Learn How the Commercial
Trucking Insurance Experts at Independence Agency
Can Save your Company Thousands of Dollars!
Get A Quote
The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Ormond Beach, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Ormond Beach, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Ormond Beach, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Ormond Beach, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Ormond Beach, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Ormond Beach, FL
Volusia County puts temporary stop to proposed ‘fuel farm’ in Ormond Beach
Molly Reedhttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/12/07/volusia-county-puts-temporary-stop-to-proposed-fuel-farm-in-ormond-beach/
County imposed nine-month moratorium to allow time for rezoningVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – For months, residents have been fighting Belvedere Terminals over the company’s efforts at building a fuel terminal in Ormond Beach.Now, Volusia County officials are fighting it, too, and despite the company submitting applications and plans, t...
County imposed nine-month moratorium to allow time for rezoning
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – For months, residents have been fighting Belvedere Terminals over the company’s efforts at building a fuel terminal in Ormond Beach.
Now, Volusia County officials are fighting it, too, and despite the company submitting applications and plans, the county is putting a temporary stop to it.
“We’ve made it very clear to everybody that this is very inappropriate,” resident Elena Kraft said.
Kraft is one of the residents who has been leading the charge against the project, which has been proposed for a site on Hull Road just off US-1.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“We’re really getting tired of having to send this message to everyone that this is an inappropriate location,” she said.
On Monday, Belvedere for the first time submitted conceptual site plans to Volusia County showing six fuel tanks standing 40 feet tall. The company wants to use the site so it can also use the railway next to it to carry fuel throughout Florida.
“We submitted a site plan application to Volusia County for our original site, which adhered to the existing zoning in place for that site,” Belvedere said in a statement. “We also continue to be in communication with the county about possible alternative locations, although the alternatives considered to date are missing elements needed for this project.”
Residents said it’s too much of a risk to have near homes, a sports complex and businesses.
“We wish they would respect the community that they’re trying to come into,” Kraft said.
The county rejected the company’s plans the next day. To fight the project, county council members are imposing a moratorium.
“We directed the county attorney and the county manager to impose a nine-month moratorium on any heavy industrial,” said council chair Jeff Brower.
He said the moratorium would help the county rezone the land.
Brower said the company is still pushing to build on the site but is now also looking elsewhere in Central Florida.
“I do know it’s true that they’re looking in Flagler and they’re looking in Brevard. They’re looking all over Florida,” said Brower.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:
Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
Company behind Ormond Beach ‘fuel farm’ promises safety, residents still concerned
Molly Reedhttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/10/05/company-behind-ormond-beach-fuel-farm-promises-safety-residents-still-concerned/
City trying to fight Belvedere Terminals’ plansORMOND BEACH, Fla. – The company behind a proposed “fuel farm” in Ormond Beach, is sharing its thoughts, following protests from residents and city leaders.The proposed site off U.S. 1 and Hull Road would potentially store several million gallons of fuel as part of a fuel distribution sys...
City trying to fight Belvedere Terminals’ plans
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – The company behind a proposed “fuel farm” in Ormond Beach, is sharing its thoughts, following protests from residents and city leaders.
The proposed site off U.S. 1 and Hull Road would potentially store several million gallons of fuel as part of a fuel distribution system the company, Belvedere Terminals, wants to create throughout the state.
“This is all somewhat new and we’re listening. We want to make sure people understand what we’re building,” said Tim Schwarz, chief financial officer for Belvedere.
The property sits just outside of Ormond Beach city limits.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“It’s on 20 to 30 acres of property but we only use about a fifth of that to buffer the surrounding area,” said Schwarz.
There aren’t blueprints, renderings, or approved building permits from the county yet for it. Schwarz said they are in the very early stages of planning. He said right now, they have an air quality permit approved from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
That permit stated the company could build up to 16 tanks that would hold roughly 20 million gallons of fuel but Schwarz said it would not be that big.
“It’s three tanks, about 300,000 barrels of storage. That’s all we’re building,” he said.
Safety concerns have led to protests from hundreds of residents whose homes and businesses surround the area since catching word of it in August.
“The entire facility is covered with a non-permeable membrane underneath so nothing could leak into the groundwater,” said Schwarz.
