Arson Blamed In Ybor City Resort & Spa Fire

TAMPA, FL — An early Saturday morning blaze at the vacant Ybor City Resort & Spa was intentionally set, according to officials from Tampa Fire Rescue.

“Investigators determined that an unknown subject or subjects illegally entered the building and set fires at multiple points of origin,” a Saturday email from the agency said.

The fire at the 1512 8th Ave. east building was reported around 3:30 a.m. March 11. When fire crews arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story masonry structure.

The blaze was brought under control quickly, the agency said, with no injuries reported.

The fire caused an estimated $100,000 damage to the building.

As the search for the person or people responsible continues, anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call the Tampa Fire Marshal’s Office at 813-274-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted via www.tampagov.net/arsontips. Rewards of up to $2,500 or more are offered for information that leads to the identification of people involved in arson cases.

No further information is available at this time.

Image via Shutterstock