Southern Manatee Fire Rescue moved into their new Station 1 just one week ago and they are already expecting company.
On Saturday, the $1.87 million structure will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In the style of a neighborhood block party, the open house will give members of the community a chance to see the new firehouse and eat barbecue.
"We're really looking forward to it," Fire Chief Tom Hennessy said.
The Emergency Medical Service Honor Guard will do a flag ceremony at the station and a short dedication ceremony is scheduled for around noon. The building will be dedicated to the late Pearl Baskins.
Baskins was a dispatcher with Southern Manatee for about 23 years.
"That was before there was a 911 dispatch center," Hennessy said.
A ladder truck dedicated to Baskins is soon to be retired, and Hennessy thought dedicating the station to her would be a proper memorial.
"I didn't want her memory to die when the truck was retired," Hennessy said.
Baskins' daughter, Laverne Phillips, will accept an award on her mother's behalf.
"I was always so proud of my mother anyway and she's been gone 10 years and she's still making us proud," Phillips said.
Baskins, who stood about five feet tall, left her impression on those who worked with her as well as those who knew her as mom.
When Baskins worked as a dispatcher, she was there 24 hours a day taking calls and making meals for the firefighters on duty.
"It goes to show you, after all this time, she can still make such an impression," Phillips said.
