JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville's Venetia Elementary School reopened Tuesday, more than three weeks after a fire broke out in the cafeteria and filled the building with smoke.
But while students returned to school, the cafeteria and kitchen will remain closed for three months while crews complete renovations, a Duval County Public Schools spokeswoman said.
School lunches will be made offsite and delivered every day, and students will dine in their classrooms until the cafeteria is back open, Laureen Ricks said.
The school on Timuquana Road off Roosevelt Boulevard has been closed since before winter break. School district officials said the fire started on a stage overnight Dec. 15, but firefighters contained the flames to the cafeteria.
While crews were able to keep the flames in check, the fire resulted in smoke and water damage. Assistant Superintendent Don Nelson said it appears the fire was sparked by a leaf blower that shorted out while it was charging inside.
"The flames were intense, but because of the curtains that are designed as a fire retardant, they did hold the fire to this location and it didn't spread beyond this area," Nelson said as he gave a News4Jax crew a tour of the school.
The cafeteria was gutted. Pipes and the fire system have already been replaced, and the remaining debris -- wiring, insulation and charred debris -- has been thrown out.
District officials anticipate the construction to cost anywhere from $500,000 to $750,000. But when the renovation is complete, the cafeteria will be fitted with a few upgraded features, including a lower ceiling to reduce noise and a new air conditioning unit.
"When it's all done, they're going to have a cafeteria and a stage that is equal t oa new school because it will be totally renovated and new," Nelson said.