Report of fumes temporarily closes Pinellas airport checkpoint

ST. PETERSBURG — A security checkpoint area at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport was closed for about an hour Sunday afternoon as authorities investigated reports of a possible hazardous material that caused coughing and choking.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies, the Largo Fire Department hazardous material team and Pinellas Park Fire Department responded to the incident, which was reported by Transportation Security Administration officials about 4:15 p.m.

The source of the airborne irritant was not located and remains undetermined, according to the Sheriff's Office.

About 50 people were exposed to the irritant, but no one was injured, according to authorities.

The checkpoint area was reopened at 5:25 p.m.