By Cindy Peterson
Gas Leak Prompts Evacuations, Road Closures in Eustis Neighborhood
A natural gas leak caused by construction work prompted evacuations and temporary road closures in a Eustis neighborhood Tuesday before crews brought the leak under control and completed repairs.
The leak happened in the area of Key Ave. and South Center Street after a third-party contractor damaged a TECO Peoples Gas line while working on fiber internet construction.
Eustis Fire Department officials said residents in the area were evacuated as crews responded. Portions of Key Ave. were closed, and the intersection of Key Ave. and South Center Street was intermittently closed while repair work continued.
The incident happened less than a half-mile from the site of a deadly gas explosion in December that killed business owner Wendy Davis.
The gas leak was later brought under control, and repair crews remained in the area throughout the day.
“The quick response from our department and cooperation from the public allowed this leak to be navigated safely,” Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Kelleher said in a released statement. “We are thankful for the timely coordination with other City departments to resolve the matter.”
The Eustis Fire Department later issued a final update saying the repair work had been completed.
Anyone who smells natural gas or suspects a gas leak should call 911.
Cindy serves as Executive Editor of Style Magazine and is a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography and video editing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine’s Sports Hub Podcast and Style Podcast. Cindy also serves as a producer for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy enjoys traveling to national parks with her husband, Ryan, and son, David, while photographing wildlife — especially squirrels.
