In the early hours of Thursday, July 13, 2023, a devastating fire engulfed part of a building in John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, catching the attention of a vigilant deputy from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy promptly reported the incident after noticing smoke billowing from the structure at approximately 2:58 a.m. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, making their journey even more alarming as they witnessed a obvious column of smoke en route along Gulf Boulevard.
Upon arrival, the firefighters encountered a building fully consumed by flames, leading to concerns about the structural integrity and a potential roof collapse. To combat the fire, firefighters deployed multiple aerial units to direct water onto the structure. Their efforts paid off, as the fire was brought under control around 3:30 a.m. However, the flames, smoke, and water had already caused significant damage to several businesses, including Beach Bites & Burgers, John’s Pass Trading Company, and the iconic Alligator & Wildlife Discover Center.
Sonny Flynn, co-owner of The Alligator & Wildlife Discover Center, took to social media to share the heartbreaking news that “nearly all the animals are gone” shortly after the blaze erupted. In a later update, she revealed that almost 100 animals had managed to survive the fire, while tragically, around 30 animals, mostly mammals, perished in the incident. Many surviving animals were swiftly transported to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where they could receive the care they needed.
While the exact origin of the fire remains unknown, the collaborative efforts of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Madeira Beach Fire & Rescue, and the State Fire Marshal aim to shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragic blaze.
On Friday, July 14th, a press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Detectives assigned to the Burglary/Pawn (Arson) Unit are investigating the fire and say the fire does not appear suspicious in nature.”
Meanwhile, multiple crews from Paul David Restoration are working tirelessly to remove water from the affected structure. Their efforts seek to mitigate further damage and preserve portions of the building and salvageable contents. The restoration process will be crucial in the community’s endeavors to rebuild and restore the John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk.
Despite the tremendous loss suffered by The Alligator & Wildlife Discover Center, Sonny Flynn remains resilient in the face of adversity. Flynn has expressed her determination to rebuild the center and continue providing a haven for wildlife education and conservation. A fundraising website has been established to support these efforts, welcoming donations from individuals and organizations alike. Those interested in contributing to the restoration of The Alligator & Wildlife Discover Center can visit the following two sites
As the community rallies together to support the affected businesses and their employees, the aftermath of this tragic incident serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Pinellas County and City of Madeira Beach.