UPDATE: Red Bar owners vow to rebuild
UPDATE: 4:38
During a meeting with Walton County staff, Red Bar co-owner Oliver “Oli” Petit made the following statement:
“On behalf of my family and the staff of The Red Bar, I want to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of support that we have already received. It means a lot to me that we live in a county where our leaders recognize the importance of our shared history, and the efforts so many of us make to shape our community in a positive and unique way.
“I want to tell our patrons and my staff that we will be back, and we will rebuild to the exact previous specifications – maybe with a better bathroom. Life goes on.”
Walton County District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson also provided the following statement about the fire:
“In light of this tragedy, my thoughts go out to the Petit family, as well as the employees of the Red Bar, many of whom have become close friends over the years. I remember when the Red Bar first opened, and like many long-time locals I’ve been a loyal patron ever since – it’s a place where many memories are made, friendships formed, and of course, good meals enjoyed. It’s the reason many people discovered Grayton Beach, and as such I consider it to be a true Walton County landmark.
"In the midst of the sadness of its destruction today in a fire, I am committed to doing everything I can as a County Commissioner to see the Red Bar rebuilt and restored. Walton County is made better by our truly authentic places and businesses, and the recognition of such led to language being adopted into the county regulations in 2011 to ensure the protection of the right of these types of historic establishments to rebuild in the event of this type of tragedy.
"My office is already busy working with other county staff to help make sure the path is open to the Petit family to restore The Red Bar, and ensure that current residents, visitors and future generations have the chance to make memories like the ones that so many of us cherish.”
UPDATE: 10:28
The South Walton Fire District crew continues to fight hidden flames under the rubble that was once the Red Bar in Grayton Beach.
Sammy Sanchez, fire marshal for the district, said firefighters were called out to Hotz Drive at approximately 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. When crews arrived, they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the Red Bar & Picolo's Restaurant.
Sanchez said the fire was mostly contained to the bar, apart from some exterior damage to surrounding residential homes.
The State Fire Marshal was requested to conduct and investigation into the cause of the fire.
There was no one in the bar during the fire, Sanchez said. No injuries were reported.
UPDATE: 8:45 a.m.
South Walton Fire District crews were able to contain the fire to the Red Bar and keep it from severely damaging the adjacent structures. Crews battled strong winds which made it difficult to fight, according to the district.
"Unfortunately the Red Bar sustained heavy fire damage and is now a total loss. No injuries were reported," the district said.
Please avoid the area. The SWFD Fire Marshal and the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office will conduct an investigation once the scene is secured.
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South Walton Fire District crews are fighting a blaze at the Red Bar as of about 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to a post on the district's Facebook page.
People are advised to avoid the area if possible and traffic is limited to emergency crews, the post said.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office said Hotz Avenue between Garfield Street and DeFuniak Street is shut down as firefighters continue to work.
More info will follow as it becomes available. The fire marshal has been notified for an investigation.
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