Derek Harkins was surprised by a text Friday morning from one of his sons friends saying the tree was down. It was not just any tree, but a massive painted eucalyptus that crashed on to his roof in Sebastian.
“I was glad we weren’t in the house and my family was safe," said Harkins.
Harkins and his family rode out the storm last night in the Tradition neighborhood of Port St. Lucie where his in-laws never lost power. He returned to the shocking sight.
“Still taking it in but what can you do I got generator running and family is away except for older boys helping me out and thankful to God everybody's safe," said Harkins.
While it might seem to hard to believe, the roof may have survived the impact.
“I climbed a tree for first time in my life. Haven’t seen a puncture yet.”
Harkins lost a second tree on the side of the home but it pales in comparison to the one out front. That tree is now decorated with a plywood sign he had on his front door, hoping Matthew would stay away.