Crime & Safety
9 Acres Burned At FL State Park After Lightning Strike: Report
A lightning strike caused a nine-acre brush fire at an Osprey preserve Tuesday afternoon, reports said.
OSPREY, FL — A lightning strike started a large brush fire Tuesday afternoon at the Scherer Thaxton Preserve, which is next to the Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, WTSP reported.
Nine acres burned during the blaze, which was contained that evening by fire crews.
The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department is watching over the site in case the fire flares up again. Drivers on State Road 681 are asked to take caution when driving through the area because of smoky conditions.
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This park is 287 acres of pine flatwoods and depressional wetlands, according to the Sarasota County website. A marked fitness trail surrounds the lake and primitive hiking trails link to Oscar Scherer State Park and The Legacy Trail.
The preserve was closed at the time of the fire for park improvements. Work includes the addition of a restroom, fishing pier, pavilion, expanded parking, pedestrian circulation upgrades and accessibility improvements.
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Construction began at the preserve in March and it will remain closed through September.
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