COCOA BEACH, Florida — A beachfront mansion named 'Pumpkin Center' that was previously owned by USA TODAY founder Al Neuharth burned to the ground overnight last night between 4th and 3rd Streets South in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
The blaze erupted just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday. When Cocoa Beach firefighters arrived at the scene, the 10,000 square foot home made mostly of wood was fully engulfed in flames.
Neuharth passed away in April 2013 and the estate was later sold to a new owner for over $4 million.
Northbound lanes on State Road A1A were closed overnight and into the morning so that the Cocoa Beach Fire Department crews could continue to hose down the smoldering remnants to prevent flare-ups.
