Damaged trees were removed at no cost from a Seminole home after 73-year-old Bruce Levitt was killed while trying to clear branches from the property.
The Australian pines at 10779 64th Avenue were damaged during Hurricane Milton in 2024. Leota, Levitt’s sister-in-law, said some of the tall trees were diseased and weakened, and the family had spent about two years trying to find help removing them. She said the trees were already on the property when the family bought the home and described them as non-invasive. Florida agriculture officials classify Australian pines as nonnative and invasive in the state.
Leota said the family contacted local, state and federal agencies but could not get assistance because the trees had not damaged the house. After a branch fell the previous week, two large branches fell Sunday night and struck a corner of the home.
The family received an estimate of $3,000 to $4,500, depending on whether the debris would be left in the yard, moved to the front of the property or hauled away. Leota said the estimate was fair, but the family could not afford it. They tried to secure loans, sell personal items and borrow money from friends and relatives.
On October 31, 2026, Levitt went outside to clear branches near the home. A partially fallen tree and its branches rolled onto him. He died at the scene. Firefighters were unable to lift the tree and used chainsaws to cut through branches and reach him. Leota said she tried to move the branches so she could perform CPR but could not lift them.
Levitt had undergone open-heart surgery earlier that year and was receiving disability benefits. He lived in the home with his partner, Violet, and her sister, Leota. In a post on IONTB’s Facebook page after his death, Leota urged others not to attempt dangerous tree work themselves.
Jerry Bowen of Jerry Riggers Crane and Tree contacted IONTB and arranged to meet with Leota to discuss removing the remaining trees, which the family feared could damage the home or neighboring property. After hearing the family’s circumstances, Bowen agreed to take on the work at no cost. High winds delayed the removal by one day.
Bowen and crews from Jag Tree & Crane and Greater Bay Area Tree Services took part in removing the trees for the family. On behalf of myself and IONTB, I want to recognize Jerry Bowen for his compassion and for following through to help care for the family after their loss. I also want to thank Jag Property and Great Bay Area Tree Services for their efforts.
Watch the video showing the tree removal and interviews with Bowen and Leota:
Firefighters who responded to the fatal incident returned while the trees were being removed to speak with the family and offer their condolences.
Leota said she and Violet, who both receive disability benefits, have been told they must leave the home. She said they lack the resources for moving expenses and the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and the security deposit. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help them HERE.
Bowen suggested forming a coalition of tree-service companies to review hardship cases and find ways to help people who cannot afford dangerous tree work. IONTB is willing to help facilitate the effort, with the goal of addressing these situations before someone else is hurt.
