LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — “The Book Rescuers,” a beloved bookstore and community hub located on Ulmerton Road in Largo, is in the midst of repairing and stabilizing after an SUV barreled into the building on Independence Day.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a mishap occurred on Saturday at approximately 10 a.m. when a mother, with her daughter riding as a passenger, mistakenly hit the accelerator instead of the brake, leading to the accident. The 59-year-old driver from Seminole has been charged with careless or negligent driving.
“It was terrifying. I wasn’t sure what had unfolded, but thankfully everyone escaped unharmed. Now, it’s about moving forward and rebuilding,” expressed George Brooks, the store’s owner.
This business, known for giving new life to books and items often tossed aside, offers these goods at significantly reduced prices. The collision left behind broken windows, damaged walls, a struck antique piano, and countless ruined items.
“It’s gonna be expensive. I don’t know where we are at right now, but we are certainly working on getting back to normal,” Brooks said.
Despite the crash, The Book Rescuers is still open. They are grateful the crash wasn’t 6 inches further to the left, where the building could have been structurally damaged.