CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater residents had to flee their homes on Saturday after a lightning strike ignited a fire, city officials said.
Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department crews responded to the house fire at 5:45 a.m. at 1321 Murray Ave.
The preliminary investigation shows that a lightning strike to the rear deck of the property started the fire as storms rolled through the area.
The residents were able to escape the house before the arrival of firefighters, city officials said.
Clearwater firefighters kept the flames from spreading from the back part of the house, officials added.
No injuries were reported.
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
