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New Port Richey Farmers Market Fire Deemed Arson

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By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 8, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - The fire that tore through the Massachusetts Avenue Farmers Market early Thursday morning was arson, Mike Ciccarello, Pasco Fire Rescue acting assistant chief, said today.

He declined to reveal exactly where or how the fire was started, saying that it's still part of the investigation. But there could be a $2,500 reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved, Ciccarello said.

Anyone with information may call the Arson Hotline at 1-877-662-7766 or Pasco fire investigator Steve Smith at (813) 929-1250.

The news about the fire being deemed arson didn't come as a surprise to business owner Rose Mohr, whose shop has seen two burglaries and a small fire in recent weeks.

"I had no doubt in my mind that it was intentional from everything that had been happening," she said today.

Still, she said, she doesn't know who could have set her business ablaze.

"Nobody really comes to mind," she said.

The building also was the site for her partner's business, Grandpa's Tree and Landscape. Owner Jerry Kuss lost countless tools in his shop attached to the produce store. He is determined to keep afloat despite the loss.

As for Mohr, the fact her business was a target hasn't shaken her determination to serve her customers.

Her business is already back up and running in front of the burned-out building near Madison Street at 5945 Massachusetts Ave. A renovated wooden cart serves as the main shop while more produce is set up on shelves in the parking lot. She brought some umbrellas and tables from her home to spruce up the place.

But she had to put on hold plans to move the cart to Congress Street and Ridge Road for a second location that was set to open last week. She's scouting possible new locations for her main store but that doesn't mean she wants to relocate after building her business since its opening last August.

"I'd like to stay here because the people are great," Mohr said. "We have a good, steady business."

Her customers are so faithful, she said, that many have donated money to help her rebuild and have even offered to help with labor. It's touched her heart, she said.

To show her appreciation, she put up a new message on her marquee: "Open. Thanks for your help."

"We wanted to say 'support,' " instead of help, she said. "But we didn't have enough letters. They all burned up."

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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