Tampa police are investigating after the windows of two businesses in Seminole Heights were damaged in the early hours of Sunday, 1 November, with detectives examining whether the incidents were connected.
The first damage was reported at Hourglass Pilates on North Central Avenue, where owner Brittany discovered the shattered window after a client alerted her. She later reviewed surveillance footage and said the incident appeared to have taken place at about 2.30am.
Footage showed a vehicle approaching the studio before the glass broke. Brittany said the recording captured a sound resembling a gunshot, although police have not confirmed whether a firearm was used or what caused the window to shatter.
Tampa police said officers attended the 6100 block of North Central Avenue shortly after 8am. No one was inside the premises at the time and officers found no indication that anything had been disturbed inside, according to the department. ([tampabay28.com](https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-hillsborough/seminole-heights-business-owner-asks-for-help-after-storefront-window-shattered?utm_source=openai))
Brittany said the damage could have been more serious. She had planned to begin decorating for Christmas on Halloween night and would normally have placed a tree beside the window, but decided to postpone the work.
Second Seminole Heights business damaged
Officers also responded to McNatt’s Dry Cleaners on North Florida Avenue, a few blocks from the Pilates studio. The business was closed when the window was damaged.
By Sunday afternoon, the broken window had been covered with a tarp, while fragments of glass remained on the ground outside. Tampa police have not said whether the same person or vehicle was involved in both incidents.
Neighbours and customers helped secure the Pilates studio after the damage was discovered. One client’s husband swept up the broken glass and put up a tarp, while another person helped board the window with plywood.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed either incident or has relevant surveillance footage to contact the Tampa Police Department on 813-231-6130, quoting case number 26-641848. The investigation remains ongoing. ([tampabay28.com](https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-hillsborough/seminole-heights-business-owner-asks-for-help-after-storefront-window-shattered?utm_source=openai))
