A beloved Winter Haven Italian restaurant will be closed for some time after a fire broke out in the establishment Sunday morning.
According to the Winter Haven Fire Department, a 911 call came in just before 8:50 a.m. regarding a fire at Floridino’s Italian Kitchen, located at 1919 8th Street NW.
When firefighters arrived at the restaurant, heavy smoke was seen coming from the front of the building.
Once crews got inside the restaurant, the fire department said firefighters saw heavy smoke and fire within the kitchen area.
With the help of additional units from Polk County, Auburndale, and Lake Alfred, the fire was put out an hour and 20 minutes after the initial call.
A release from the fire department says it appears an employee at the business started the daily procedures for opening the restaurant when there was an incident involving hot oil.