Boca Raton to Provide Fire, EMS Assistance to Highland Beach

Highland Beach, Fla. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Boca Raton council members have approved a pact with neighboring Highland Beach to offer backup fire and EMS service to the small barrier island community.

The council unanimously approved a resolution that would extend an agreement first approved in March to provide an extra layer of coverage to Highland Beach, which is home to a single fire and EMS station within its jurisdiction. Boca Raton first began offering services to its neighbor after concerns were raised that the limited staff and equipment may not be sufficient to handle a scenario in which multiple emergencies occur at the same time.

Under the interlocal agreement approved last week, Boca Raton will charge an hourly fee for its services since, in the case of Highland Beach, it is unlikely the small town could provide reciprocal mutual aid that would even the cost borne by Boca Raton taxpayers. The agreement calls for fees including:

• Fire boat: $2,000
• Engine/aerial/ladder unit: $1,000
• Brush Unit: $700
• Rescue Unit: $700
• Command Unit: $700

The agreement calls for the fees to rise by 5 percent Oct. 1, 2024 and an additional 5 percent each year. The fire chiefs of both communities will meet every six months to review the partnership. The agreement may be dissolved by either party with 60 days’ notice.