ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) – A devastating fire broke out on Tuesday at the Dolphin Village shopping center, causing substantial damage to several stores, including CVS and Publix.
Marissa Bauer, an employee at a shop in the plaza, called 911 when she heard fire alarms sound, Tuesday afternoon.
She described, “I mean, it was just a wall of orange flames and black smoke coming from the top.”
Dozens of crews responded to extinguish the flames believed to have started at the CVS.
“When I stepped outside, I saw a lot of people rushing out of the CVS. I glanced inside and noticed flames were consuming the entire store. I immediately went back in to alert my coworker,” Bauer recounted. “It was a shocking moment, and I couldn’t help but worry that the fire might quickly reach our store.”
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St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue officials reported that the fire flared up again around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, spreading from CVS to the adjacent Publix and other nearby shops.
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Families who live in the area are surprised by the extent of the damage.
“Unrecognizable, I mean it’s not even the same structure,” Max Sparrow said
Fire department leaders are investigating what sparked the fire. Several stores experienced extensive damage.
CVS released the following statement:
“We’re grateful to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue for quickly responding to the fire at our Gulf Boulevard store this afternoon. We’re cooperating with investigators as they try to determine the cause and are thankful no one was seriously hurt. The store is closed due to extensive damage. Patients with immediate prescription needs can visit the CVS Pharmacy at 3501 54th Avenue South for assistance.”
Publix released the following statement:
“Our store is not open currently and we are following the direction of the local fire department on reopening. We will refer all questions to the local fire and police departments. As always, our priority remains the safety of our associates and customers.”
