Popular Florida restaurant burns down on day it reopened after hurricane

CAPE CORAL, Fla. ( WFLA ) — A popular restaurant in Cape Coral, Florida, burned down on the same day it had reopened after Hurricane Milton.

The Boathouse Tiki Bar and Grill reopened on Thursday after the storm. That night, as employees were closing the restaurant, a fire broke out, according to the Cape Coral Fire Department.

Everyone got out safely, but the restaurant was destroyed, officials said, noting that the thatched roof, fully restocked alcohol, and wind made the fire a challenge.

Fire inspectors said the cause of the fire was undetermined, but they couldn’t rule out that it was electrical. Restaurant officials have not yet shared any information on the incident.

Much of Florida continues to dig out from back-to-back hurricanes. St. Pete Beach has called on residents to volunteer to help with clean-up efforts, while Tampa continues to provide resources and aid to residents still trying to bounce back from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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