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Clearwater Beach man charged after home burns
PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Clearwater Beach man is charged with first-degree arson after allegedly setting a fire that destroyed his home and the home of his neighbor.
Investigators say the fire allegedly set by 60-year-old Gerald Parks on Dec. 30 caused damage totaling a million dollars.
"I bought the home three years ago and have a million dollars invested in this home, and it was part of my retirement," said neighbor Mark Gerhart.
Parks was taken away from his home on a stretcher after he jumped from his second floor balcony to safety.
The Florida fire marshal says Parks used a flammable liquid with an open flame to set the fire. They didn't release a motive, but court records show Parks has had at least four DUI arrests and was on house arrest.
Parks is being held in the Pinellas County Jail without bond. Investigators say he could face more charges in the near future.
The fire marshal's office says it is still waiting on lab results to determine what exactly was used to start the fire.
Gerhart said he didn't want to talk about the arrest of his neighbor, but says the last couple of weeks have been emotional.
"Seeing your home up in flames, it's devastating," Gerhart said. "Basically you feel violated in your own home."
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