Manatee plans community cleanup after vandalism at historic Palmetto cemetery
Manatee County Government plans to host a community clean-up at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto after the site was recently vandalized.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after the cemetery, located at 202 25th St. W., Palmetto, was defaced, spray-painted and headstones were broken. Some of the spray paint spells out “Trump” and “Ron DeSantis.”
The county, partnering with the cities of Palmetto and Bradenton, will host the clean-up on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 9 a.m.
“Acts of vandalism do not define our community. The response does,” said Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “What we are seeing now is neighbors, families, volunteers and local partners coming together to restore dignity to this historic cemetery and honor the generations of people buried there, including veterans who served our country. Ahead of Memorial Day, this effort is about remembrance, respect and unity.”
Old Memphis Cemetery, originally plotted in 1904, is a historic African American resting site with ties to Palmetto’s Memphis district.
Manatee plans cemetery cleanup
In a response to the vandalism, the county says local businesses, residents and community leaders “have come together to help restore and preserve the cemetery.”
“The cleanup effort will focus on beautification, debris removal, landscaping, and restoration support as the community works to honor those laid to rest at the historic site,” county officials said in a news release Friday morning.
The county urges those interested in volunteering for the community restoration “to arrive prepared for outdoor clean-up work,” at 9 a.m. on the day of the clean-up.
“Additional restoration and preservation efforts are also being supported through community partnerships and local contractor assistance,” the county said.
As of Friday afternoon, the investigation remains active, and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information about the cemetery vandalism is asked to contact investigators at (941) 747-3011. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or through ManateeCrimeStoppers.com, where tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
