Putnam County neighbors alarmed after loud sound from possible military aircraft damaged properties

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Neighbors were left shaken tonight after what they believe was the sound of a military aircraft caused damage to their homes, including broken windows and even a shattered toilet.

The incident occurred about 30 minutes from the Putnam County US Army Reserve Training Center.

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Neighbors were reportedly startled by the abrasive noise they said happened around 10:14 Saturday morning.

One homeowner described having their windows blown out, while five different neighbors reported hearing a sound like an explosion or earthquake that shook their homes.

“I thought we were hit by a bomb. I thought the planes could’ve crashed,” said Kristi Judd, one of the startled neighbors.

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Another resident, Karen Disko, compared the noise to a jet landing directly in her backyard.

“The boom hit. And I jumped up to see what happened. I heard planes. I thought one came in the backyard,” Disko said.

The aftermath revealed broken toilets, shattered windows, and lights from the ceiling strewn across the floor.

“It was the most excruciating sound I have ever heard in my life,” one neighbor commented.

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Local father George Gill shared his 9-year-old daughter’s terrifying experience, explaining how she was lying in bed covered with glass from her window.

“This is the shattered glass inside my daughter’s bedroom. She was in her bedroom at the time. The glass went on top of her as she was lying in bed. She was terrified,” Gill stated.

Action News Jax has received the following information from the Florida Air National Guard:

“The Florida Air National Guard recently became aware of damage and noise complaints as a result of low-altitude training in Putnam County on Saturday, March 2nd. In response to this event, Florida National Guard command has directed that an investigation take place to determine the facts and implement any necessary measures to prevent this type of incident in the future.

The Florida National Guard extends its deepest apologies for any resulting damage and the negative impact to the local community.

We are currently working to establish a contact number for residents who may have sustained property damage as a result of this event and wish to file a claim. For more information, please contact the Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office at fl.ng.pao@mail.mil or (904) 823-0170. We appreciate your patience as we initiate this process.”

—  Florida Air National Guard

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