A lightning strike ignited building fire on Holmes Beach

A lightning strike ignited a building on Holmes Beach Thursday morning, as reported by the West Manatee Fire Rescue District.

At approximately 10:18 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 5347 Gulf Drive, a location known for renting paddleboards and kayaks to both locals and tourists.

Nearby security cameras captured footage of the lightning strike, which quickly set the building ablaze.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames and safely evacuated the building, with no injuries reported.

“We’re grateful for the swift and professional response of our firefighters and partnering agencies,” stated Fire Chief Ben Rigney of West Manatee Fire Rescue.

Officials are currently investigating the fire to determine the extent of the damage and to establish a timeline for when the businesses can reopen.