Downtown Inverness ground to a halt yesterday afternoon when a major structure fire near the historic square forced deputies to shut down every road leading into the city center.
Firefighters with Citrus County Fire Rescue and the City of Inverness Fire Department converged on the blaze near Courthouse Square and North Apopka Avenue, working the scene as deputies set up roadblocks and pushed people back from the area. Authorities had not released any information yet on possible injuries or what started the fire.
According to Tampa Bay 28, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office said it shut down all roads directly into downtown while crews worked the scene of what was described as a major structure fire. The outlet labeled the situation a breaking story and reported that more details would follow as officials release them.
Where the fire is burning
The fire is burning at the intersection of Courthouse Square and North Apopka Avenue, the historic core of Inverness where the Valerie Theatre, small local shops and the Depot Pavilion cluster together. The Depot Pavilion at 300 N. Apopka Ave. is listed on the city's event calendar, per the City of Inverness, underscoring why authorities wasted no time locking down the immediate area while firefighters tried to get control of the flames.
Traffic and safety
Roadblocks are in place around downtown, and drivers are being funneled onto detours that are already causing heavy delays. Law enforcement is urging motorists to stay away from the square while emergency crews continue working the fire and clearing any hazards.
Tampa Bay 28 reports that the Sheriff's Office has asked the public to steer clear of downtown so firefighters can safely operate. This story will be updated as officials release more information.
