposit and was not sure how long it might take. Hurst would hear none of it.

"They were in a crunch and I was in a position to help,” she told the Branford News. “I told Chief Conner not to worry about the money, you just get your people moved in."

Station 3 personnel were relocated to the Hurst rental on Dec. 5.

Editor’s note: This issue is scheduled to come before the Suwannee County Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday afternoon. See more on this site Wednesday and in the Thursday edition of the Branford News.