BROOKSVILLE- On Saturday January 23rd, 2016 Jane Arnold of Brooksville, was protected by God. An 80 foot tree which had stood next to her mobile home fell within 3 feet of her and within inches of her home.
Jane Arnold who is confined to a wheelchair and suffers from Cerebral Palsy was in the hallway when the tree came down. “I thank the Lord it didn’t come any closer because I would have been dead,” stated Ms. Arnold.
Her neighbor Russell Thomas, a freshman at Hernando High School immediately rushed to the scene when he heard the loud crash of the tree. He found Jane startled, but without injury.
The tree which fell was deflected by a limb of another tree close by, protecting the mobile home from being crushed.
Despite the avoidance of a direct hit, the mobile home did suffer damage. The falling tree left multiples holes in her roof; one at least 8 inches in diameter. Insulation covered her furniture. A beam separated from the ceiling, her walls were cracked and a window was broken. The repairs may exceed the value of the mobile home.
An inspector who came out to the property this week said there is structural damage, but she can stay in the house. Neighbors have helped put tarps on the roof.
At this point, she may need assistance in repairing or replacing her home. She states that she does not have homeowners insurance and is worried she will not be able to make the necessary repairs or afford a replacement. However she is extremely grateful to be alive.