School Avenue fire sparks arson investigation

The State Fire Marshall is investigating two suspicious fires that engulfed part of the old YMCA building on School Avenue and a nearby shed, according to an incident report provided by the Sarasota Police Department.

The Sarasota County Fire Department and SPD responded to a structure fire at 41 N. School Ave. and 2195 First Street after 11:40 a.m. Tuesday. The Fire Department battalion chief at the scene determined the two fires were independent of each other, while State Fire Marshall Det. Randy St. Clair found two ignition points at the School Avenue site.

Witnesses Thomas Kench and Jane Driskell reported seeing two youths riding bicycles near the site before noticing the flames. Steve Band, the property's manager, told officers he would like extra patrols around the area east of downtown to combat transient activity.

Largo-based developer Icon Residential has plans for two residential projects in the area. Located at 2150 First St. and 41 School Ave., the two developments would replace several vacant structures with a total of 75 townhomes.