Velasco Station Site (Freeport since 1938)

1888 put into operation; 1914 site so badly damaged by flood that a change in location will be necessary; 1915 action deferred on moving location of buildings; 1916 site for new building selected and plans completed for station destroyed in a hurricane; 1917 station rebuilt on steel pilings elevated to clear high water during hurricanes to replace one destroyed in a hurricane (USLSS Annual Reports). In 1914 a severe storm completely destroyed the buildings and made an island of the site, thereby rendering the site useless for life?saving purposes. Station Freeport is a descendent of this station (USCG Historian's Website); 1963 original (1888) station burned; from June 1990 through May 1992, the new station was built on 7 acres adjacent to the old station for a cost of 4.1 million dollars. The old boathouse now serves as the meeting hall for the Village of Surfside (Station Website).