11/21/2019

Photo Above: Arson K-9 Ginger on-site with handler assisting in the fire investigation

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 21, 2019 Contact: Katie Strickland, 850.413.2842, katie.strickland@myfloridacfo.com Devin Galetta, 850.413.2842, devin.galetta@myfloridacfo.com

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis’ Fire Detectives Respond to Art Gallery Fire in Panama City

Respond to Art Gallery Fire in Panama City PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced today that his Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations (BFAEI) are on the scene to assist with a recent fire incident at the Paul Brent Art Gallery located 413 West 5th Street in downtown Panama City.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “This morning, my fire detectives responded to a tragic fire incident at the Paul Brent Art gallery in my hometown of Panama City. While preliminary investigations reveal the building may be a total loss, thankfully no one was injured during the fire and none of the art work was inside the building as it was being remodeled following damage sustained during Hurricane Michael. My fire detectives remain on scene now to assist the Panama City Fire Department and determine the cause of the fire with the help of our highly-trained K-9, Ginger.”

This fire investigation remains open and ongoing and updates will be forthcoming as the investigation continues. Please email communications@myfloridacfo.com for more information.

### About CFO Jimmy Patronis Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).