On May 1 in Madeira Beach, a routine renovation turned into a high-stakes wildlife rescue when part of the gravel roof on the former Winn-Dixie caved in during its conversion to an Aldi. As the rooftop gave way, it left behind a gaping hole and a banded pair of American oystercatchers sitting tight on their nest, guarding tiny chicks. Audubon Florida monitors who patrol rooftop nesting sites first spotted at least two newly hatched chicks and later confirmed a third. Remarkably, no workers or bystanders were hurt when the roof failed.
Madeira Beach firefighters say the call came in just before 9 a.m., and roughly 15 workers inside the building were able to evacuate after noticing the roof start to sag, as reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay. The station reports the collapse left an estimated 100-by-40-foot hole and that a structural engineer was called in to inspect the damage. The city has since secured the property while inspectors determine whether construction can safely resume.
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