A popular Greek-owned nightclub in Tarpon Springs, Florida was destroyed by a fire on Wednesday
morning. Authorities are currently investigating the fire, which is believed to
be the result of arson.
Firefighters arrived at Zorbas
nightclub early in the morning of March 18 to find the building engulfed
in flames. Even though they were able to extinguish the fire, the
interior was completely destroyed. Thankfully, no one was harmed since the
nightclub was closed at the time.
The nightclub has been a part of
Tarpon Springs nightlife for many decades. It had also been torched in the
1980s when it was owned by George Patides’ parents. “It just reminds me of what
happened to my family in the early 1980s. That was preceded by threats of
violence, even with guns and bats. It was a horrible thing,” he said to 10
News.
Meanwhile the new owners, Telly and
Maria Fiouris believe that the fire was indeed a case of arson, since they have
received threats in the past by other local patrons.
Numerous people arrived at the scene
to witness the result of the fire for themselves. “Growing up in Tarpon Springs,
this place has been here forever,” said Chris Alahouzos, Tarpon Springs
resident.
Police are still investigating the
case, therefore no further information has been released.
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Τarpon Springs, Florida -- Investigators in Tarpon Springs are searching for an arsonist who torched Zorba's nightclub.
Crews
rushed to the burning building at 504 Athens Street around 12:30 a.m.
Wednesday. It's right down the street from the famous Sponge Docks.
The owners believe they were targeted. 10 News has uncovered this isn't the first time the club has gone up in flames. The son of the club's former owner knows what the new owners are going through.
The owners believe they were targeted. 10 News has uncovered this isn't the first time the club has gone up in flames. The son of the club's former owner knows what the new owners are going through.
"It's not my life, it
was my hobby," says Zorba's current owner Telly Fiouris. The Greek
nightclub that Fiouris loved and spent the past 3 years trying to get
off the ground is now gone. Investigators say intentionally set ablaze
by an arsonist.
It's
someone the owners believe wanted to burn them out of business. When
asked why he thinks people wouldn't want him in town, Fiouris says,
"Because I tried to clean up." Then his wife, Maria, stepped in and
asked to turn off the camera.
Telly and Maria Fiouris are upset.
They say they've had problems with patrons threatening them in the past
and feel like they have a bulls-eye on their businesses. The Fiouris
tell 10 News that recently vandals struck at a restaurant they're trying
to open a couple of miles away at 734 S. Pinellas, formerly the Katz
restaurant.
"How about someone kicking in the column on the new
restaurant? Does that say anything to anybody? Does that say anything,"
asks Maria Fiouris.
George Patides' parents owned Zorba's Lounge
three decades ago. The same building, same name, it too was set on fire
in the 1980s.
"It just reminds me of what happened to my family in
the early 1980s. That was preceded by threats of violence, even with
guns and bats. It was a horrible thing," says Patides. "It's your
blood, your sweat, your tears and to see it go up in smoke. It's a
difficult thing. Where are you going to make your money now for
tomorrow?"
Patides says that arsonist was caught, but fled the
country. His parents rebuilt and hope the Fiouris can also rise from
the ashes.
"I hope whoever did this to the good people that own
Zorba's now, the perpetrator gets caught and justice is served," says
Patides.
Telly Fiouris says, "I've been there before. I'll bounce back. I'm a fighter I'm not a quitter."
Police
tell 10 News that they're checking out those people these owners have
had problems with and say no one has been ruled in or out as a suspect
as investigators search for this arsonist.
Arson Suspected at Greek Nightclub Fire in Tarpon Springs
A popular Greek-owned nightclub in Tarpon Springs,
Florida was destroyed by a fire on Wednesday morning. Authorities are
currently investigating the fire, which is believed to be the result of
arson.The nightclub has been a part of Tarpon Springs nightlife for many decades. It had also been torched in the 1980s when it was owned by George Patides’ parents. “It just reminds me of what happened to my family in the early 1980s. That was preceded by threats of violence, even with guns and bats. It was a horrible thing,” he said to 10 News.
Meanwhile the new owners, Telly and Maria Fiouris believe that the fire was indeed a case of arson, since they have received threats in the past by other local patrons.
Numerous people arrived at the scene to witness the result of the fire for themselves. “Growing up in Tarpon Springs, this place has been here forever,” said Chris Alahouzos, Tarpon Springs resident.
Police are still investigating the case, therefore no further information has been released.
Arson Suspected at Greek Nightclub Fire in Tarpon Springs
A popular Greek-owned nightclub in Tarpon Springs,
Florida was destroyed by a fire on Wednesday morning. Authorities are
currently investigating the fire, which is believed to be the result of
arson.The nightclub has been a part of Tarpon Springs nightlife for many decades. It had also been torched in the 1980s when it was owned by George Patides’ parents. “It just reminds me of what happened to my family in the early 1980s. That was preceded by threats of violence, even with guns and bats. It was a horrible thing,” he said to 10 News.
Meanwhile the new owners, Telly and Maria Fiouris believe that the fire was indeed a case of arson, since they have received threats in the past by other local patrons.
Numerous people arrived at the scene to witness the result of the fire for themselves. “Growing up in Tarpon Springs, this place has been here forever,” said Chris Alahouzos, Tarpon Springs resident.
Police are still investigating the case, therefore no further information has been released.
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