Package with Strange Odor Sends Two at Tax Collectors Office to Hospital

PALATKA, Fla. -- A "suspicious package" was discovered among the mail at the tax collector's office this afternoon around 3:30.

A woman who was handling incoming mail at the office on St. Johns Avenue in Palatka noticed a strange odor coming from a package.

Her eyes became irritated and started to itch, according to Palatka Police Department Assistant Chief, who called it a "suspicious package."

Another woman nearby experienced the same symptoms and both were rushed to the hospital. Griffith said the two appear to be recovering well and did not have further symptoms.

The package was taken by a HAZMAT team to a lab for testing. It is unclear when the results will be available, Griffith said.

©2010 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.