City of Fernandina Beach
Police Department Press Release
Submitted by James T. Hurley, Chief
August 20, 2014 5:37 p.m.
The Fernandina Beach Police Department has announced that the reward for information leading to the arrest of those individuals responsible for the grand theft and felony vandalism associated with the King Neptune / Poseidon statue located on South Fletcher Avenue has been increased to $3000.00.
The reward has originally set at $1000.00. Persons with information can remain anonymous. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-(866) 845-8477 or the Fernandina Beach Police Department at (904) 277-7342.
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 King Neptune. 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].
They will find YOU, don’t be a coward, turn yourselves in and do the right thing. You won’t get away with this vandalism -it will sit there on your life, without a statute of limitations – the longer it sits the worse it gets.
Trouble is coming!
The statue is a fine artistic presentation taken from classical mythology. None of my neighbors and friends want to see it removed. We hope the ones who did this are caught and punished appropriately and not just get a slap on the wrist no matter whose kids they are. If they are in college, they also need a class in respect.