USF Laboratory Building Faces Potential Total Loss Following Major Fire Incident, Says University President

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A devastating fire erupted at the University of South Florida’s Marine Science Laboratory in St. Petersburg on Saturday evening, potentially leaving the facility as a “total loss,” according to University President Moez Limayem.

In a statement released on Sunday, Limayem expressed that while a thorough assessment is still pending, initial evaluations suggest the building might be beyond recovery. “Our recovery teams are coordinating with the College of Marine Science to prioritize the salvage of crucial research materials and equipment once the building is deemed safe,” Limayem said.

The blaze, classified as a two-alarm fire, ignited around 6:30 p.m. on May 2, as reported by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. Thankfully, the structure was evacuated promptly, and no injuries have been reported.