A gas leak near East Marion Avenue and US-41 in Punta Gorda impacted numerous businesses on St. Patrick’s Day.
According to the Punta Gorda Fire Department, the gas line stretches from Fishermen’s Village to the Celtic Ray Public House and is owned by Tampa Electric. It has been fixed east of US-41.
TECO gave Gulf Coast News the following statement:
“Crews will continue working into the night to restore as many customers as possible. Someone must be present to allow the crew member to enter the home or business as part of the restoration process. If no one from the premise is available, the crew member will leave instructions with next steps and how to contact us to arrange for a convenient time for the final restoration.”
The Punta Gorda fire marshal said that at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Tampa-based utility company was doing some underground pouring and struck a gas line. They were unable to shut down the gas line and stop the flow.
“It could be very dangerous. You know, without shutting the down, we have, the residents and traffic, passing natural gas. So it could be a lot worse than what it was,” said Punta Gorda Fire Marshal Taylor J. “TJ” Smith.
TECO crews worked from morning into the night Tuesday, completing repairs deep in the ground.
Bagpipes played at packed bars, while empty restaurants stood still as they were unable to serve food due to cooking appliances being shut down. Rylee Landers from The Village Brewhouse expressed disappointment, saying, “We were just hoping we could have been open today, but things happen.” Signs were posted at the Village Brewhouse, informing customers of the closure caused by the gas leak.
Austin Stolpe, kitchen manager at Celtic Ray Public House, said, “I was getting phone calls as early as six from the prep crew, letting us know that we do not have gas.” The massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Celtic Ray continued with the help of food trucks and stands running on propane tanks.
Ron Ciotti, owner of Ron’s Dog’s of Maine, commented on the situation, saying, “As a local business owner, it’s, you know, good to see other businesses making money and, you know, on such a big day of the year for them not to be able to do that. I’m sure it was, not a very good thing.”
At the Celtic Ray, the gas was restored a few hours later, allowing the block party filled with green and gold beer to continue. Patty remarked, “That doesn’t stop the Irish!” Eric Benson added, “I will be here. Gas line or not till closing. Absolutely.”
Despite the disruption, people in Punta Gorda reported having a fun and safe celebration.
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