Suspect Steals Rainbow Manatee Statue in Wilton Manors

Theft of Rainbow Manatee Statue

• 🎨 A rainbow manatee statue, commissioned in memory of former Wilton Manors mayor Justin Flippin, was stolen from Justin Flippin Park.
• 🛹 The theft occurred just before 1:00 a.m. last Tuesday, captured on camera showing a suspect on a skateboard ripping the statue from its base.
• 💔 The statue was deeply meaningful to the community, representing the former mayor's love for rainbows, colors, and manatees.

Suspect and Motivation

• 🕵️ The suspect, described as shirtless with jeans, carried the statue over their shoulder and skated west on Northeast 21st Court.
• ❓ The motivation for the theft is unclear, with speculation ranging from simple malice to a hateful act, possibly related to personal struggles.
• 📍 The brazenness of the theft is highlighted by its occurrence near the police station.

Community Reaction and Police Appeal

• 📢 The incident has generated significant reaction on social media, with calls for increased patrols and concerns about it being an act of hate.
• 📣 Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect and locating the stolen rainbow manatee statue.