{"id":142619,"date":"2026-02-03T23:34:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T23:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/142619\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T23:34:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T23:34:08","slug":"leon-county-couple-rebuilding-after-fire-claims-home-of-50-years-priceless-fsu-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/142619\/","title":{"rendered":"Leon County couple rebuilding after fire claims home of 50 years, priceless FSU collection"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Leon County couple who lost their home of fifty years to a devastating fire last week escaped seconds before it spread to their bedroom. <\/p>\n

Andrew Brown, a former Florida State University groundskeeper, and his wife, Gloria, have navigated life together for six decades. <\/p>\n

Andrew Brown said a fateful early morning trip to the bathroom alerted him to the danger. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe fire was coming out the top of the door and the bottom of the door. And it was just pouring out,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\"TheThe aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed Andrew and Gloria Brown’s home of 50 years. (Jacob Murphey\/WCTV)<\/p>\n

The fire started in a utility room, and their bedroom was just steps away. Gloria Brown said it was a harrowing experience, and they are lucky to be alive. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was terrible. I was so afraid. But I did the best that I could. My husband was hollering, get out, get out,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n

The couple was able to escape their home moments before the flames spread. They say it was divine intervention.<\/p>\n

\u201cLife means more than a house and anything else. And I know God is all in control,\u201d Gloria said. <\/p>\n

Brown\u2019s one-of-a-kind stash of garnet and gold, which he collected while working as a groundskeeper for thirty years, was lost in the fire. <\/p>\n

While working with the legendary Bobby Bowden, Brown received a treasure trove of \u2018Noles merchandise.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had everything you can wear,\u201d he said. \u201cI had down pajamas and everything else. Nearly all of it, including signed footballs and paintings, gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TheThe aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed Andrew and Gloria Brown’s home of 50 years. (Jacob Murphey\/WCTV)<\/p>\n

A hat and a jacket that was left in his truck are all that remains of is treasured collection.<\/p>\n

Now, the family is determined to start a new collection, and they\u2019re off to a good start thanks to kind donations from strangers <\/p>\n

Their rebuilding effort is being aided by a GoFundMe <\/a>that\u2019s raised more than $12,000 in just a week, and the family is welcoming more FSU-themed donations to make sure Andrew can get another man cave just for him. <\/p>\n

Anyone with FSU memorabilia willing to help the effort can reach out to the family by contacting Bria at 850-212-2422 or email at bria.edwards1222@gmail.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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