Photo: ferrantraite / E+ / Getty Images
Wilton Manors, FL - A late-night theft caught on camera has sparked a citywide search after a manatee statue was allegedly stolen from a public park in Wilton Manors earlier this month.
The incident took place shortly before 1 a.m. on June 3rd at Justin Flippen Park, located at 2109 Wilton Drive.
According to the Wilton Manors Police Department, the suspect approached the statue on a skateboard, pushed it off its pedestal, hoisted it onto his shoulder, and rode away from the scene.
The missing statue is a rainbow-painted fiberglass manatee, approximately three feet tall and valued at $5,500.
It was created to commemorate former Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen, who died suddenly in 2020 at the age of 41.
Local artist Claudia Castillo designed the piece as a tribute to Flippen’s vibrant legacy and advocacy for inclusivity within the community.
Authorities released surveillance footage on June 10 in hopes of identifying the suspect and recovering the statue.
The video shows a young man wearing a backpack and riding a skateboard as he removes the statue from its display.
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual.
Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area on the night of June 2nd or the early morning of June 3rd is encouraged to contact the Wilton Manors Police Department at 954 390 2172.
Anonymous tips are accepted, and a reward may be offered for information that leads to the recovery of the statue.
This is not the first time the park has experienced vandalism, with another incident reported last year involving damage to public art.