Pumpkin Center mansion in Cocoa Beach destroyed in fire

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — A Cocoa Beach mansion was destroyed in a fire Tuesday night.

The fire at the Pumpkin Center mansion on South Atlantic Avenue near South 3rd Street started at about 7:30 p.m.

"It's the first piece of destruction I've ever seen in my life. It's definitely more real than what you see in the movies and everything," said witness Sebastian Hodge.

The state fire marshal told Eyewitness News the home appeared to be under renovation and the agency is looking into whether that could be tied to the massive fire.

The flames were so high, they soared above trees on the property and could be seen as far as Rockledge and Merritt Island.

“There was flames approximately 55-75 feet in the air, it was an immense fire. It’s 10,000 square-feet home, covered in wood inside,” said Cocoa Beach fire Chief Ryan Duckworth.

The oceanfront mansion was built in 1975 and is valued at $5 million.

The home was formerly owned by Lake Al Neuharth, who founded USA Today.

"It was a beautiful home. It's very sad. I can't imagine what started it," said Mingion Plummer, a neighbor.

The three story property had multiple kitchens, swimming pools and 11 bedrooms.

No one was injured.

Cox Media Group