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UPDATE: Cleaning chemicals cause Planned Parenthood evacuation

After the Planned Parenthood facility on Central Avenue was locked down this morning, officials say workers should be able to return to the building this afternoon.


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  • | 10:49 a.m. May 23, 2016
  • Sarasota
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UPDATE: Spilled cleaning chemicals led to the evacuation of Planned Parenthood this morning, but Sarasota emergency service personnel say the hazmat situation in the Rosemary District is under control.

Eight of the 38 people inside the building at 736 Central Ave. reported respiratory ailments or shortness of breath, according to Sarasota County and the Sarasota Police Department. Seven of those individuals were transported for evaluation at Sarasota Memorial Hospital; the eighth declined treatment.

The hazmat workers also found powder baby formula in a stairwell in the building. They believe the powder was spilled during the evacuation.

Currently, the Planned Parenthood building is vacated, but authorities expect workers to return to the facility later this afternoon. The Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences was also on lockdown as officials investigated the scene, but all of the students and staff are safe, according to the police department.

Previously: Hazmat teams from Sarasota and Manatee counties have evacuated the Planned Parenthood at 736 Central Ave., and six victims are being treated due to exposure to an unknown chemical substance.

Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences has been locked down, but students are safe, according to a news release from Sarasota Police Department spokeswoman Genevieve Judge.

Hazmat personnel will decontaminate all of the 38 people who were present during the incident.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

 

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