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Karate school willberebuilt, founder says
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Published: August 17, 2009
A fire early Sunday seriously damaged a nearly 30-year-old karate school in Largo, but founder Ric Martin said he plans to rebuild and be back in business soon.
"I built this karate school with my hands," Martin said.
"It's a sad day, but people are stronger than buildings, and we've got a great group of people that are part of this organization. ... We'll be back teaching martial arts for many, many years to come."
Largo Fire Rescue responded to a three-alarm fire at 1:12 a.m. at Authentic Martial Arts, 780 N. Missouri Ave. The fire started when an electric current from the school's neon sign jumped to a metal construction plate inside the wooden building and started a fire that spread through the attic, Martin said.
Martin said he didn't know the full amount of the damage but that it is extensive.
Authentic Martial Arts has a second location in Seminole.
A staff report
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