Press Release
City of Fernandina Beach
Police Department
James T. Hurley, Chief
August 5, 2014 2:02 p.m.
During the early morning hours of August 5th two suspects went to Paradiso, located at 3036 South Fletcher Avenue, and substantially destroyed the impressive front yard statue of Poseidon. The suspects physically broke the arm from the statue and removed it, along with the trident. This is the third such incident of damage to this beautiful new South Fletcher landmark in recent months, and the third trident to be stolen in this fashion. During the most recent incident the suspects caused such a significant amount of damage that the owners are now considering having the statue removed.
Because these incidents of felony vandalism and theft have persisted, local law enforcement officials have the added concern that these offenders may be personally targeting the residents of Paradiso. In addition, based on evidence left at the scene, as well as the nature of the thefts, we remain concerned that the suspects might view their actions as a harmless prank, not fully understanding the gravity of their behavior or the financial or emotional impact that these thefts have caused the owners of the statue.
The vandals left a taunting note affixed to the statue, leading investigators to believe that these thefts may be resolved once students return to college. Many college fraternities utilize the trident to symbolize their connection and visual association with Greek mythology.
We are reaching out to the public for any assistance that could lead to the identification of those subjects responsible for any or all of these incidents, or any other information relating to the recovery of any of the three stolen tridents. If you have any information, please contact Detective Mike Mazuryk at (904) 310-3217 or [email protected]
Grew up on a farm . There is a thing called a electric fence …keeps the animals enclosed. Maybe that might be a idea to put around statue. And YES they will scream and might flop around , but who cares! If this is college students they will learn a lot more about ELECTRICITY 101!
How sad that our great neighbors are the target of such vandalism. Not once but three times. It will stop when they go back to college? Really?
Sad indeed. Time to put a GPS tracking device inside the trident and put an end to this vandalism and send the criminals to the pokey and not back to college.
They should give him a rake this time. Nobody likes raking.
So sad that our wonderful neighbors have been the victim, again, of vandalism and theft. Electrify the statue? Put on some of the dye they use on money for bank robbery? Surveillance camera? I’d hate to see these thiefs/vandals succeed in getting this wonderful statue removed.
Vandalism is a crime, prosecute and make a statement! These homeowners have a right to live freely without college students, or anyone else vandalizing their property. If anyone knows who these vandals are, do the right thing and contact the Fernandina Beach Police Department. Learning a life’s lesson may spare your property one day! This situation in intolerable!