Vandalism of City Property: City Asking Residents and Visitors for Help

The City of Marco Island has experienced several incidents of vandalism at  Veterans Community Park over the past few months. More recently, there has been damage to  public property at the Maple Avenue beach access point, and to public trash receptacles on Collier  Blvd. Damage has included ripping sinks off public restroom walls, dismantling public drinking  fountains, knocking down the shower facilities at the beach, and pushing over trash cans. These are  all taxpayer funded facilities and amenities. Veterans Community Park wasrecently renovated to  include new restroom facilities, playground equipment, and a bandshell. The public has invested  significantly in our public parks for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. It is extremely  unfortunate that someone is vandalizing our community’s park and beach facilities. The repair and  replacement of these items places an unnecessary financial burden on our residents.  

We are asking all residents and visitors to be on the look out for anyone vandalizing or mistreating  public property. If you see inappropriate behavior, please report it immediately to Marco Island  Police Department at 239-389-5050 or call 9-1-1. If possible, take pictures or write down a  description of the vandal. Under Florida law, vandalism is known as “criminal mischief” and  includes the willful destruction of property belonging to another person. Depending on the amount  of damage, the charge can carry either misdemeanor or felony penalties. The City of Marco Island  is a safe, residential community and we will not tolerate criminal behavior, including disregard for  public property.