Two Seminole County homes were burned in a fire the morning of June 1. One of those homes belongs to Maxine and Kirt Earhart, owners of longstanding Orlando restaurant Maxine’s on Shine.
The fire started just after 11 a.m. in Fern Park, off South Lakewood Drive. As we previously reported, the Seminole County Fire Department initially reported the fire appeared to have spread after an explosion. They no longer believe this was the case.
An investigation is still underway and cause of fire has not yet been determined, and a Seminole County Fire Department report shared with Orlando Weekly does not include mention of an explosion.
The report does, however, state that the fire originated in a shed located between the two homes. We previously reported the shed was owned by the Earharts and was used as a sewing studio by Maxine, which is not accurate.
No one was injured and residents who were home when the fire started evacuated, the Seminole County Fire Department reported.
Maxine (and dog Lucinda), who were home at the time, walked away physically unscathed, but the house sustained major damage, and they lost 13 years’ worth of Maxine’s on Shine memorabilia, along with some catering equipment. Maxine’s on Shine opened in 2012.
A community fundraiser benefitting the couple is set to take place next week at Bites and Bubbles.
Monday, June 9, will see “A Night for Maxine and Kirt” bring food, a full cash bar and live entertainment to help raise funds. Tickets to attend are $50, and all of the proceeds will go directly to the Earharts, organizers say.
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This article appears in Summer Guide 2025.