PLANT CITY, Fla. — The cause of a deadly grocery store fire in Dover remains under investigation as residents share their sadness over what happened.

What You Need To Know

  • Dover's Mexican Market burned down on Sunday, the cause of fire under investigation

  • Residents in Dover shared their thoughts about the business

  • One person died in the deadly fire on Sunday but has not been identified

  • PREVIOUS: One dead, firefighter hurt in Dover fire

One person was killed when the flames broke out at the Mexican market shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday.

Detectives have not released the name of the victim. Customers and neighboring businesses on Tuesday spoke about the impact this store had on the community.

It was a much different feeling for Irma Garcia Hernandez as she set up her station.

She has lived in the Plant City area for nine years, but knows the Dover community like the back of her hand.

“We work really close to the place that was impacted, and so to see that, it’s devastating,” she said. “It’s a very popular spot where everyone shops.”

Hernandez works at the store next door, called “Elite Barber Shop and Salon.”

The Mexican Market is now a pile of rubble. According to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, it received calls Sunday afternoon about fire and smoke in the store on Sydney Road.

“The saddest part is hearing that someone lost their life, because we all come here to work and look for a better life for our families, and this is all just really sad,” Hernandez said.

Residents say the Mexican Market was a spot where many farm workers stopped to grab a bite before heading back to work.

For others, like J. Rosario Mata Zapata, it was a staple in the community.

“This shop has been here for a long time, and ever since I lived in this area, I would stop by here and meet new people here,” Zapata said. “And they were really kind.”

He says seeing the damage that happened is devastating and that it’s going to take community support to get through it.

“I only know that one person died, but I didn’t know him, but it makes me feel really sad to know this happened,” he said.

The owners of the market did not want to go on camera, but did say they ask for the community’s prayers as they lend a hand to the family of the victim.