Man Dies In Townhouse Fire Near St. Pete

LEALMAN, FL - A man died in a fire at a townhouse at 7233 Parkside Villas Drive North in Lealman on Friday night, firefighters said. Pinellas detectives are investigating the fire. Deputies received the call about 9:07 p.m.

The body of a 66-year-old man was found inside the home. The victim was identified as Anthony Sabino. No one else was injured.

Neighbors reported hearing what they described as an explosion at the residence. Detectives say the residence was on fire when deputies and fire rescue units from Lealman Fire District arrived at the home. The fire department made entry into the home and found Sabino unresponsive. Sabino, who lived alone in the home, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No one else was inside the residence at the time of the fire.

Detectives learned that Sabino had sent text messages to a family member and made threats to hurt himself on Thursday. Detectives are working with the state fire marshall to determine the origin of the fire and the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of Sabino's death.The fire does not appear to be suspicious.

Lealman Fire Department Capt. Larry Thompson said oxygen was found inside the home, but firefighters aren't sure if that was the cause of the explosion.

Thompson said 40 firefighters battled the blaze. "The roof collapsed at the back side of the building," he said. "It was an intense fire."

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