LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Firefighters responded to flames at a seashell shop in Fruitland Park for the second time in a matter of months, Lake County officials said.
A video posted by Lake County firefighters shows the unoccupied building engulfed in flames Wednesday night.
[TRENDING: Florida student reaches new heights as tallest teenager in the world | Star Trek, Star Wars stars, John Cleese, more coming to MEGACON Orlando | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
According to the Lake County Firefighters Union, the cause of the incident is considered suspicious.
The fire is currently being investigated by the State Fire Marshal, Lake County Fire marshal and Fruitland Park Police Department.
Susan Beville, who owns the gift shop alongside her husband, said she can’t believe the family-run business that’s been there for more than 50 years is now no more.
She walked around the property Thursday trying to see what she could salvage. The sea shell collection for which the shop is known is now mostly destroyed.
“They say God doesn’t put more on you than you can handle, and I truly believe that, and I’m close to my breaking point,” Beville said.
This is the second time firefighters responded to a fire at this shop.
News 6 reported on a previous fire at this location that occurred in December 2021.
According to Lake County Fire Rescue, no one was hurt in that fire, but the building was badly damaged. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
“There was no insurance unfortunately because the building was too old,” Beville said.
The Sea-Shell House’s website and Facebook page, which describe the place as a museum and store, said the Shell Shack previously underwent a renovation in 2020.
No other information is available. Check back here for updates.