An intentionally set fire damaged a prayer hall at a Tampa-area mosque early Friday, investigators said.
The arson occurred at the Islamic Society of New Tampa, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said in a news release.
Fire investigators responded at around 2 a.m. After gathering evidence, they determined the fire was intentionally set. No one kralbet was at the mosque when the fire started.
"It is worrisome that our community has fallen victim of what appears to be another hate crime," said Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Florida.
An alarm company notified a mosque board member early Friday, and he found first responders there when he arrived, CAIR said.
Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives also responded, the group said. The ATF didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
CAIR said the fire started at a door to the prayer hall. There was damage to the door and carpet inside from sprinkler water and smoke.
Authorities said there were holes found in the door, but determined they were not made by bullets, as some had initially feared.
Morning prayers were moved to another building. Afternoon prayers may be cancelled due to the damage to the hall, local news media reported.
Adam DuCharme from Carmel Kitchen and Laura Richeson join us on Orlando News Now to talk about the Downtown Food and Wine Fest happening this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26. For more information go to DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.
Adam DuCharme from Carmel Kitchen and Laura Richeson join us on Orlando News Now to talk about the Downtown Food and Wine Fest happening this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26. For more information go to DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.
Adam DuCharme from Carmel Kitchen and Laura Richeson join us on Orlando News Now to talk about the Downtown Food and Wine Fest happening this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26. For more information go to DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.
Adam DuCharme from Carmel Kitchen and Laura Richeson join us on Orlando News Now to talk about the Downtown Food and Wine Fest happening this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26. For more information go to DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.
Sabrina Sieck from Ripley's, and Ted Campbell the sword swallower join us on Orlando News Now. The event takes place Saturday at Orlando Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and is FREE. For more information go (ripleys.com/orlando/)
Sabrina Sieck from Ripley's, and Ted Campbell the sword swallower join us on Orlando News Now. The event takes place Saturday at Orlando Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and is FREE. For more information go (ripleys.com/orlando/)
A look at the raging debate over whether grocery stores should be able to sell liquor.
A look at the raging debate over whether grocery stores should be able to sell liquor.
As SunRail officials struggle with uncertainties over when to apply for an essential and already delayed federal grant or when the southern expansion into Osceola County will be complete, one matter is abundantly clear but not talked about much: the cost of collecting fares from riders – arising from ticketing machines, armored cars, staff and other expenses – is greater than the revenue brought in by fares.
As SunRail officials struggle with uncertainties over when to apply for an essential and already delayed federal grant or when the southern expansion into Osceola County will be complete, one matter is abundantly clear but not talked about much: the cost of collecting fares from riders – arising from ticketing machines, armored cars, staff and other expenses – is greater than the revenue brought in by fares.
Despite an improving economy and a considerable drop in the unemployment rate, more than 360,000 Central Florida households still live one paycheck away from financial freefall, a rate that has remained almost unchanged since 2014, a new report shows.
Despite an improving economy and a considerable drop in the unemployment rate, more than 360,000 Central Florida households still live one paycheck away from financial freefall, a rate that has remained almost unchanged since 2014, a new report shows.
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