Gulfport hardware store goes up in flames

GULFPORT, Gla. - Firefighters at the Gulfport Hardware Store were busy Thursday night putting out what Pinellas County Fire Rescue officials called a major fire.

Rescue crews say nobody was in the building, even though initial reports suggested someone was inside.  They later learned the business owner was not there when the fire started.

Crews reported loud explosions, likely from the paint in the hardware store at the small strip shopping center at 5006 Gulfport Blvd. S.

Nearby residents and businesses were evacuated as a precaution.