Fumes closed St. Pete airport checkpoint

CLEARWATER - A security checkpoint at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport was closed for about an hour Sunday as emergency officials investigated reports of something in the air causing people to choke and cough severely.

Pinellas County deputies, Largo Fire Department's hazardous material team and Pinellas Park firefighters responded to the airport after receiving a call from Transportation Security Administration Agents around 4:15 p.m.

About 50 people were exposed to the airborne irritant, but no one was hurt, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies said they checked the area, but were unable to determine the source of the problem.

The security checkpoint was reopened shortly before 5:30 p.m.