Key Peninsula Fire Department Plans to Sell Calahan Property Amid Budget Cuts

The Key Peninsula Fire Department is set to sell the "Calahan property" in Key Center, which was once earmarked for a medical clinic that never materialized. This decision follows a turbulent history of community disputes over the $2. 1 million purchase of three parcels in 2021, which included concerns about the financial implications and insufficient public input. The department faces a challenging financial landscape after the failure of a maintenance and operations levy, which resulted in an $800,000 budget cut impacting staffing levels. The fire commissioners are actively working with a listing agent to market the property and are reminding residents about an upcoming town hall on March 8 to discuss their capital facilities plan.

Local resident Alyssa Johnstone has shown interest in acquiring the property for a daycare, although her earlier offers were deemed too low. The commissioners are open to future proposals, suggesting a potential collaboration with community members. Commissioner Stan Moffett has indicated that the property could be listed for slightly over a million dollars, with further discussions planned. The fire department aims to engage the community in shaping its future, as they still have plans for the other two parcels behind the Calahan property.