Despite hearing these vocalized plans from the company, Mayor Bill Partington said he’s still going to fight it.
“They have never, even to this day, presented a specific plan that shows what they’re intending to do and that’s probably a big part of the problem,” he said.
The city voted last month to not provide utilities or water to the company.
A local company, with the help of the city, also filed a petition challenging the company’s air quality permit. The petition cited inadequate public notice. The company went to a smaller, local publication, “Hometown News,” to announce their plans. The petition said not enough people saw it.
“It’s still an inappropriate use for the surrounding area, unfortunately. The way this property developed, 40 years ago it might have been appropriate but today it just doesn’t work,” said Partington.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:
Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
Major changes coming to I-95 interchange in Ormond Beach
Molly Reedhttps://www.clickorlando.com/traffic/2023/09/26/major-changes-coming-to-i-95-interchange-in-ormond-beach/
Project expected to start in 2027, aims to improve traffic flowORMOND BEACH, Fla. – After decades of residents pushing for a change, the Florida Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it will create a new interchange at I-95 and US-1 in Ormond Beach.Close to 80 accidents have happened on the interchange in the last three years, many ending fatally, according to the city.“It’s the most dangerous with the most accidents with fatalities in all of Volusia and Flagler,” ...
Project expected to start in 2027, aims to improve traffic flow
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – After decades of residents pushing for a change, the Florida Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it will create a new interchange at I-95 and US-1 in Ormond Beach.
Close to 80 accidents have happened on the interchange in the last three years, many ending fatally, according to the city.
“It’s the most dangerous with the most accidents with fatalities in all of Volusia and Flagler,” said longtime resident Peggy Farmer. “The traffic just backs up here trying to get on and off I-95 and it’s an area a lot of locals avoid.”
Farmer started the “North US-1 Coalition” which is a group of residents who have been asking the state for this project for close to two decades.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The interchange is the gateway to Volusia County if traveling south on I-95. It was built in the 1960s and hasn’t changed since. It’s one of the oldest in Florida and was created well before large businesses like Love’s Truck Stop and Destination Daytona were built right off of it.
“The curve of the exits with the 18-wheelers is very dangerous for them. Secondly, this is Destination Daytona. This is where we have Bike Week and Biketoberfest,” said Farmer.
FDOT leaders held a meeting in Ormond Beach Tuesday to make its announcement.
“It should be somewhere in the $340 million range. That’s what they’ve budgeted for,” said Mayor Bill Partington.
The money will be coming from the state’s “Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative.”
The current design’s goal is to improve the traffic flow with a diverging diamond pattern. It’ll also include shared use and paved walking and cycling paths on both sides of US-1.
Partington said construction will start in the fall of 2027 and should be done by 2030.
“There’s a lot of design work, a lot of rights-of-way, all kinds of things that have to be done before the actual construction starts,” he said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:
Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
What's New in the Daytona Beach Area in 2024
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureauhttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whats-new-in-the-daytona-beach-area-in-2024-302031767.html
New attractions, accommodations, eateries and more at the 'World's Most Famous Beach'DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From endless activities to calm, quiet days spent sunbathing and beachcombing, visitors are finding just what they're looking for in a Florida vacation along the 23 miles of world-famous iconic shores of Daytona Beach. With area investments in progress and more hotel, attraction, dining and shopping options than ever, now is the perfect time to (re)experience all that Daytona Beach has to offer...
New attractions, accommodations, eateries and more at the 'World's Most Famous Beach'
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From endless activities to calm, quiet days spent sunbathing and beachcombing, visitors are finding just what they're looking for in a Florida vacation along the 23 miles of world-famous iconic shores of Daytona Beach. With area investments in progress and more hotel, attraction, dining and shopping options than ever, now is the perfect time to (re)experience all that Daytona Beach has to offer, including these new developments:
New Attractions and Renovations
Daytona International Speedway Track Tours, Welcome to Rockville
New Accommodations and Stunning Renovations
New airline service – Avelo Airlines
New and Renovated Dining Options in the Daytona Beach Area
Downtown Districts' New Dining Options
The area's thriving downtown districts in Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach are constantly expanding dining offerings. Here's a look:
Whether visitors choose thrilling activities or embrace the tranquility of days spent on 23 miles of world-famous white-sand beaches, they've weighed in with outstanding reviews. The Daytona Beach area ranked #1 in Travel Channel's "Top 10 Attractions in Florida" and was named a Tripadvisor Best Weekend Getaway in Northeast Florida. TripAdvisor also named Daytona Beach to its "10 Most Affordable Beach Vacations on Florida's East Coast" and Tripadvisor travelers named Ormond Beach, the northernmost Daytona Beach area beach, one of the "Top 25 Beaches in the U.S." Visitors can enjoy experiences beyond the beach by choosing from a surprising list of outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, arts and cultural venues and an eclectic culinary scene.
