Anthrax-Tainted Building Reopens in Florida

A Florida office building contaminated by the 2001 anthrax mail attacks reopened yesterday, but the owner has yet to find tenants, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Feb. 8).

The Boca Raton building was once home to American Media Inc., publisher of the National Enquirer and other publications, but was shuttered after anthrax-laden mail killed one staffer and sickened others.

At a ceremony yesterday, Boca Raton Mayor Steve Abrams said the reopening demonstrated American resolve.

“We will not be intimidated by terrorism in Boca Raton or anywhere else as Americans,” he said.

American Media sold the still-contaminated building to developer David Rustine in 2003 for $40,000.

He plans to house his own offices in the building and is seeking additional tenants, AP reported.

Rustine’s wife declared the building safe for her and her two poodles.

“I would invite my family here,” she said.  “I have my pets in here” (Associated Press/The Ledger, Feb. 22).

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