AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Auburndale Police Department (APD) said the area surrounding a situation involving a contained suspicious device is now safe and reopened.
APD said officers worked with members of Tampa police's bomb squad in order to safely dispose of a WWI-era grenade.
A diagnostic evaluation concluded the device was in "poor condition," so the response team took possession of the grenade from its owner.
Earlier on Feb. 12, police recommended residents and businesses within the highlighted green area of Union Street, Ariana Avenue, Bobby Green Plaza, Main Street and Bridgers Avenue to voluntarily evacuate.
APD said there was a high law enforcement presence in the area and asked the public to avoid the area and not interfere with ongoing operations.
Police said the evacuation was voluntary but highly recommended and asked residents to avoid calling into the police department about the situation to avoid backing up the emergency lines.
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