Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Arson & Auto Theft Unit
- Robbery & Homicide Unit

Lealman Fire District

Medical Examiner’s Office

Anthony Sabino (Victim - Deceased)
DOB: 02/26/1951
Address: 7233 Parkside Villas North, unincorporated St. Petersburg

What:
Detectives assigned to the Arson & Auto Theft Unit and the Robbery & Homicide Unit are investigating a fire at a residence that resulted in a man’s death.

When:
The fire occurred at about 9:07 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2017.

Where:
The fire occurred at a residence located at 7233 Parkside Villas Drive North, unincorporated St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Arson & Auto Theft Unit and the Robbery & Homicide Unit are investigating a fire at a residence that resulted in a man’s death.

At about 9:07 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, deputies responded to a residence located at 7233 Parkside Villas Drive North, in unincorporated St. Petersburg, after neighbors reported hearing what they described as an explosion at the residence.

Detectives say the residence was on fire when deputies and fire rescue units from Lealman Fire District arrived on scene.

The fire department made entry into the home and found the victim, 66-year-old Anthony Sabino, unresponsive inside the residence. Sabino was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives say Sabino lived alone in the home. No one else was inside the residence at the time of the fire and no other injuries were reported.

Detectives learned that Sabino had sent text messages to a family member and made threats to hurt himself the day prior.

Detectives are working with the State Fire Marshall to determine the origin of the fire and the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of Sabino’s death.

The fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature. 

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.