ST. MARYS, Fla. -- A wine and coffee shop in St. Marys is open for business despite a massive oak tree crushing its roof after Monday’s severe weather.
The Blue Goose is a staple in downtown St. Marys and inside its business as usual as out of town visitors enjoy the quaint, quiet atmosphere. Outside however, is a different story.
“It is a new challenge,” said owner Lynn Leaphart.
A challenge this small business owner says won't stop service at her shop. High winds brought down the oak tree that hovered over the historic building for decades.
“It looks ugly from outside the building but on the inside we have hot coffee, wine and plenty of good food,” said Leaphart.
The tree ripped through the roof and attic. No inventory was damaged. Water though is seeping through the cracks, but the customers don't seem to mind trash cans in the decor.
"All of a sudden the wind kicked up to I'm guessing about 50 miles per hour and then the wind was blowing and the rain really came down hard. It was blowing literally sideways,” said Jeff Berg with the Public Works Department.
Berg says the sleepy town faired well following Monday's severe weather. The Blue Goose was the only place onlookers gathered to survey the damage done overnight.
"It was pretty dramatic to see a tree sticking out of your roof but it's a building and it can be repaired,” said Leaphart.
Despite all the debris cluttering the front of the business, Leaphart says the staff is determined to stay open and have it all cleared by the end of the week.
