Established on May. 20, 1985 by the members of Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Association organized through the International Association of Firefighters as Local 2980.

This organization became recognized by the State of Florida's Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) as the bargaining agent for the full-time, paid line firefighting and support staff of the employees of the Palm Harbor Special Fire Control District.

In October of 1991, full time, paid line firefighters from the City of Oldsmar joined the ranks of Local 2980. Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Association subsequently gained PERC recognition as Oldsmar's bargaining agent.

2003 brought a name change to Local 2980, currently recognized as the Palm Harbor/Oldsmar Professional Firefighters.

The now, 73 Active and 10 Retired active members are comprised of:

• Firefighter EMT's and Paramedics
• Lieutenants
• Captains
• Fire Inspectors
• Arson Investigators
• Fire Prevention Officers
• Fire Code Administrator

Members of Local 2980 have grown to become more than just a collective bargaining group. Family and Brotherhood come first through annual events such as picnics, holiday gatherings, women's auxiliary events with Fully Involved, as well as in coming together to assist members and their families in times of need.

Locally, members support the communities that their departments serve through working within their respective departments to provide the best quality public safety, screening and support of political candidates with strong records of public safety support, through fund raising for local charities and causes, and volunteer hours.

Local 2980's affiliations provide their members, and the public that they serve, a voice in legislative issues on local, County, State, National, and International levels.

We are here to support our firefighters and the citizens that they serve.

Palm Harbor/Oldsmar Professional Firefighters are members of:

• International Association of Firefighters
• Florida Professional Firefighters
• Pinellas County Council of Firefighters