{"id":341,"date":"2026-05-13T04:34:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T04:34:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=341"},"modified":"2026-05-13T04:34:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T04:34:24","slug":"historic-palmetto-cemetery-vandalized-with-graffiti-17-graves-damaged-its-evil-it-hurts-really-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=341","title":{"rendered":"Historic Palmetto cemetery vandalized with graffiti, 17 graves damaged: ‘It’s evil, it hurts really bad’"},"content":{"rendered":"

PALMETTO, Fla.<\/strong> – <\/span>A historic cemetery in Palmetto is now at the center of a disturbing vandalism investigation after families discovered damaged graves and graffiti across the property.<\/p>

Read more Men in recovery support each other after losing everything in fire at Valrico sober living home<\/a><\/p>

What we know:<\/p>

Cracked concrete, broken gravesites and red spray paint could be seen throughout Old Memphis Cemetery on Tuesday.<\/p>

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The Manatee County Sheriff\u2019s Office says 17 graves were vandalized at the 122-year-old burial ground, tied to the local Black community.<\/p>

Tracey Washington, president of the Manatee County NAACP, was devastated after seeing the damage.<\/p>

What they’re saying:<\/p>

“I\u2019m outraged and furious,” Washington said. I\u2019m very disturbed.”<\/p>

The words “Trump” and “Ron DeSantis” were spray painted in red on multiple tombstones.<\/p>

Washington says several generations of her family are buried at the cemetery.<\/p>

“It hurts really bad to see this,” Washington said. “I have my brother, grandfather and grandmother here.”<\/p>

Community outrage<\/h2>

Residents rushed to the cemetery as Manatee County Sheriff\u2019s Office deputies documented the destruction.<\/p>

Xtavia Bailey, who has loved ones buried there, says the vandalism was heartbreaking.<\/p>

“It\u2019s evil, messing with death,” Bailey said. “These people aren\u2019t bothering anybody. This is crazy and heartbreaking.”<\/p>

Read more Florida begins phasing out pennies, cash purchases now rounded to nearest nickel<\/a><\/p>

Throughout the cemetery, the damage was extensive. One thick concrete grave appeared completely cracked open and collapsed.<\/p>

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Betty Sails-Rose also has family members buried at the cemetery. She wonders why someone would target a place meant to honor loved ones.<\/p>

“I didn\u2019t see a body or a casket,” Sails-Rose said. “What are they trying to do?”<\/p>

What we don’t know:<\/p>

Detectives believe this incident occurred within the past few weeks. No arrests have been made at this time, as the investigation continues.<\/p>

What’s next:<\/p>

Manatee County officials are coordinating with a specialized contractor to assess and repair the damaged gravesites as soon as possible.<\/p>

County leaders are also evaluating additional security measures at the historic cemetery.<\/p>

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Washington says residents want accountability for whoever is responsible.<\/p>

“We need to find out who did this and get to the bottom of this,” Washington said. “This is totally unacceptable.”<\/p>

Read more Florida special session: House, Senate and DeSantis billions apart on spending plan as budget deadline nears<\/a><\/p> <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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