Elected officials toured the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus on May 4 to assess damage caused by a weekend fire at the Marine Science Laboratory building, which may have resulted in a total loss of the facility and critical research inside.
The incident is significant for both the university’s College of Marine Science and the broader maritime research community, as it disrupts ongoing academic work and could affect research continuity. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with lightning reported in the area at the time it began.
Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers was among those who visited the site alongside Mayor Ken Welch. “While the exact cause is not known as of yet, there are indicators of what caused the fire according to the Fire Chief. The buildings that were affected once served as housing barracks for the Coast Guard. Over the years, it became research quarters for USF. The fire not only destroyed the building, it destroyed critical research,” Flowers said on social media.
University President Moez Limayem confirmed that emergency crews responded late into Saturday night and no injuries were reported. Limayem said in a statement: “Our immediate focus is taking care of our people, and then on maintaining academic and research continuity. We are working to relocate any classes or exams scheduled to be held in the area.” He added: “For researchers, students and staff who used the MSL facility, we are evaluating our options to find alternative spaces… Additional updates will be shared directly with those who use the building and anyone else impacted as soon as we have more information to provide.” Limayem also acknowledged that finals week makes this “a challenging time” for students and staff.
St. Petersburg Chair Lisset Hanewicz highlighted firefighters’ efforts containing damage to one building but described seeing “how close some of those buildings” were together as shocking. Hanewicz said: “Imagine your home and everything you have in it, and all of a sudden a fire breaks out and that’s all gone in just a matter of hours… It’s all erased.” Representative Lindsay Cross thanked about 200 first responders for their quick response: “I want to first extend my gratitude to… around 200 men and women who were able to get this fire under control and prevent any loss of life or injury… I also want to express my sympathy to… faculty and staff who have had years or decades of their research or their lives work that has been burned or potentially impacted from this fire.” She noted efforts will continue toward understanding causes—likely lightning—and recovery resources.
Senator Darryl Rouson called attention not only to property loss but also its impact on marine science leadership at USF: “I am grateful that the building was safely evacuated … My thoughts are with … particularly given concern around potential loss of valuable research … I remain in close contact with university leadership … stand ready to support any efforts needed from Legislature.” Mayor Welch echoed gratitude toward first responders stating he is “grateful … kept our community safe,” while City Council member Brandi Gabbard recognized emergency services during what she described as “a heavy day.”
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