Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Bats close Social Security Administration office

Bats close gov't office
June 27, 2008 St. Augustine Record
By CHAD SMITH
http://staugustine.com/stories/062708/news_062708_070.shtml

An infestation of bats has kept the Social Security office on U.S. 1 South closed for the past two weeks.

Patti Patterson, an Atlanta-based spokeswoman for the agency, said she didn't know how many bats there were or how they got there -- only that their excrement posed a health issue.

"It's a health and safety issue for not only our employees but also for the people who visit us," she said.

She did not know how long the office would be closed.

"I know we've been working with the landlord and some people to address this and remove them and do the proper cleanup," she said.

Employees are commuting to offices in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach and Palatka while the office is closed.

The office supervisor declined to comment Thursday, and a security guard was posted outside to turn away customers.

Patterson said people with Social Security concerns may call 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

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