A prominent local chef and his family lost their home and all of their belongings this week after a lightning strike sparked a devastating house fire — but the Fernandina Beach community has quickly mobilized at their side.
Brett Heritage, executive chef at Lagniappe, one of the area’s most acclaimed restaurants, and his wife Lauren, office manager at Summer House Realty, are now picking up the charred pieces after the Tuesday blaze on Amelia Island.
A GoFundMe rapidly amassed nearly $20,000 in less than a day after the fire.
“Please consider giving what you can to help get this beloved family back on its feet,” the campaign wrote.
The posting noted that the displaced Heritages are without any school clothes or supplies just days before the start of the academic year.
A bona fide local, Brett graduated from Fernandina Beach High School before learning his craft at the culinary school at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
He has worked at a number of blue-chip local eateries, including 29 South, Osprey Village, and the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
First Coast gastronomes flock to Lagniappe, a high-end Southern fusion restaurant known for its upscale atmosphere and inventive, locally inspired dishes.
“Thankfully, the Heritage family is safe, but their home and belongings were destroyed,” read a Facebook post from Lagniappe. “As they begin the overwhelming process of rebuilding, we’re asking our community to come together and show them the same kindness and generosity they’ve always shared with others.”
Those wishing to chip in can do so here.
