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November 25, 2006
8 Butterfly Statues Hit In 2nd Round Of Vandalism
Topics: NewsIsn't is sad that there are those within our society that can't promote peace and goodwill but insist on destroying it? May they be caught, prosecuted and taken before a judge who will impose a fine and sentence that will get their attention.
LAKELAND - It's been a rough month for Lakeland's newest species of butterfly.
Fifteen of 88 brightly painted aluminum butterfly statues that make up "Kaleidoscope: Butterflies in Flight" have been damaged in two separate bouts of vandalism during the month or so since the public art project was unveiled.
A group of seven was damaged Nov. 2. At least one of the butterflies had to be taken down for repairs.
A more serious act of vandalism was discovered Nov. 16. Eight butterflies adjacent to one another along Lake Morton - including one extra-large statue on the grounds of First United Methodist Church - were damaged severely enough to be removed for repairs.
It appears the vandals pulled on the wings of the butterflies until they bent or cracked or until the entire butterfly was wrenched askew from its pedestal.
The most recently damaged statues were returned to their spots Monday.
"I think that's an important strategy, to return them as quickly as possible," said Bill Tinsley, Lakeland's parks and recreation director.
Police have dusted the damaged butterflies for fingerprints, city officials and police said. There appear to be no leads yet in discovering who damaged the statues.
Lakeland police have stepped up patrols, and Tinsley said workers in his department have been enlisted to keep an eye on the statues. Tinsley said the city also will reach out to neighborhoods surrounding the statues for help.
He said neighborhood groups and area businesses have expressed willingness to monitor the butterflies, located throughout the park and lake areas of the downtown core.
The butterflies aren't just public eye candy. They are an important fundraiser for an ambitious new park the city is planning. The park, called Common Ground, will be shaped like a butterfly and built to be "fully inclusive" of children of varying capabilities and disabilities.
Each butterfly has a sponsor who paid for its construction. The butterflies eventually will be auctioned, with the proceeds earmarked for construction of the park.
Reporter Billy Townsend can be reached at wtownsend@tampatrib.com or (863) 284-1409.
Posted by admin at November 25, 2006 7:41 AM
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Comments
We need to help!!!!
Amandas dad,
Roy
Posted by: Sylvia Brown at November 25, 2006 3:59 PM
Roy, I agree and hopefully those who read this article will join with you and offer some solutions. It would be nice if you could solicit several friends to assist the Lakeland P.D. with some sort of surveilance group to watch the butterflies during peak hours.
Posted by: Bud at November 26, 2006 8:15 AM
