45th Anniversary of EMFR

July 7th is an important date in the history of East Manatee Fire Rescue, as it marks the 45th Anniversary of the District! On this day in 1980, one year after a group of residents formed the Braden River Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in 1979, Florida Legislature formally created the Braden River Fire Control and Rescue District. This created a 100 square mile special taxing district, with the first fire station originally located at 6521 SR 64 in a pole barn! The fire station was known as "The Tin House" with the volunteers inheriting the nickname "The Tin House Orphans".

Now, after 45 years of growth, and merging with the Myakka City Fire Control District in 2021, East Manatee Fire Rescue District serves 346 square miles, 98,000 residents (with more visiting and moving here daily!) and has 10 stations with our 11th station planned to open in the fall of 2026! The district has come quite a long way from that "Tin House", which is now a Starbucks!