Residents of 18 burned units at Seminole Gardens Apartments must wait

SEMINOLE — It is unclear when residents left homeless by a fire this month at Seminole Gardens Apartments will be able to return home.

The fire tore through the 30-unit building in the 8000 block of 113th Street about 3:30 a.m. May 6.

Seminole fire spokeswoman Alison Shannabrook said officials are still unsure how the blaze began but have ruled it accidental. She said early estimates put losses at well over $1 million.

Although part of the building is still occupied, residents of 18 of the co-op apartments were left homeless, said Gerald Shotts, chief operating officer of Seminole Ridge Management Corp., which oversees the complex.

“We’ve been very blessed,” Shotts said. “The community has opened up its arms.”

Freedom Square Village, Sun City Center and nearby homeowners took in those who were left homeless because of fire and water damage. Everyone, from city officials to neighbors, has gone out of their way to help the displaced residents, he said.

“I’m going to do a letter about what a special feeling it gave you,” Shotts said. “Seminole is such a neat community.”

Shotts said Seminole Ridge plans to rebuild the destroyed apartments, but it is unclear when that might begin. Workers are still trying to clean out the portion of the building that was damaged. Until that is done, it’s impossible, he said, to know how much repair work needs to be done. But with any luck, he said, permits can be pulled within the next two to three weeks. It’s also unclear how long the work will take because no one knows the scope yet, he said.

Until more information is available, Shotts said, he’s just thankful no one was injured and that the community has stepped up to help those who were left homeless.

“That’s the single thing we can be most thankful about,” Shotts said.

Anne Lindberg can be reached at alindberg@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8450.