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Fire chars building at old school in Dunedin
Sheriff's officials suspect arson in the early morning blaze at the former middle school building.
By JACOB H. FRIES
Published August 17, 2005
DUNEDIN - Detectives investigating a fire that broke out early Tuesday at the former Dunedin Highland Middle School suspect it was set intentionally, Pinellas sheriff's officials said.
Sgt. Jim Bordner would not detail what evidence investigators had found to reach that conclusion. Investigators have determined the building's electricity had been disconnected.
At 1 a.m., a Clearwater police officer responding to an unrelated call noticed smoke coming from one of the empty, old buildings at 896 Union St., Bordner said. The county plans to remodel the complex to make additional classroom space for the neighboring Dunedin Elementary School, officials said.
Bayside High School was housed in the complex until October 2004. The new Dunedin Elementary is slated to open in 2006.
The fire was contained in a single room while the rest of the building sustained water and smoke damage, Bordner said. No one was found inside.
The fate of the charred building is now unknown, said Pinellas schools spokesman Sterling Ivey.
"We're speaking with the insurance adjuster and trying to figure out what the best next step will be," Ivey said.
Jacob H. Fries can be reached at 445-4156 or jfries@sptimes.com
[Last modified August 17, 2005, 01:09:16]
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