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LARGO - Firefighters evacuated the Largo Wal-Mart on Wednesday night after a strong odor led at least eight people to complain of scratchy throats and burning eyes, authorities said.
By 11 p.m., everyone appeared to be fine, except one person suffering from a medical condition that may have been unrelated, said District Chief David Morrin of Largo Fire Rescue. Paramedics planned to transport that person to a local hospital, he said.
Firefighters searching the store said it appeared the odor was caused by a used car battery left at the front of the store.
Three Wal-Mart employees first noticed a strong smell, like turpentine, around 10 p.m. in the hardware section, Morrin said.
Firefighters kept customers from the store, 1111 Missouri Ave. N, while they investigated.