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<\/p>\nSOUTH TAMPA, Fla. – The Franklin family is starting from the ground up after their home was destroyed by fire.<\/p>\n
“Everything I ever owned was inside this house; family heirlooms, things that I can’t replace my grandfather’s motorcycle, things that are sentimental to me, sentimental to my girlfriend, my kids,” said Kevin Franklin.<\/p>\n
What we know:<\/p>\n
Franklin was out running an errand when the fire started. His neighbor called him to tell him what was happening.<\/p>\n
He said most of the things inside were replaceable, but his dog was not.<\/p>\n
“Material things can be replaced, but that dog was, was, you know, everything to us,” Franklin said. “She, unfortunately, she passed away. They said like smoke inhalation.”<\/p>\n
Firefighters were unable to save the dog in time.<\/p>\n
Tragedy strikes twice for Franklin family <\/p>\n
Just 13 months ago, Franklin went through another tragedy. His home flooded during hurricanes Helene and Milton.<\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
“Everybody here flooded pretty bad. You know, we all went through it,” Franklin said. “So, it’s just one thing after another. But I’m just keep my head up, staying strong.”<\/p>\n
The father and husband said it all started with his electricity.<\/p>\n
“The fire department said it was definitely something with the electric that caused the fire,” Franklin said.<\/p>\n
Community comes together for family <\/p>\n
Now he is doing what he can to rebuild for his family. He has two and six-year-old daughters.<\/p>\n
They need clothes, shoes and toys to try and bring some normalcy back to their lives.<\/p>\n
“You know that people love you, and you have a community that really looks out here in Tampa,” Franklin said. “Shout out to everybody who’s really helped and donated and just been there for us. It means a lot.”<\/p>\n
Franklin said his girlfriend just moved all her things in before the fire. They are staying in an Airbnb while they figure out next steps.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He owns Franklin Boxing Gym and said the community has rallied around him there.<\/p>\n
“Everybody at Franklin Boxing has been absolutely amazing,” Franklin said. “We have an amazing family there. Everybody’s really chipped in.”<\/p>\n
He said he will likely move to a new home rather than rebuilding here to get back to normal quicker.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information in this story comes from interviews done by Fox 13’s Danielle Zulkosky.<\/p>\n
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