PALMETTO BAY, Fla. – A fire erupted Monday night at a popular seafood restaurant in Palmetto Bay.
A viewer sent Local 10 News video showing flames billowing from the tiki roof at the Golden Rule Seafood restaurant on South Dixie Highway and East Evergreen Street.
Another viewer sent in video from a Fourth of July celebration nearby.
We’re told the fire happened just before 10 p.m.
A photo taken at the scene shows an orange blaze burning from afar as dark smoke billowed into the air.
There’s no word yet on what caused the fire, however a firefighter told Local 10 News reporter Parker Branton that it’s possible fireworks could be to blame because the tiki area was so dry and easy to ignite.
Leftover fireworks were spotted just a few steps away from where the fire ignited.
The outside of the restaurant, where most people would dine, was left charred.
The fish market is still up and running and the inside seating area of the restaurant has been re-opened so that it can continue serving customers.
“Since COVID, that’s 100 percent of our seating of our restaurant,” Courtney Reeder, of Golden Rule Seafood and Market, said. “We are blessed the inside is fully functional and we are open for business.”
Miami-Dade firefighters came back out Tuesday morning to spray water on some smoldering spots.
Longtime customers like Katherine Zumbrum said they are sad to see the damage done.
“It’s sad because this is a decent place for food,” she said.
No injuries were reported.