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Hernando Today

Suspected Dynamite Found In Spring Hill Home

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: June 24, 2008

SPRING HILL - Six red sticks with the appearance of dynamite were discovered Sunday night in a Spring Hill home.

Ross MacKawgy discovered the two bundles of foot-long tubes in a box stowed in the garage as he cleaned out his deceased stepfather's house at 13523 Banner Road, a report states.

Before calling authorities about 6:15 p.m., MacKawgy gave the estate appraiser, Charlie Fudge, a look.

"It was the real deal, there's no doubt in my mind," he said Monday as he sorted through the late Harry Fish's belongings. The sticks had wires protruding from the ends, but nothing that looked like a detonator, he said.

Citrus County's bomb squad arrived to the narrow street about a mile south of Spring Hill Drive. Deputies blocked the streets and asked neighbors to evacuate, but everyone stayed put.

The house across the street from Fish, who went by "Bud," was hosting a party and the house was full with about 16 people, including children.

"We weren't that worried about it," said Larry Donovan, who was visiting his parents. "Bud was not some psycho out to hurt anyone."

Fish had prior military experience, according to a report, and Donovan said Fish spent time at a local VFW hall.

The bomb technicians used a robot to retrieve the bundle from the house and, later, blew up the evidence. They said the sticks appeared to be road flares, but they didn't make an official judgment.

No charges were filed.

The whole incident didn't faze Fudge, who has been in the estate liquidation and auctioning business for 35 years.

"It would have been a surprise for the average person," he said.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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