Employees at the Bank of America on Gandy Boulevard are returning to work after a threatening letter and white powder mailed to the branch today led to a brief evacuation.
The powder, which came with the letter in an envelope, was determined to be not dangerous, Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Bill Wade said.
Sixteen people were exposed to the powder, but nobody was injured, he said.
The call from the building, at 4109 W. Gandy Blvd., came in to Tampa Fire Rescue about 1 p.m. today, Wade said.
About 500 people were evacuated but were able to return about an hour later.
Hazardous Materials units are trying to determine what was in the powder.
Wade said he is not privy to what the letter said.
Tampa police and the U.S. Postal Service are also investigating, he said.
Employees are gathering in the parking lot of the building, at 4109 W. Gandy Blvd. in South Tampa, just west of Dale Mabry Highway.
One westbound lane of Gandy is closed. Traffic is able to use the other westbound lane.
Stay with TBO.com for updates.
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