Authorities looking for serial arsonist

PENSACOLA, Fla (WALA) - Authorities in Santa Rosa County are still searching for a suspected serial arsonist who has been setting brush fires for months.

Recently, a dentist's office was the target. A lot of damage was done when the fire ripped through the back door at Tiger Point Family Dentistry in Gulf Breeze.

Authorities are saying it’s one of more than 70 arson fires set throughout Gulf Breeze since August. They said the suspected serial arsonist is still on the loose.

Dentist Jim Pewitt has operated at his current location for more than 20 years. He said this isn’t the first time they’ve dealt with arson.

“Probably three months ago, we had a fire in an empty lot. The fire chief came up to us and said they had a lot of arson fires in the area, and that’s what they suspected this was,” said Pewitt.

Authorities said the suspect collected pine straw from the landscape around the building, then went to the back door, put the straw by the door and lit it on fire.

Most of the arsonist’s suspected crimes have been small brush fires. Fourteen fires have occurred along Gulf Breeze Parkway, with eight on Hickory Shores Road and five on Mohawk Trail.

The Tiger Point Family Dentistry is the first building to be set on fire.

“We’re a little concerned about this. I don’t know if we’re a target now, or if he’ll come back. The fire chief said he doesn’t think so, but this guy has set so many fires, it’s hard to tell where he’ll be,” Pewitt said.

Authorities are doing their best to catch the suspect before any more fires are set.

Pewitt said they intend to take extra security precautions.

If you have any information on the crimes, contact the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office or the Florida State Fire Marshal.