Ponte Vedra Beach residents are rallying to the aid of a 92-year-old homeowner who lost everything in a New Year’s Day blaze.
The victim was fortunate to be out of town when the flames tore through his residence, leaving little more than a charred husk.
“It took heroic efforts from St. Johns County and Jacksonville firefighters over three hours to finally extinguish the flames,” said Warren Shelor, organizer of a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised nearly $8,000 for the unnamed victim. “Now, our neighbor is left with nothing—his home, belongings, and precious memories all destroyed.”
The homeowner, Shelor wrote, is in dire need of assistance.
Video of the blaze from St. Johns County Fire Rescue showed the home fully engulfed upon their approach.
“While we are grateful that he is safe, he faces the overwhelming challenge of starting over,” Shelor wrote. “Our neighborhood is coming together to raise funds to help meet his immediate needs: clothes, food, temporary housing, and other essentials. Your donation—no matter the size—can make a profound difference in this man’s life as he begins the long road to recovery.”
