More of our Florida heritage up in smoke

I was sickened to learn of the destruction of the historic "Woodlea House" up in Tavares this weekend.

Apparently, two transient jackasses decided to set it on fire because they thought it was haunted.

Captain Melton Haynes (1827-1883) returned from serving in the Civil War to settle in the area, and built "Woodlea House" in 1871.

The City of Tavares had the historic structure moved in 2005 to save it from demolition, and locals were raising funds to have it properly restored before the tragic events of Sunday night.

The one piece of good news in this otherwise depressing tale is Police Chief Stoney Lubins succeeded in nabbing the culprits. But, that's only small consolation when such an important piece of our regional history has been lost.