Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, felt the heat April 11 when a one-bedroom cottage caught fire.
Fire trucks from West Manatee Fire Rescue Station 1 in Holmes Beach and Station 4 in Bradenton responded to the call at around 5 p.m. Longboat Key Fire Rescue also responded.
The fire at the bungalow, which backs up to Gulf Drive, caused firefighters to block traffic.
The fire was still under investigation by WMFR, however, owner Gayle Luper said it is believed to have occurred due to Florida Power and Light transformer failure during an electrical surge. According to Luper, the surge went through an outlet in the bedroom, causing a television to explode, catching a bed skirt and mattress on fire.
There were no injuries and only minor property damage reported, with most of the damage confined to the contents of the bungalow. The resort sustained no structural damage as a result of the fire.
— Kristin Swain