Ongoing Recovery at a Burned Business

Fire Investigation Concludes as Accidental

A significant fire that damaged a business on South U.S. 1 in St. Lucie County two months ago has been officially classified as accidental. The cause was determined to be an "unspecified electrical malfunction," according to the St. Lucie County Fire District. The incident occurred at South East Pools & Spas, located in the 7300 block of South U.S. 1, north of Prima Vista Boulevard.

Firefighters responded to the scene on June 3, arriving at 5:37 a.m. after reports of smoke and flames. At the time, the metal commercial structure was already 50% engulfed in fire, with flames visible from the roof of the yellow-and-blue building. The damage was extensive, including roof collapses, according to Fire District Division Chief Donny Stefani.

The fire cause was later confirmed by Capt. Fire Marshal Andres Elizondo, who stated in an email that the blaze originated from an electrical malfunction. This determination was shared with the public through an agency spokesperson on August 5.

Business Owner Shares Recovery Efforts

Phillip Giles, a co-owner of South East Pools & Spas, spoke about the ongoing recovery efforts on August 6. He described the process as something he had never experienced before but emphasized that the team is working through it.

"We're dealing with insurance and also getting the necessary permits," Giles said. The business, which has been operating for approximately eight or nine years, is family-owned and has locations in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Tampa. Their primary focus is selling hot tubs and swim spas, though they also provide services for pool equipment.

Giles mentioned that the company is currently working to reopen in a smaller building located in front of the burned structure. They have received approval for their permit and plan to bring in product this week for a reopening event. However, they are still waiting for insurance-related issues to be resolved before beginning demolition of the damaged building.

Plans for a New Facility

Once the current structure is removed, the company intends to construct a new facility with modifications and upgrades. Giles anticipates that the demolition of the burned building will take between 30 to 45 days. After that, they will focus on obtaining the necessary permits for the new construction.

"We want to be compliant and ensure the county is satisfied," Giles explained. "If they’re happy, then we can go out there and sell to our customers."

Additional Local News Updates

In other local news, a woman was recently rescued from the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie. Meanwhile, residents are questioning whether it's legal to drive barefoot. These stories highlight the ongoing efforts of emergency responders and the community’s engagement with local issues.

South East Pools & Spas continues to work toward its goal of restoring operations while ensuring compliance with all regulations. The business remains committed to serving its customers and maintaining a positive relationship with the local authorities.