Suspicious device found in Tampa nursing home 'authentic looking hoax'

The Tampa Police Department have confirmed that a suspicious device found in a Tampa nursing home was not a pipe bomb as first suspected but an "authentic looking hoax."

Police evacuated the first floor of the Bayshore Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center on West Gandy Blvd. about 10:45 a.m. Wednesday after a suspicious device was found. According to officials, about 50 residents were evacuated.

 Tamie Rodreguez was there for it all.

"We are just in shock," said Rodreguez. "We couldn't understand why someone would do that."

Officials said the maintenance manager found a suspicious package on his desk. The bomb squad evaluated it and determined it was an actual pipe bomb, made of three pipes strapped together.

But after looking at X-ray images, police said the device did not contain explosive materials.

Investigators have not said why the nursing home was targeted, and that no threats had been made toward the nursing home.

Amy Mcclure 's mother was inside at the time and had to be evacuated to a nearby by CVS store. She said her mother doesn't know what to think.

"She's very confused. Didn't know what the heck was going on," said Mcclure.

The evacuated residents were allowed to return to the building after the bomb team completed its sweep of the building shortly before noon.