To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach.
Media Contact: Andrew Booth, Director of CommunicationsDaytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau| abooth@daytonabeach.com | 386.255. 0415, ext. 125
SOURCE Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Belvedere Terminals CFO speaks out on proposed Ormond Beach fuel terminal
Reagan Ryanhttps://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/10/05/belvedere-terminals-address-ormond-location
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Belvedere Terminals CFO Tim Schwarz says a fuel terminal proposal that has caused pushback in Ormond Beach will actually be much smaller than originally described in an air construction permit.What You Need To Know In August, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued an air construction permit to Belvedere Terminals to construct a fuel terminal at 874 Hull Ave., near Ormond Beach. According to the permit, the plan was for the terminal to contain "a total of sixte...
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Belvedere Terminals CFO Tim Schwarz says a fuel terminal proposal that has caused pushback in Ormond Beach will actually be much smaller than originally described in an air construction permit.
What You Need To Know
In August, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued an air construction permit to Belvedere Terminals to construct a fuel terminal at 874 Hull Ave., near Ormond Beach. According to the permit, the plan was for the terminal to contain "a total of sixteen storage tanks.”
Belvedere Terminals CFO Tim Schwarz said the site will actually be significantly smaller.
“People (are) talking about sixteen tanks, 300 million barrels of storage — it’s not that big,” Schwarz said. “It’s three tanks and about 300,000 barrels of storage in a very contained, very safe location.”
Opponents say the fuel terminal is close to three residential areas, a local airport, and a major youth sports complex — which is host to hundreds of families every week. But Schwarz argues that the company has done its due diligence and “there’s no threat, no safety risk” to those locations.
Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington said he’s not convinced.
“I’d be suspicious that they’re taking it from a proposed 16 down to three,” he said. “They may be just saying that, I don’t know why, but I would certainly want to fact check that.”
One of the major community concerns about the terminal is safety, but Schwarz said the fuel terminal will be equipped with multiple fire suppression systems. He also said the company will work with local fire and emergency management departments so a plan is in place for any developments.
Related Stories
Another concern opponents of the project have brought up is lightning — which multiple studies have shown causes one third of fuel storage tank accidents.
“We haven’t chosen the exact vendor yet, but there are multiple new vendors that create lightning safety situations that allow us to protect the tanks from lightning strikes so that will mitigate that concern,” Schwarz said.
Schwarz said the terminal will bring dozens of jobs to the area and that the fuel distribution system will be a cleaner and lower cost way to bring fuel to the state. He said the system would also help keep fuel accessible during hurricanes.
Schwarz said the company has been speaking with residents about their concerns and is working with local leaders to discuss other potential locations for the site.
“We met with a couple representatives from both the county and the city, some local business people, and said, ‘If there were a site that met every single one of our criteria, and there’s a specific need that we have that makes it work, we would always entertain possibilities,’” Schwarz said. “No one has brought us anything that would be an alternative that works.”
Partington said he’s not heard from Belvedere Terminals at all so far.
“I’m not aware of any city officials they’ve met with,” he said. “I do know they met with county officials, but I don’t have any knowledge of city officials.”
Overall, Partington said the city will continue to fight the construction of the fuel terminal.
Meanwhile, Schwarz said Belvedere Terminals will continue to move forward on the project as planned, and expects the terminal to be operational by 2025.
Reagan Ryan is a 2023 — 2024 Report for America Corps Member, covering the environment and climate across Central Florida for Spectrum News 13. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.
Disclaimer:
