Hampton Inn And Suites Clearwater Ulmerton Road
Clearwater, FL – Guests were abruptly evacuated from the Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Ulmerton Road this morning following the discovery of a potentially hazardous substance. Authorities are currently on the scene investigating the situation, and the hotel remains closed indefinitely.
The incident, which began around 8:00 AM EST, has triggered a large-scale response from local fire departments, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams, and the Clearwater Police Department. The immediate priority is ensuring the safety of the public and determining the nature of the substance.
Evacuation and Initial Response
Guests and staff were alerted to evacuate after a hotel employee discovered an unidentified substance in a service area. Emergency services were immediately notified.
Clearwater Fire Rescue arrived swiftly and began assessing the situation, establishing a safety perimeter around the hotel. The evacuation was conducted in an orderly manner, with hotel staff assisting guests in reaching designated safe zones away from the building.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
HAZMAT Investigation
HAZMAT teams are currently working to identify the substance and determine the level of risk it poses. Specialized equipment is being used to analyze the air quality and collect samples for further testing.
The investigation is focused on a specific area within the hotel, minimizing disruption to surrounding businesses and residential areas. Authorities have not yet released any details about the substance, pending a complete analysis.
Clearwater Police are assisting with traffic control and maintaining security around the site.
Hotel Closure and Guest Relocation
The Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Ulmerton Road is closed until further notice. Hotel management is working to relocate guests to nearby accommodations.
Hilton, the parent company of Hampton Inn, has released a statement expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of their guests. They are cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation.
Guests seeking information about their reservations or relocation assistance are advised to contact the hotel directly or call the Hilton customer service line.
"The safety and well-being of our guests is our utmost priority," a Hilton spokesperson stated.
Community Impact
The closure of the hotel has caused some disruption to local traffic on Ulmerton Road. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area if possible.
Nearby businesses have not been directly affected by the incident, but they are monitoring the situation closely. The Clearwater Chamber of Commerce is in contact with local businesses to provide support and information.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance in handling potentially hazardous situations.
Investigation Details and Timeline
The precise timeline for the investigation and reopening of the hotel remains uncertain. Authorities have stated that they will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
The Clearwater Police Department is coordinating with federal agencies to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation. The focus remains on identifying the substance, determining its origin, and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Regular press briefings are expected to be held throughout the day to keep the public informed.
Ongoing Developments
As of this update, the investigation is still ongoing. The HAZMAT team is expected to remain on site for several more hours.
The Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Ulmerton Road will remain closed until authorities deem it safe to reopen. Guests with upcoming reservations should contact the hotel or Hilton customer service for assistance with rebooking.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Stay tuned to local news outlets and official channels for the latest information.
