Raging fire in outdoor seating area of popular Palmetto Bay restaurant
MIAMI - A raging fire heavily damaged an outdoor seating area of a popular Palmetto Bay restaurant.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Monday night they received word of the fire at Golden Rule Seafood Market and Restaurant at SW 175th Street and S. Dixie Hwy.
Owner Courtney Reeder said, "We have been at Golden Rule since 1943, we have had challenges we have overcome in the past."
The blaze wiped out their specular outdoor chickee hut dining area.
The massive chickee hut is now a burned out shell. Miami-Dade firefighters were back on the scene to snuff out hot spots. Remnants of fireworks in the parking lot might be a clue to a cause, investigators will sort that out. Meanwhile as destructive as the flames were, they served as a beacon that rallied a community.
"We heard about it last night in the middle of all the fireworks, 4th of July celebrations," said Reeder.
The business was closed for the July 4th Holiday.
Firefighters attacked the flames and kept them from spreading to the restaurant and market which were not damaged.
One firefighter was injured but was not taken to the hospital.
Tuesday the restaurant and market were back open for business.
"It's incredible, the overpouring of people's support and love has been very overwhelming. I know my family, our staff, the amount of phone calls, and messages we've received, customers and family and friends that showed up last night and this morning. Almost our whole entire staff showed up last night once they were hearing on social media what happened. So we're very blessed to be so supported," said Reeder.
Golden Rule is a true local area meeting and eating institution located at 17505 S Dixie Highway.
Katherine Zumbrum drove in from The Redland to buy fish on Tuesday without a problem.
Zumbrum said, "They do have excellent service here. I have bought fish here for years."
"We had people since early this morning cleaning, working on resetting up our original dining room and yes you can tell we have our first customers of the day already, so we are open, taking a little step back and moving forward."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.