Any damage out your way?

Large trees were felled by high winds at Christian Retreat today. (Herald photo by Jim Jones)

High winds hit Christian Retreat about 5:05 p.m. Thursday, knocking down numerous trees, including one that fell on a mobile home.

The wind also ripped off a roof awning over a second-story patio space at the Christian Retreat hotel.

Volunteers were at work this morning with chainsaws cleaning up the debris at Christian Retreat, 1200 Glory Way Blvd., off Upper Manatee River Road.

Pastor Phil Derstine said there were no injuries.

Several persons saw what they believed to be a tornado approaching from over the Manatee River and watched it pick up lawn chairs in front of the hotel, Derstine said.

"They saw them go twirling up into the air, and decided they need to get away from the plate glass window where they were standing," he said.

Call us if you saw any damage from high winds out your way at (941) 745-7021.