PUNTA GORDA, Fla. ( WWSB ) – A fire late Sept. 19 in Punta Gorda is being investigated as both arson and a possible hate crime, according to the Punta Gorda Police Department.

Police and emergency responders with the City of Punta Gorda Fire Department were called Friday to a commercial building on W. Henry Street, where a synagogue was on fire. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze, officials said.

Sheriff’s office investigates death after a man was found off Siesta Key Beach

No injuries have been reported.

“We are investigating the fire as both an arson and a hate crime,” Punta Gorda police said in a statement. “We have allotted extra resources to be in the area to help protect our Punta Gorda Jewish community.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Pun

See Full Page