COCOA BEACH, Florida – Investigators have been unable to determine how a beachfront mansion named Pumpkin Center, that was previously owned by USA TODAY and FLORIDA TODAY founder Al Neuharth, caught fire and burned to the ground on March 15 in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
The cause of the residential building fire at 333 South Atlantic Avenue was ruled undetermined after a thorough investigation by the Cocoa Beach Fire Marshal, the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Cocoa Beach Police Department, and Orlando Fire Department Arson and Bomb Unit.
According to a press release, the “disposition is dependent on multiple factors which failed to identify a clear and concise origin and cause of the fire and allows the investigation to be reopened at any time should additional information or evidence become available to the Fire Marshal’s Office. “
An investigation by the property insurance company as to the cause, origin, and contributing factors is still ongoing independently of the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Neuharth passed away in April 2013 and the estate was later sold to a new owner for over $4 million.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Cocoa Beach Fire Department at (321)868-3330 or fire@cityofcocoabeach.com
