PINELLAS COUNTY CRASH ♦ UTILITY TRUCK LOST CONTROL RUNS INTO ST. PETE BEACH STOREFRONT

PINELLAS COUNTY — A Pinellas County utilities truck crashed into a Christmas supply store Monday, slightly injuring the driver and putting the one-story building in danger of collapse, authorities said. It happened at 3:26 p.m. at Blind Pass Road and 75th Avenue, when the white truck went through the plate glass window of K. Kringles Christmas Shoppe, a holiday-themed store that sells ornaments and collectibles, officials said.

The driver of the truck, who was not identified, was treated at the scene by St. Pete Beach Fire Department paramedics, but was not seriously injured, said Fire Marshal Ernie Hand. He was cited for careless driving and released, said Sgt. Bruce Centofanti of the St. Pete Beach Police.

There were several people in the store at the time, but they escaped serious injury, officials said. Hand surveyed the building and ordered it shored up by a contractor to prevent collapse.

Source – TampaBay.com