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Video Shows Pinellas Blast

Special to TBO.com from EAMONN KNEESHAW

Pinellas 911 lines received numerous reports of an explosion in Pinellas Park and deputies also reported hearing the blast.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 6, 2008

PINELLAS PARK - Investigators today released a video that shows the explosion of small-engine repair shop Rapid Roy's.

The blast, which scattered debris more than a quarter-mile, killed the shop's owner, 53-year-old Roy Hubert.

Hubert, who purchased the single-story shop about three years ago, was closing the business, said friend Earl Pruitt. Hubert had arranged to sell his tools for a fraction of what they were worth.

The surveillance video was recorded on at a Sam's Club store about three blocks from the site of the shop at 7698 Park Boulevard.

The investigation continues and detectives are still trying to determine the cause of the blast, Pinellas County sheriff's spokeswoman Cecilia Barreta said.

Rapid Roy's exploded just before midnight on April 26. The blast destroyed a neighboring home where a 90-year-old woman lived. At least six other buildings were damaged, authorities said.

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