Osprey nest goes up in flames

An osprey nest atop a utility pole near Cedar Cove Resort, 2710 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, burns May 31 after a transformer on the pole discharged arcs of electricity, according to West Manatee Fire Rescue training chief Mark Tuttle. Tuttle — on a delivery to Fire Station No. 3 in Holmes Beach — saw the arc and called dispatch. Florida Power & Light deenergized the pole and WMFR extinguished the fire. Eric Cairns, owner of Cedar Cove, said resort staff nicknamed the nest’s ospreys “Ozzie and Harriet” and neither bird — nor their three fledglings — were present for the fire. Islander Photo: Courtesy Adrienne Cairns/Cedar Cove Resort